Custom Bell FAQs
How do I go about getting a customized bell from you?
One way: Buy one that you like on the website under the Custom Bell collection. Or, if you need a different bell ring, but like one of the existing bells, contact me regarding that bell design with a different bell ring.
Another way: Send me an email or give me a call. I am very happy to talk with you about new ideas and images that interest you. Also, it is okay if nothing appeals to you right away. Sometimes a bell design that is esthetically pleasing to you takes months to reveal itself. I am happy to exchange ideas and correspondence until we have a design you like.
Will a custom bell change the way my horn sounds?
Yes, and it may be a very subtle difference, and it may be very pleasing. A custom bell will have a different mass and a different brass thickness profile, possibly a different metallurgy than your current bell. It will also have some combination of engraving, cut-outs, applique and paint depending on what you have selected. These factors will have some influence on how you sound on your horn.
How will bell cut-outs affect the sound of my horn?
I cannot say until you have actually tried the bell on your horn. The stock bell flare as well as the design of the cut-outs and/or paint all contribute to the influence of the completed customized bell on your horn. Various bells have been described as creating a brighter sound, a slightly less resonant sound, a more responsive sound, and a gentler sound. The more material that is cut out of the bell, the more significant the impact on how that bell sounds.
Will a custom bell fit my horn?
Part 1: Currently, all the bells I make by speculation (meaning they are made hoping someone will like them and buy them) have Alexander rings. All the bells on this site will fit your horn as long as your horn has an Alexander ring. I have other bell rings available and can make a bell ring to fit your horn. It is a good practice for me to take several high accuracy measurements of your bell to confirm your bell ring type. Currently, I have good confidence about ring dimensions for Engelbert Schmid bell rings and Yamaha bell rings. I also have some experience with Paxman, Finke, and Ricco Kuhn bell rings and would still like to measure your bell ring to ensure a good fit.
Part 2: Bell flare sizes are different depending on the bell tail taper, which varies a lot depending on the donor horn. The main bell flare dimensions are the height of the bell flare, the bell flare rim diameter and the inner diameter of the bell throat. It is possible that a bell you like is taller (or shorter) than your current bell; while it will screw onto your horn, it may not fit in your horn case. I am putting all the measurements in the bell listings. Contact me if you have questions about the bell flare fit and considerations.
Are the bells fragile after you customize them?
Bells with cut-outs: I leave enough material around the bell rim wire bead to maintain reasonably good bell strength and stability. Depending on the cut-out pattern, there may be more or less material around the bell rim, which creates the potential for less bell strength. None of the current designs show signs of being unable to handle ordinary horn playing rigors, including resting the horn on you knee while playing, installing or removing the bell, placing it on the floor, etc.
Bells with paint: The paint is applied with a high quality primer, automotive quality base coat and automotive quality clear-coat (matte finish). I believe it will be durable and am currently testing it for wear tolerance.
Bells with engravings: Engravings do not affect the bell mechanical strength at all.
Bells with applique: applique refers to designs made from thin sheet brass soldered onto the bell ring. Applique probably strengthens the bell mechanical strength and adds some weight.
What happens if my custom bell is bent?
Complicated cut-out geometries may have some unsupported brass portions that can bend (for example, the F-hole pattern). Brass sheet used in bells is very forgiving, and you may simply bend it back into place. A brass instrument repair technician can remove dents and ripples just like a normal bell if your bell gets damaged because it crashed into something.
Bent or dented applique bells also can be straightened by a brass repair technician, but there are a couple complications. First, if the applique part is bent, then there is approximately twice the thickness of brass that needs to be straightened (the bell brass and the soldered-on brass applique part). Second, if the technician unsolders the applique, I cannot say how it will look when they soldered the bell back together. Probably it would be worthwhile calling me first to discuss the repair of a damaged applique bell.
Bent or dented painted bells can be smoothed as easily as a regular, undecorated brass bell. However, the paint may not survive the straightening process very well. I don't have experience with repairing painted bells yet.
Are there sharp edges on custom bells with cut-outs?
Not sharp--all cut out edges are deburred and smoothed to minimize potential for cuts. However, horn bells are made out of thin brass sheet metal, typically between 0.011-in to 0.020-in. Thin brass sheet metal can cut things if you don't treat it like a musical instrument.
Is there anything I should be aware of when using a custom bell with cut-outs?
Bell cut-outs have the potential to snag on buttons, necklaces, loose knitted clothing depending on the cut-out pattern geometry.
What is an applique bell?
The artwork on some of the custom bells is produced from creating interesting patterns out of thin sheets of brass, which is then soldered onto the outside of the bell. The brass stock is typically either 0.015-in thick or 0.012-in thick. I use different grades of sheet brass for their color as appropriate for the artwork. I will use some combination of nickel silver, yellow brass, red brass, and copper sheet metals in an applique bell. The artwork may be relatively simple, such as a multitude of star shaped brass soldered onto the bell in a pattern representing a constellation. Alternatively, I can create fairly complex interlocking shapes of different color brass sheet for more detailed images.
What is the lead time for a custom horn bell?
In stock items: I will ship in-stock custom horn bells the same week you order them, I aim for shipping within 3 days of your order.
Bespoke custom horn bells: You should expect around 8-weeks between our first conversation and shipment of your bell. During that time, you and I will be coming to agreement on your bell design and cost, I will be creating the design files, performing test cuts, getting feedback from you, sourcing specific items (such as an unusual initial bell) and then making the bell. The timeline may be different depending on unanticipated design changes or a request that requires a new artistic process to be developed. I will inform you of the expected lead time if I have a backlog of work that I need to complete before I get to your bell, or if there is a long lead time to source a bell flare for you.