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Fixing the Liberty Bell

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 1999-05-20 15:26

I need advise. Both the Liberty Bell and my clarinet bell have a crack in them. I do not know how the Liberty Bell got it's crack but the combination of foolishness (my leaving it out) and a young granddaughter resulted in a hairline (but all the way through) crack from upper ring to bottom of the wood bell on my favorite 1950's Buffet. Do I get it repaired or opt for a replacement? If I get a replacement will it alter the tone? Do I need to try several replacements and try them out first? Will an Evette bell work (I am not necessarily concerned with names - just working clarinets). Any advise is welcome. Thanks.

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RE: Repair the Bell

Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-05-20 16:29

I have had a more-severe "full" crack in a 50's Selmer repaired ["trenched" and epoxy-grenadilla dust filled] and it plays as well for me as before [and during repair using a substitute Sel bell]! Try it. Don

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RE: Repair the Bell

Author: J. Bu tler
Date: 1999-05-21 02:36

Don is right on the mark. The bell is thin and can not be pinned, but I have filled many a bell with grenadilla and superglue combination. A lot of hobby shops sell super glue that has different weights. I use the thinnist I can find (1 second cure time). I take the chips and lay it gently over the crack and then pour the super glue on top of it all. After carefully sanding down to the wood (working with the grain) I finish off with 0000 steel wool. Most people can't even notice the repair unless you show them.

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