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Hello, one and all.

I've got an older Conn 2J 4-valve BBb tuba that was given to me, and it plays well. The only problem is, the bell was badly damaged before the previous owner took possession of the horn. Near the point where the bell starts to flare out, there is a ring of bent/crushed steel circling around the entire bell (it looks like a previous owner might have dropped it straight down on the bell). It's been patched up and corrected as much as possible, but it's still a pretty bad bit of damage. If I were to consider acquiring a replacement bell, where should I start looking? And do I have to get a 2J bell, or is there something similar that would do the job? This is a pie-in-the-sky project for right now, but it's something that I might get around to some day.

Thanks,

Aaron H.

I don't have any specifications on the 2J bells so I cannot comment.

Take a cloth tape measure and get the circumference where the bell enters the bottom bow ferrule... the flare diameter... and the approximate overall length and report back.

I or someone else might be able to come up with a bell or an alternative.

I would suggest first taking the horn to someone who really knows how to fix horns and have it looked at. It is amazing what someone with skills can do where untrained eyes only see hopelessness.

This is Dan Oberloh correcting a smushed tuba bell using a dent machine:

http://youtu.be/K500dI7IYAE" target="_blank"

Dan is good but there are many other who can do this, too.

Carbon fiber!!

If it's a Bb, my guess it's it'd be a 4J or 5J. What size bell is it?

I was just browsing Lee Stofer's website, and he can get full size reproduction bells from Kanstul. Check it out near the bottom:
http://tubameister.com/accessories/" target="_blank

I repeat....

Post the following dimensions from the bell of the 2J tuba:

- Circumference of the bell stem where it enters the bottom bow.
- The diameter of the bell flare.
- The overall length of the bell from the bottom bow to the end of the flare.

The circumference of the bell stem where it enters the bottom bow is critical.

A bell that is slightly longer and has a slightly small flare might be a good candidate.

A bell that is slightly shorter and has a slightly larger flare might also work.

Sorry for the wait in replying--I've been dealing with a festive round of post-Christmas flu, so I've had other things on my plate.

I don't have the tuba in my possession right now, so I am not able to post the dimensions of the bell. I'm not looking to replace the bell right now, otherwise I would have the person who currently has the tuba get some measurements. When I eventually get the instrument back, I'll make sure and measure the bell, both for my own edification and to see about getting a new bell. I'll send you a message when that happens, it'd be great to buy a new[ish] bell for the instrument!

Thanks,
Aaron H.

AHynds wrote:Sorry for the wait in replying--I've been dealing with a festive round of post-Christmas flu, so I've had other things on my plate. .....

Oooh, sorry you are under the weather.

So far, I don't think you've gotten any reasonable answers to your quest for a bell. Yeah... the dimensions are the place to start.

Armed with that data... Someone might be able to locate a bell for you. I have a sneaking feeling the bell you need will be very close (or the same) as many other Olds/Reynolds/Conn/Bach bells that seem to be very difficult to find in good condition.