Sousa bell cover impeding sound

[sdoubler]

Anyone have any experience with Sousaphone bell covers?

My brass band just ordered and received one. It's made of nylon and despite the website's description: "Nylon fabric 'breathes' easily, allowing sound to flow properly," it most definitely mutes the volume a great deal.

Just curious to hear other experiences using sousa covers -- seems like thinner cloth would work better, but this was purchased from a marching band supply company. You'd think they know what they are doing or would have previous complaints. Is there a standard material? Perhaps if they won't take the return (since we had them put our logo on it) we could cut a few "wind flaps" to mitigate the problem.

[sdoubler]

Indeed. Or maybe they market their products to high schoolers or students less likely to complain about things than a working New Orleans-style band with only one sousa player driving the bus.

[Dan Schultz]

Are you judging the sound output by what you are hearing as a player? ... or from the perspective of someone in the bleachers?

If you are only considering what the player hears... it might be simply that the 'bell ring' is gone but the actual sound output hasn't changed dramatically.

[windshieldbug]

maybe they market their products to high schoolers or students

Who should be seen and not heard...

[sdoubler]

"Are you judging the sound output by what you are hearing as a player? ... or from the perspective of someone in the bleachers?"

Good question. Definitely someone in the "bleachers," although I'm sure there is loss of bell ring as well. We tried this cover on a gig last Saturday and when we took it off the bell after 2 songs everyone agreed that the on-stage volume increased greatly. To my ears the difference sounds like a trombone with and without a bucket mute.

[sdoubler]

I should add that I actually play trombone in this particular band, so I was on the receiving end of the sousa bell in this instance.

[black4cimt]

Nylon? I'd definitely stick with something thinner. I'm sure the nylon looks a bit better, but if tone suffers. . . .

I guess its up to the director. You could always let them know your observations, and then suggest the cotton ones. After that its up to them.