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Re: Metal ring around bell

Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-28 15:30

It's only decorative when fitted to the bell. But the reason why they're not fitting them on oboes all that much now is that they do become loose and rattle around.

The top joint rings you've seen is a crude method of fixing a split top joint by flush banding - a groove (or two) is machined into the top joint and a silver band is fitted in this, then it's compressed so it's a tight fit and turned down so it's flush with the wood to stop the crack opening up again.

But this is not only a conspicuous (and ugly looking) repair, it also constricts the bore at the point where the flush band is fitted if compressed too much. If it hasn't been compressed enough or the joint has shrunk, it too can loosen and rattle around.

Pinning is a better method of crack repair (provided it's carried out well and finished well it's hard to tell where the pins are), short of transplanting the whole joint 9which means the instrument has to be played in again as though it's a brand new one).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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