Upright Bell vs. Recording Bell

[TubaSteve]

I agree with the theme of these posts here, especially about the sound of the recording bells. I have been a convert to recording bell horns for the last few years. (I own 4 of them, plus two sousaphones!) I really fell in love with them when I built my last Reynolds horn. This horn is just a wonderful player, and I have been playing as my "go to" horn lately. . About two weeks ago, I received an upright bell from Dan Schultz, (Very well done Dan!) that will fit either BBb Reynolds I have. I absolutely love the sound of the recording bell, and it has the fill the whole room with sound and presence that the upright bell does not produce. The upright bell works very well, but it does change the focus and projection of the horn significantly. I ended up using the upright bell for the last two concerts, and the directors were happy, but I missed my recording bell sound. (These were at the same hall, the last one was on Sunday. The hall is so lively that the directors wanted the less direct sound.) I will be going back to the recording bell for the next gigs, but now having both, it is just more versatile.

Steve

[tubajazzo]

My Miraphone 186 from the 90ies has an exchangeable bell section. I like the sound of the recording bell very much and so do my bandmates. The look from a listeners perspective also is absolutely convincing.
On the negative side: Can not be put on its bell during tacet, thus always needs a stand. It doesn't fit into a gigbag, the recording bell section comes in a (very heavy) separate case. When playing standing it is difficult to balance (I tend to avoid that). Overall it is heavier. I bring it for outdoor venues or larger rooms with a high ceiling.
Anyone has an idea for a lightweight tuba case or gigbag for a 186 with 50 cm detachable recording bell?

Gerd

[pjv]

Sousaphone bag for the bell
Alteri top loader style bag (without the bell sleeve) for the body.
Works perfect.