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Re: Add a wooden bell to a rubber clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-05-23 16:39

If you are considering getting an aftermarket bell, check it fits first of all and also check it doesn't cause any problems with the response of your altissimo register as I had a Selmer Privilege come in a while back with an aftermarket bell and the altissimo F was kicking and unstable regardless which fingering was used. The owner took it to someone claiming to be a clarinet expert who couldn't find the fault, despite charging the owner for doing unnecessary work which didn't resolve anything.

The only difference I could see was the aftermarket bell, so I put a Selmer St.Louis bell on it as that was the only modern-style Selmer bell I had to hand and that completely cleared it up as it didn't have anywhere near as much of a choke (narrowing in/constriction of the bore diameter) at the base of the bell socket as the aftermarket bell had. It also worked fine with a Mazzeo bell, Series 9 and Centered Tone bells as they also have a wider bore diameter at the base of the bell socket.

Has to be said, the owner is using the stock bell and barrel again, so they spent money on buying a fancy aftermarket bell and barrel for absolutely no practical gain.

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

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