Vintage Cleveland Musical Instrument Co.: Deep Space Bell

A rugged Cleveland Musical Instrument Company horn came into my shop and begged for a career change.  It sports serial number 445113, which puts it around 1969 vintage.  The bell flare was removed, straightened, has been delacquered, cleaned, and fitted with an Alexander compatible ring made of bronze for its good wear and low friction properties.  Next the interior bell surface was prepared for painting and a deep space image was applied using a hydrographic paint dipping method.  A semi-gloss clear coat has been applied as a protective layer.  

The bell with its bell ring weighed 552g before painting.  It weighs 562g after the painting process.  Like all vintage bells it does sport various battle scars indicating an active prior life.  However, this bell was built to last and will certainly last another 45 years.  You can make nice music with this bell and it is difficult to overblow.  

This bell is a prototype as I was trying some new procedures.  The hydrographic dipping job experienced some break-up and there are some clear coat imperfections.

• bell height:  5 inches

• bell throat inner diameter:  2-27/32 inches

• bell rim diameter:  11-7/8 inches

• Matt's Custom Horn Bells serial number:  25-006