Trombone bell
Maker
Antoine Courtois
Date1999
Place MadeParis, France
ModelEvolution 700 DBHW
Serial No.None
SignedEngraved on bell: [in cursive] Antoine Courtois / [in print] ParisDescriptionYellow brass bell stem, secondary bell body and flare. Nickel silver trim. Gold tinted lacquer finish. Straight conical bell stem to hyperbolic bell flare. Threaded receivers on bell braces to secure bell to neckpipe section. No bell seam visible. Rolled, soldered rim with extensive yellow brass external bell cover.
The “DBHW” on this model indicates it is the double heavyweight bell made of plain (yellow) brass. The bell features Courtois’ “bell over bell” system where a large external bell sheath is added to the main bell. This bell system was supposed to aid stability, resonance, projection and depth of sound through weight and resonance. The bell is exceptionally heavy and plays with a very dense, powerful tone but requires a large amount of air and player control to project. Exceedingly rare.
DimensionsBell diameter: 8-1/2”
Overall length: 22”
ProvenanceGift of Conn-Selmer, Elkhart Indiana, 2008.
Credit LineGift of Conn-Selmer, Inc., 2008
Object number13759.14
On View
Not on view
1890-1910 ca.