In addition to the shape of the bell flare, the type and thickness of the bell material also affect the sound. This is achieved by the use of one-piece construction, allowing for unrestricted vibration of the bell. For situations involving dark qualities or high dynamic levels without distortion, choose a heavyweight bell.īach Stradivarius trombones are famous for their fullness of sound and projection.

Sterling bells create a full copliment of partials (overtones) in the tonal spectrum for a focused sound with great projection.

Larger bore trombones, having bells with faster rates of taper, yield darker symphonic tone qualities. Smaller bore trombones having bells with slower rates of taper, produce a brighter jazz sound. Slow tapers yield bright tones, while fast tapers produce dark, warm sounds. The shape of the tapered surface, or rate of flare, determines the characteristic sound of the trombone.

As the bore size changes so does the bell design. Trombone bores are a measurement of the inside diameter of the inner slide tubes.

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