 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2011-11-27 13:33
Has anyone had any experience with one of these bells? I have a 1984 Loree which I use as a backup horn but really don't like its scale compared to my Howarth XL. I was wondering if a weber-Capp bell might settle it out, but was interested to learn if anyone else had tried it esp since the cost is not insignificant.
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Author: cjwright
Date: 2011-11-27 15:11
I've played many of them and had many bells reamed by David. They generally help with the middle E-F#, and give focus to the tone. In a way I can not explain, they also effect the resistance of the oboe tremendously. Sometimes a different bell can make you feel like you're blowing through a straw, while other times it can make you feel like you're blowing through a 3" copper pipe.
My best suggestion would be to just call them and ask to try three on trial.
Blog, An Oboe In Paradise
Solo Oboe, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
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Author: Beetlebum
Date: 2011-11-27 15:23
Hi,
I currently have 3 different Weber & Capps bells on trial.
About a year and a half ago my GH series Loree's upper joint cracked so severely that repair was not economical. I chose to replace it with an 'AK' plastic Loree upper joint rather than pay Loree to fabricate a new wooden joint. Hannah of Hannah's Oboes suggested the option of using a replacement plastic joint from Loree, which I purchased from her. David Weber fitted the plastic joint nicely onto the original lower joint. Thanks Hannah and David !
At that time I tried a couple of the Loree bells that David had modified, and perhaps one Weber & Capps bell (I can't remember), and I didn't notice a significant difference then. It is likely that I didn't gave them a proper fair trial as I was reluctant to put any more cash into the deal (on top of the original cost of the GH Loree). I was afraid I would like one of the bells and break the bank :>).
Now to the present. Recently, on this horn, I have been having trouble with a very sharp middle E natural, and wanted to see if a replacement bell might help with that, or if the problem was just me and my reeds (adjusted commercial 'pro' reeds).
In this recent trial, all three bells had noticeable positive effects.
Both of the 'A' bells increased the horn's projection and made it more responsive and lively. It felt less closed or 'stuffy'. Less resistance perhaps.
The 'B' bell increased the 'core tone' or 'center' (darker), and was also a nice improvement, but for some reason the low B natural was unacceptably dull sounding. This bell was not as 'big' sounding as the 'A' bells, which I initially thought might be a good thing as it might lend greater control.
The first reed I used wasn't my best, though, and was too thin and edgy sounding. Next I tried a newer reed from Weber Reeds, the 'Ocotillo'. This reed had much more core tone and body, a more proper balance between high and low vibrations.
With this reed, the more vibrant and responsive of the 'A' bells really came to life. To me and my wife, the result was impressive and very beautiful. The horn was much more dynamic with many naturally 'sweet' notes, but even 'regular' notes (if you guys know what I mean) could be also be readily coaxed to increased depth and intensity. I had initially thought this bell was too 'airy' and perhaps just louder. But with the right reed, the core tone and body was there, the intonation was much improved, and the high register was very sweet. Did I mention the increased responsiveness ?
Apparently there is a 'C' bell as well, but I didn't not receive one to try. I don't know what the letters indicate in the way of design differences.
I will have to note that I am far from a professional oboist. I am an older returning player, an advanced amateur at best. I don't have the greatest horn in the world, so the effect I observed might not be as dramatic on a better horn which already has a great bell. I do have an older restored Gordet/Bulgheroni that I intend to try the bells on before I make my final decision. I hope the effects are similarly positive. I'll report back after that trial.
Your mileage may very.
BB
Post Edited (2011-11-27 16:11)
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Author: Beetlebum
Date: 2011-11-27 16:25
Yes, it is naturally much closer to correct pitch, and is now a "sweet" note. That may be partially due to the fact that I no longer have to lower the D key excessively to try to bring the E natural pitch down.
Post Edited (2011-11-27 16:36)
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Author: Joseph Tomasso
Date: 2011-11-27 19:46
I haven't tried them on oboe, but I have to say when I tested the Backun Bells for my clarinets I was blown away at what a change I had! I'm more than sure these bells can do that, if not more for the oboe. If and when I get some money I'd like to give them a shot myself. I'm always looking for a more focused tone!
Bachelor of Music, Sax/Clarinet Performance (2005, 06)
Master of Music, Multiple Woodwind Performance (2008)
Master of Music, Oboe Performance (2013)
Gainesville Chamber Orchestra (Clarinet)
University of Florida 2010-2011(Visiting Lecturer in Woodwi
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2011-11-27 20:54
Bells can make a drastic change to your oboe... or no change at all.
I found a wonderful Covey bell that added a lovely lush resonance to my old Loree, but a few other Covey and Loree bells really didn't do anything better than the original bell. Unfortunately wonderful Covey bell doesn't do much for my newer Loree, so trial bells to make sure they go along with your oboe.
I recommend traveling to the oboe shop if they have tons of bells to try. You never know what works best. Also try them in a dry and live room.
♫ Stephen K.
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2011-11-27 21:28
Thanks for all the responses. I imagine your GH is of similar vintage as my GT. I'll give Dave a call. I'm also thinking of having John Symer try and work a little magic since he is nearby.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2011-11-28 05:04
On my Loree GKxx oboe bought new from Gilbert in about 1984, I at first found that the E2 tended to be sharp. I played that oboe almost daily for about 22 years. As I learned how to make stable reeds, and I'm still trying, the E2 seemed to be no serious problem. Although I usually use a 2005 Loree now, I never find that the E2 on that 1984 Loree oboe is not good. With better reed making, it just became ok. Good luck!
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2011-11-28 15:30
Well I can't exclude the cintribution of reeds but the problems are pretty consistent despite changes I've made specifically aimed at improving pitch stability. And my Howarth doesn't give me these headaches!
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2011-12-08 04:50
3 bells have arrived. Unfortunately, I think my Loree needs a little tune up before I can really get a sense of them. . . .
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