Bells

Instrument Bells

Choosing a new horn is a very personal matter. We all have a totally unique sound - we don’t sound like anybody else even when playing an identical instrument. What we are all looking for in a horn however is the same. We want to find the horn that most easily enables us to realise the sound we imagine in our head when we are actually playing - our ‘inner trumpet sound’. All horns will colour or affect that sound in some way - we just have to remember that it is us, not the horn, which has a voice.

It is my belief that any one of the Eclipse models could be used very successfully in any musical circumstance. However the variety of bells available make it possible to select an Eclipse trumpet that feels tailor made to your own playing requirements.Eclipse trumpets are available in two throat styles:

The medium throat bell is a standard size bell with a profile designed to provide great versatility available in yellow or red brass, standard weight (0.5mm).

The large bell has a more open throat and a slower taper to the flare which makes for a larger sound with less resistance and room for a lot more air; available in yellow or red brass.
The yellow bell is lightweight and has a wall thickness of 0.4mm. The red brass bell has a standard wall thickness of 0.5mm

Eclipse Bell Options

**New! Large Yellow (Lightweight)

The LYL bell or Large Yellow Lightweight is the latest bell to be added to the Eclipse stable. Already it has surpassed all expectations in sales and has become the Eclipse Flagship Bb trumpet. The bell is one piece with 0.4mm wall thickness yellow brass. This lighter weight of construction gives the LYL supreme response, cut and sizzle for the lead player, but also possesses a beautiful warmth and core to the sound when you come off the air in a more jazz environment. It simply does it all!

Large Red (LR)

This bell has proved to be the favorite choice of jazz soloists. It has warm, velvet timbres, within a large, golden sound. The slotting is more flexible than on the medium bells which allows for expressive and personal playing. It is very free blowing, speaks very easily is and responsive over a huge dynamic range. As you put more air through the horn the sound just grows and grows, it retains the rich, dark core to the tone but will also really project and open up when you want a phrase to flare out. At home in a variety of musical settings, the large red has also found favor with European classical players.

Medium Yellow (MY)

Excellent all around instrument, very versatile. The sound is bright and clear, remaining centred and focused at all dynamic levels, with a solid core to each note and great projection. The trumpet speaks very easily and is ideal for lead trumpet, commercial playing and studio work. Also a good choice for principal trumpet players in symphony orchestras or military bands.

Medium Red (MR)

Like the medium yellow this is a very versatile horn - a near perfect blend of warmth and projection. The red brass brings a depth to the sound which is silky smooth, rich and dark, however it is still a lively and agile trumpet. It responds very quickly and has a sparkling top register with effortless projection. Equally suited to jazz ballads or lyrical chamber music, at home in a big band or an orchestral trumpet section - the medium red could be the ideal choice for a crossover player.