Custom Bell FAQs

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 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.  

Will a custom bell fit my horn?

Part 1:   Currently, all bells have Alexander rings.  All the bells on this site will fit your horn as long as your horn has an Alexander ring.  I will make other rings available if people are asking for alternatives.

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.

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. 

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 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.