This is a well cared for instrument in nice condition showing hardly any wear. It has a medium size bore,4-3/4'two piece bell with rim wire. M onel metal pistons with nylon valve guides, and enclosed barrel-shapedx bronze valve springs, one-piece brass valve casing, adjustable third valve slide finger ring and stop mechanism, two water keys, and a laquered finish. Included are two mouthpieces, one a Bach 7C AND THE OTHER Yamaha 9. Also included is a wood shell case in like new condition. I carried this horn in a gib bag so the case has not been used. It was purchased new five years ago and played for 2 years. The tone is very warm and smooth and not as heroic or martial as that of a Bb trumpet. I like Bach instruments and have a Stradivarius model trumpet. I have moved up to the Stradivarius model of cornet as well because I like to use one or the other when the music seems appropriate. Some teachers believe there are benefits in starting young students on a cornet in their early years, and some might benefit up into the high school years. In his book "The Art of Trumpet Playing" Professor Keith Johnson offers two good reasons for a young student to start playing a cornet before a trumpet. "Two physical considerations make the cornet more advantageous than the trumpet for young players. First, the copnical tubing (as opposed to cylindrical)of the cornet reduces the resistance of the instrument and encourages the use of more and freer air. The young player has an improved chance of learning to play smoothly and to be more relaxed to produce a fullflowing breath rather than blowing as if the instrument were an obstacle to be overcome by dent of sheer physical exertion." The second physical problem I have noticed is caused by the fact that the distance from the mouthpiece to the valves is greater on the trumpet than the cornet (approximately 8 inches and 6 1/2 inches respectively). This may seem a small matter, but the result in young physically small performers can be critical. Because of the longer distance on the trumpet , the performer with short arms will often point the instrument downward to an extreme degree to have a more comfortable arm position. So, buy this for your son and daughter and give them a good start. Whenever I ask my husband what he paid for this horn he tells me"don't ask." which leads me to believe this is a great deal! Go to a music store and get some prices for Bach instruments!!!!!!