 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-11-26 11:13
Does anyone know if wooden bell sounds better than plastic on earlier Normandy clarinets?
I am restoring a plateau clarinet that came with a plastic bell. The s/n is in 25xx range.
I wonder if it would sound better if I found a donor bell. I guess the donor has to be in a close s/n range.
I appreciate any info. This is the first time I have a Normandy clarinet in my hands.
Thanks
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Author: kdk
Date: 2023-11-26 13:12
I can't really answer your question directly. But in my opinion based on experience, you shouldn't necessarily dismiss the possibility that even a different plastic bell could improve the sound. The dimensions affect the sound and intonation of a bell more than the material does. If you have a source of donor bells you should try them all.
Karl
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-11-26 21:55
Hi Karl,
Thanks for your advice- my source would be eBay.
I am in the process of re-padding it, then it has to be regulated which is much different from regulating a "normal" clarinet- looks like it going to be a longer process since all the bumpers have to fit precisely.
I guess it needs to be finished, then I can play it and decide if a wood bell is really necessary.
***While typing this reply, I tried to fit the bell from my RC Prestige- it did go on just fine, and even the inside dimensions looked very similar.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2023-11-26 22:31
Your RC Prestige bell has a voicing groove in it. The inside of the Normandy bell won't have this ... so they are different. I've found some people can hear the difference whereas other cannot. Depends upon experience, etc.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-11-27 02:47
Stephen,
Thanks for your reply;
Yes, RC bells do have enlarged bore at the entrance (except for the latest regular RCs).
I also tried a regular R13 bell and it also works.
What I am trying to say that it is not necessary to buy a wooden bell to just try if it would work, I can start trying bells from clarinets I got.
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2023-11-27 12:52
Hi from my experience you may find the tenon of the buffet and other after market bells may be longer and potentially a bit flatter. I think clarinets direct had a wooden bell for a normandy. Easy to check. All options
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-11-28 03:17
i recently repadded an older normandy plastic clarinet and did try a wood barrel and bell on it and it indeed improved the sound quite a bit. i also own a normandy plateau plastic but the lower tenon broke and i glues the bell in place permanently so i cant try it with a wood bell. overall i am very impressed with the plastic normandy clarinets in quality and sound vs the bundy
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2023-12-05 07:27
Your Normandy plateau clarinet is from around 1954. If it has angled trill key cups along with the composite bell, it's a model 5P.
Normandy used a variety of composite bells in addition to wooden--a wood dust-based composite, a PVC-like plastic, and hard rubber. The wood-dust and especially the hard rubber bells are actually quite nice. The bell normally included with a 5P is OK, but a wooden bell would make a slight, but audible difference.
For a correct wooden bell, look for a trashed, wooden, non-plateau-key Normandy on leading Internet auction sites. Don't pay more than ~US$50 for one.
The correct donor wooden Normandy clarinets:
--do not have a model number inscribed upon them anywhere, such as 4, 5, 7, or 8.
--will have "FRANCE" inscribed under the upper joint logo
--have a bell shield logo and "Normandy" typeface that exactly matches the logo seen on your model 5P's upper joint. Note the width of the shield, and the serifs--or lack thereof--on the word "Normandy".
--include a bell that's wooden. Some of these clarinets include a plastic bell that is not as glossy as you'd expect a plastic bell to be--appearing at first glance to be made out of wood. Make sure you see grain on the bell of your donor instrument.
Post Edited (2023-12-05 07:47)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-12-06 10:59
Ursa,
Thank you very much for the great info!
I was not aware of the wood particle, plastic and hard rubber bells on Normandy clarinets.
How do you differentiate between plastic and hard rubber?
I am still in the process - now regulating venting on this plateau instrument, which is quite a bit more involved comparing to regulating a "regular" one.
I did look into getting a donor bell but those clarinets were either too much money or the bell logo did not match mine.
Thanks again
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-12-06 11:18
Ursa,
Thank you very much for the great info!
I was not aware of the wood particle, plastic and hard rubber bells on Normandy clarinets.
How do you differentiate between plastic and hard rubber?
I am still in the process - now regulating venting on this plateau instrument, which is quite a bit more involved comparing to regulating a "regular" one.
I did look into getting a donor bell but those clarinets were either too much money or the bell logo did not match mine.
Thanks again
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-12-07 04:45
Attachment: NYC_2573_DxO.jpg (239k)
Attachment: NYC_2576_DxO.jpg (1658k)
Ahh,
You seem to be the expert on Normandy clarinets !
The bell I got does not look like wood but the logo is exactly the same as it is on upper joint.
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