The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: Metal ring around bell

Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-28 23:22

The widest part of the bell is also the thickest, and doesn't really need reinforcing.

What companies say in their brochures about the metal bell ring adding 'depth of tone' or 'increases resonance' etc. is all complete cack.

Old oboes with thin bell rims had a metal band fitted to protect the edge (and the metal ring was thick, almost like a clarinet one), but as bell rims are now very thick, there's no need for a metal bell ring at all.

Some Rigoutats that had the metal bell ring even turned it down so it was flush, just like a flush band but on the bell instead.

Only serious flaws in the timber or careless handling (ie. being dropped straight down onto a concrete floor) will cause a bell to split, even with a bell ring fitted.

And chips in the bell rim are much easier to fix if there's no bell ring fitted.

Though some makes of cors anglais, oboes d'amore/amour and bass oboes still have bell rings fitted even though the oboes from these same companies may not, and vice versa.

The metal bell ring is purely a decorative feature. But personally I still prefer them with bell rings fitted, and if I was to get an XL I'd probably fit a bell ring to it a we have plenty of them lying around since they're not being used anymore.

Or gold plate them and sell them down the market as hoop earrings for the Worthing chavettes.

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

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics