cutting bell flare

[roweenie]

Hi all,

Has anyone perfected cutting down the size of a bell flare (diameter)?

How might it be done?

Contact info would be appreciated,too -

Thanks all -

[modelerdc]

I once asked about this for a bass bone bell. They have to take it off the instrument, spin it on a mandrel on a lath cut the old rim off, and just like making a new bell bend over the edge and insert a new wire bead. I was also told that there had to be at least an inch of material to work with, ie a 10 1/2 inch bell could be cut to 9 1/2 but that there's not enough material ther to cut to only 10 inches. Also it would cost several hundred dollars not counting refinishing or refitting. I would expect tuba bells to cost more. In my case it was cheaper to find a new bell that better matched what I wanted and then sell the old bell. Good luck with this.

[roweenie]

modelerdc,

Who was the person that was set up to do what you described?

Have you priced new tuba bells lately? A few hundred dollars is a bargain, comparatively.

[modelerdc]

I recall that I asked Shires about cutting down one off their own bells, and they could withing limits. But it did work out better to just buy the correct size bell and sell the old one. On tuba you might have a little trouble finding someone with the right equipment to spin it! Kanstul does restorations, have you thought to ask them?
A little off topic, but on bass bone I had a 10 inch bell, and when I went to a 9 1/2 inch bell I lost very little in breath of sound but did find the slightly smaller size easier to blend with tenor trombones. I believe there are real reasons why some things are the most common size, becuase they are the best compromise-tubas so much is dependent on the bows and body, but on bass trombone I've had bells that were 8.5, 9, 9.5. 10 and 10.5. The smallest and largest are the least useful. 9 inch records well, 10 inch broader tone, 9.5 most versatle. My limited experience on tuba suggests that about 18 inches, give or take an inch works well. I really like 17 inch bell on E flat, and 17.75 on 4/4 CC.

[modelerdc]

I recall that I asked Shires about cutting down one off their own bells, and they could withing limits. But it did work out better to just buy the correct size bell and sell the old one. On tuba you might have a little trouble finding someone with the right equipment to spin it! Kanstul does restorations, have you thought to ask them?
A little off topic, but on bass bone I had a 10 inch bell, and when I went to a 9 1/2 inch bell I lost very little in breath of sound but did find the slightly smaller size easier to blend with tenor trombones. I believe there are real reasons why some things are the most common size, becuase they are the best compromise-tubas so much is dependent on the bows and body, but on bass trombone I've had bells that were 8.5, 9, 9.5. 10 and 10.5. The smallest and largest are the least useful. 9 inch records well, 10 inch broader tone, 9.5 most versatle. My limited experience on tuba suggests that about 18 inches, give or take an inch works well. I really like 17 inch bell on E flat, and 17.75 on 4/4 CC.

[SousaSaver]

Why? This is SERIOUS surgery. You better hope you love the result once it is cut...

[Daniel C. Oberloh]

The only economically workable way I have found to cut down a tuba bell rim is not re-spinning but replacing the rim with a solid rim made from brass rod, that is milled, brazed into a ring, shaped on a roll-stand and after proper fitting, soldered to the bell rim. If done properly and with care, it will be nearly impossible to tell that it was altered. It is very doable.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
http://www.oberloh.com" target="_blank