The difference between brass and woodwind instruments is actually not related to the materials used to produce the instruments. Vintage Brass and woodwind instruments can be made from a large array of materials. Traditionally, brass instruments are made from brass that is polished and lacquered to prevent corrosion. Some higher quality vintage brass instruments may apply gold or silver plating in order to prevent corrosion. Furthermore, some brass instruments are made from wood, such as the Cornett and the Serpent.

Several factors are involved in determining the sound and pitch produced by different brass instruments. These include the player’s lip tension, also known as embouchure, air flow, and slides or valves that change the length of the instrument’s tubing, thereby altering the harmonic series that is available to the player.

Vintage brass instruments can be divided into two main families: valved, and slide instruments. Valved brass instruments use a number of valves, which are operated by the player’s fingers, that create additional tubing, altering the instruments overall length and pitch. This family includes most modern brass instruments, for example, the trumpet, horn, and tuba. The slide family of brass instruments, which includes the trombone, use a slide that changes the length of the instrument’s tubing.

Given that a brass instrument player is in direct control over the instrument’s prime vibrator (lips), brass instruments rely on the player’s ability to choose the particular harmonic at which the instrument’s air will vibrate. Brass instrument players are able to produce a wide range of notes simply by varying the tension of their lips.

Woodwind instruments, on the other hand, are instruments that produce sound by blowing through an edge or reed. Woodwinds also exist as metal instruments, such as the saxophone, or instruments that are made from mixed components, such as the bagpipe. Woodwind instruments are also composed of two categories – flutes and reed instruments.

An interesting difference between brass instruments and woodwind instruments is the directionality of their sounds. Woodwind instruments are non-directional. That is, their sound travels in all directions at an approximately equal volume. Brass instruments, however, are highly directional, with most of their sound traveling straight outwards from the instrument’s bell. The difference in directionality makes it more difficult to accurately record the sound of a brass instrument.

At VintageandRare.com, we offer a large variety of both vintage brass and woodwind instruments from a large range of highly distinguished dealers and builders. With our selection of vintage brass and woodwind instruments, as well as custom instruments, we aim to fulfill all of your orchestra needs. If, however, you can’t find what you are looking for, check back soon. We are continuously updating our inventory.

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