[Trombone-l] 10" bass bells

[billredgate@comcast.net]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: bonemstr at america.net 
To 


I'd like to hear why folks choose/reject a 10" bell. If you use one or   
liked the sound when you tried it, perhaps you would share more   
details about the alloy and treatment as well as why you like it/what   
benefits, etc. Some say it is really a larger sound. others say it   
looses core. What's your experience. 




Reply..... 



Disclaimer - Bob and I are friends and have sat next to each other in various groups over the years.  He is well aware of my equipment and sound.  The answer that follows is written more for the list's use in the thread than Bob's edification. 



#####- 



       The reason I "chose" a 10 and a half inch bell is that's what was on the horn!  Back in 1979 when I got that horn there was no such thing as "options".   I went to the Holton Factory and played each of the four TR181'a they produced that month - but all of them were the same in every regard except playing characteristics.  The bell is a red Brass bell and I remember being afraid I wouldn't be able to brighten it up enough for my taste.  I have no problem at all "Focusing" the sound.  In fact I often get comment that might be interpreted as folks thinking my sound is too focused.  I've never played any horn with a 10 inch or larger bell and then played the same horn with a smaller bell so I can't judge relatively between the two.  But I can say that "focus" is not a function of equipment.  I use that big horn with the biggest Bass Bone mouthpiece I've ever seen ( Doug Elliot 118) and I don't have that problem.  It's my assertion that "focus" is entirely dependant upon  the player.  We've lately had a thread here about "fuzziness" in the valve register.  That's the same thing.  Practice will set you free and get you where you want to go.  



Bill Redgate 

Atlanta Georgia