Bass Trombone Bells

Bass Trombone BellEdwards bass trombones are available in 9½", 10", and 10½" bell flares in a variety of wall thicknesses: 20 (heaviest), 21, 22, and 23 (lightest) gauges. Many jazz bass trombonists prefer lighter weight bells while orchestral bass trombonists generally play the heavier bells. The heavier bells are not as flexible in timbre but provide a very stable sound foundation. Bells are available in yellow brass (70% copper 30% zinc), rose brass (85% copper 15% zinc), and red brass (90% copper 10% zinc). Higher copper content bells generally are very dark in the soft volumes but become more brilliant in the louder volumes. Yellow brass bells are more consistent in timbre throughout all registers and dynamics.

A soldered bell tends to have a very centered sound with a lot of core (fundamental). The articulations are slightly dampened and softer with the solder, while the sound is more direct and compact.

An unsoldered bell has a very wide sound with more overtones. Articulations are easier with an unsoldered rim. More near feel is apparent with these bells as the sound is wider, which helps give the player more feedback.

Tempering occurs when a bell is spun twice on a mandrel which work hardens the bell. This adds brilliance and colour to the sound.

Double buffing thins the bell slightly. It actually creates a thickness in between any two gauges.

Heat treating is a baking of the entire bell. This softens the metal immensely and creates a very dark sound. This works best on heavier bells as it tends to free them up. Heat treating is not recommended on thinner bells as it makes them more prone to mute dents. The CF treatment has virtually replaced heat treating.

CF treating is a partial heat treating process. This treatment allows the bell to blow more freely and adds colour to the sound.

Popular Bass Trombone Bells

The following are our most popular bass trombone bells. All bells listed are 9½" in diameter. For information about other bells, or to special order a bell, please contact us.

Bell Gauge Alloy Heat Treated Soldered Rim Tempered Double Buffed
987CF 20 Yellow Check Check    
985CF 20 Red Check Check    
999CF 20 Yellow Check Check Check  
1047CF 20 Yellow   Check Check  
1023CF 20 Yellow     Check  
1021CF 20 Red     Check  
1095CF 21 Yellow Check Check Check  
1149CF 21 Yellow   Check Check Check
1147CF 21 Red   Check Check Check
1143CF 21 Yellow   Check Check  
1141CF 21 Red   Check Check  
1179CF 22 Yellow Check Check    
1223CF
J Mandrel		 22 Rose     Check Check
1215CF 22 Yellow     Check  
1213CF 22 Red     Check  
1245CF 22 Yellow   Check Check Check
1243CF 22 Red   Check Check Check
1239CF 22 Yellow   Check Check  
1317CF 23 Yellow     Check Check
1311CF 23 Yellow     Check  
1309CF 23 Red     Check  
1341CF 23 Yellow   Check Check Check
1339CF 23 Red   Check Check Check

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September 10-15, 2012 (arrive September 9 and depart September 16) Fossano, Italy Participant spots available for: 6 Italians (5 tenors and 1 bass) 6 non-Italians (5 tenors and 1 bass) ALL Particpants will be chosen by audition. ALL Participants must register on www.alessiseminar.com. Audition deadline is June 1, 2012. Participants will be notified of acceptance [...] more ››

In Their Own Words

Don Rayment

"For most of my professional career, I have performed on an Edwards bass trombone and have always appreciated how it has felt like a natural extension of my playing. The ability to create a trombone that fits you physically as well as musically is such an important factor in being comfortable in any ensemble or musical style.

"From the very first note I was impressed with how it played with such ease and openness yet still maintaining great accuracy and control giving me a rich sound that I had never attained from any other instrument. With an Edwards trombone there are no limitations and you have the confidence that whatever the musical situation, you will have an instrument that will exceed all of your expectations."

Don Rayment
Toronto Freelance Bass Trombonist