Bach Laser Engraved Bells

Nespy · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 7:42 am Post subject: Bach Laser Engraved Bells

While I'm not a 'boomer,' I am old, so I get that is probably part of my issue...

Does anyone else have feelings about the laser engraving on Bach bells now as opposed to the older ones that were actually engraved (edit: to add stamped)? I don't know why, but it just doesn't look as good to me.

I'm currently on the hunt for a new horn, so if I happen to find one that plays well, I'm not going to make a decision based on the engraving, but if I do end up with one that is laser engraved, I'll look at it the same way I look at my children when they disappoint me...still love you, but really?!?

Brassnose · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 10:43 am Post subject:

I did vote no, don’t quite like those new laser engravings. Having said that, I’m sure some of the new horns are terrific and I’d really love to test the new 170 Apollo. If it plays (and I’d have the money) I’m quite sure one of them would find a new home regardless of the engraving

I also like the Conn 52B, which has a laser engraved bell as well. Excellent horn nonetheless.
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1992 Bach 43GH/43
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jengstrom · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:30 am Post subject:

From a nostalgia point of view, I miss the stamped bell markings too, but stamping can work harden metal. This may be minimal on a trumpet bell, but work hardening would make the metal stiffer where the stamp is, which could deaden the resonance of that area.

Relaxing work hardened metal and residual stress in solder joints is the principle behind cryo treatments that were talked about a lot 10-15 years ago. As I said, all this may be minimal on a trumpet bell, but laser engraving eliminates the possibility of creating stress through work hardening, theoretically reducing the number of possible causes of a poorer sounding horn.

I can live with the laser engraving, even if I am making a mountain out of a molehill.

John
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Bach 43*
Bach 72*
Bach Chicago C
Yamaha YTR-761 D/Eb
Kanstul 1525
Bach 196 picc

Halflip · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:41 am Post subject:

jengstrom · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 1:07 pm Post subject:

Maybe I don’t know enough about the Mt Vernons and NY Bachs, but the Stradivarius emblems I have ever seen (prior to laser etching) were stamped. Did anyone ever actually hand engrave?

If so, please educate me.

John
_________________
Bach 43*
Bach 72*
Bach Chicago C
Yamaha YTR-761 D/Eb
Kanstul 1525
Bach 196 picc

Halflip · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 1:14 pm Post subject:

I guess I was thinking more about decorative and custom engraving (although the OP speaks of "actual engraving").
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"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"