replacing the bell on a CB50

[me]

my Cb50 has just met with a bit of tragedy and, long story short, i need to either repair or replace my bell. I've heard of people using carbon fiber bells and also the bells off of monster Eb tubas. Does anyone know of a person (preferably in or around the south east) who does these kinds of jobs? i know the carbon fiber bells are probably few and far between, but i assume that there are a good number of other options out there.

[Tom]

A York Monster Eb bell would be a nice alternative, thought finding a "good" one without having to buy the whole horn just for the bell (which you could do, I suppose) might be difficult...I dunno. One of the regular posters here has a G-50 with a York Monster Eb bell. I think a lot of the "york sound" has to do with the bell.

I'd look past carbon fiber. Yeah, it's unusual and it might be fun to tout having a carbon fiber bell, but not only are they very difficult to find and have installed, the sound can be compared to playing a brass sousaphone with a brass bell and then playing the same brass sousaphone with a fiberglass bell.

Some years ago, while I had a CB-50, I spoke with (reportedly) the only person (just can't remember who that was) to actually have a carbon fiber bell on a G-50 other than Chuck Daellenbach, and his feelings were that although it was a neat novelty item, brass bells sounded better.

If you REALLY want to pursue the carbon fiber bell thing, look for George McCracken. Last I knew he was in Virginia. He is the guy that made the carbon fiber bells (and later a carbon fiber mouthpipe) for Chuck Daellenbach's G-50s.

Also, Andy Kochenour in the Dixie Power Trio had a B&M with a carbon fiber bell...about all I know about it though.

[UDELBR]

Call Meinl-Weston (Melton). They made the original bells; they've still got the mandrels, and are still willing to make 'em. +49 8171 92187-19

[Chuck(G)]

Don't overlook Holton and King monster Eb bells, which will also fit. The King has a 20" bell, instead of a 19+" bell like the Holton and York, but otherwise fits the same bottom bow.

There may be others--the "monster" Eb design was very popular.