What is the purpose of the first valve saddle or trigger?
ANS: All cornets and trumpets play slightly out of tune when valve combinations involving the 3rd valve are used. Most cornets and trumpets have a 3rd valve ring to allow more advanced players to adjust the pitch when using these combinations. The addition of the first valve device increases the ability of the more advanced player to further adjust or “humor” these pitches. Generally speaking, most student players would not make use of this feature during their first couple of years of playing.
