Carol Brass and Schagerl "Euro" bells

[larryspencermusic]

My go-to Bb is the Carol Brass Alexis Baro 5280-GLT with the Blackhawk finish and 'Euro' up tilted bell. It plays wonderfully in all of my playing situations. I'm often asked about the unusual bell shape. Usually it's "who sat on your horn" or "you could get that fixed". I think it looks unique and pretty cool, but am wondering if there is any acoustical reasons for the design. Any info would be appreciated!

Larry Spencer, Dallas, TX

[matthes93401]

I believe the wavy well was originally created to improve the ergonomics of rotary valve trumpets. For piston instruments, I'm guessing it was by request. Acoustically, I like the extra feedback the "Euro bell" affords me. Also advantageous for those with an overbite to get the bell up to a more "normal" alignment. Additionally, CarolBrass instruments are on the lighter side, and the extra hardware needed for the "Euro bell" adds beneficial weight.

[kehaulani]

I don't know if this was the current reasoning but the first upturned bell that was popular in America was because Dizzy's bell was that way. He said it helped him hear his horn better.

BTW, this was by coincidence, not resulting from any R&D. Someone knocked Diz' horn onto the floor, bending the bell.
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