William Bell - mouthpieces

[Chris Horsch]

When the person from Brazil recently asked for research leads on William Bell, I looked for what I had, but I found that the itea site that swilafew suggested was incredibly full. I passed on adding anything further. However, I did come across something in the 1931 version of Bell's Foundation To Tuba and Sousaphone Playing that a very kind teacher gave to me many years ago that might be instructive of Bell's very unpretentious nature. Bell says "Many players worry too much about mouthpieces. It is often used as an alibi for playing faults or an inferior instrument." Some of the detailed mouthpiece posts here come to mind. We might be progressing. But we might also be getting more and more involved in less and less.

[rodgeman]

Thanks for sharing. That is something to keep in mind.

[Art Hovey]

Sixty years ago my father was studying with Bill Bell, courtesy of the GI Bill. He told me that Bell had a drawer full of old tuba mouthpieces in his studio. One time Mr. Bell picked up a tuba to demonstrate something and asked my father to pass him a mouthpiece from the drawer. My father asked which one, and Bell replied, "any" one.

I do remember reading in one of Mr. Bell's publications that a tuba should have four valves, and a tuba mouthpiece should be big enough so that a 50-cent piece can fit inside the cup.

[averagejoe]

Bell says "Many players worry too much about mouthpieces. It is often used as an alibi for playing faults or an inferior instrument." Some of the detailed mouthpiece posts here come to mind. We might be progressing. But we might also be getting more and more involved in less and less.

I see this behavior most in woodwind players. Butcher an entrance? Dry reed. Squeak a high note? Mouthpiece placement. The excuses must be legitimate at least some of the time, but I don't like it when people don't take responsibility for their playing.

[TubaRay]

I do remember reading in one of Mr. Bell's publications that a tuba should have four valves, and a tuba mouthpiece should be big enough so that a 50-cent piece can fit inside the cup.

Unfortunately, these days it would be challenging to find a 50-cent piece. In my opinion, that is too bad.

[iiipopes]

Although, a person could wonder, if USA coinage was designed by brass players: tuba, 50-cent piece; trombone, quarter; trumpet, "dent in a dime."

[Mike Finn]

Unfortunately, these days it would be challenging to find a 50-cent piece. In my opinion, that is too bad.

Hmmm... that gives me an idea for a special, limited time promotion...

[dantetuba]

Thank you for your placement.
My name is Dante and I am researching the life and career of William
Bell, I live in Brazil and I intend to use this research as a master theme.
Here the information of William Bell are vague, few
histories and no record. It fell to me to ask for help from Tubenet
start my search. It is incredible that information about the mouthpiece,
once thought more simply, because the resources
technology were not as they are today.
I thank all

[Uncle Markie]

Check in the Harvey Phillips Foundation at the University if Indiana for William Bell Biographical stuff. Also TUBA, or whatever it's called these days.

Bell was pretty indifferent to mouthpieces. I noticed he played a King 26 (which I use a variant of myself), a Helleberg cut down for his E-Flat sousaphone. Bell's sound came from within - the core of his tone was such that it really didn't matter what he played on - horns included. After a few minutes on a different set-up, he sounded like himself, had the thing in tune, etc. I suppose sticky valves bothered though. His musicianship overcame any shortcomings in the instruments and mouthpieces.

Mark Heter

[k001k47]

I have a King 26 in "OK" condition if anyone wants to buy one. I'm not looking to give it away, but I don't need a whole lot for it.

Me! I want to sound like William Bell!

[k001k47]

Are you referring to the valve noise on his l.p., or that magnificent deep baritone voice ?

yes

[dantetuba]

I searched on Harvey Phillips Foundation and found a CD at the William Bell
Windsong site.
Take a look at this link and download the "carnival of venice. "
I never heard anything like it before!!

http://windsongpress.x-shops.com/store/ ... t=0&page=1" target="_blank

Enjoy!!!!!