Selmer Trumpet Bell Tapers?

[bobmiller1969]

Most of us are pretty familiar with Bach bell tapers, but I'm wondering how different Selmer trumpet bells compare. I currently own a Radial and Deville, which have bigger throats than my Bach 37 did. They're so different that I have certain mutes that are filed just for these 2 horns, and the rest fit my other horns. I owned a K-Modified 24BX for a couple years, and it had a similar size throat to my 37 (same mutes would fit well on both horns) but I'm thinking that the taper was quite different. Even my Committee would use the same mutes, and that horn is definitely a fast taper.

I haven't been able to find any info on this subject, so I'm hoping that someone will chime in. Of course, bell thickness, leadpipe, bore size, will all effect the sound and feel of the horn. I'm really interested in just the bell tapers.

Thanks, everyone!

[GeorgeB]

@bobmiller1969

I own 2 Selmers. One is a medium bore 1952 model and the other a medium large bore 1959 model. The '52 model has a smaller throat and none of my mutes fit it properly, but the '59 with its larger throat can accommodate all my mutes. I expect this is because of the different size bores.

[stumac]

@bobmiller1969 said in Selmer Trumpet Bell Tapers?:

all

Some years ago I measured the tapers of my Selmer Bells using different sized washers mounted on a rod and measuring how far they went in.

I measured with three sizes and recorded the results, if I can find them they may be of interest to you.

1946 Grand Prix, 1950s Balanced, 1975 B700L, 2000 Concept TT, Ferron-Selmer C, Radial Bb, Radial 99C.

Regards, Stuart.

[bobmiller1969]

@stumac Thanks! I would find that very interesting if you find it. -Bob

[bobmiller1969]

@georgeb I've never owned a Selmer from earlier than the 60's. I've been curious about how the pre-K-Mods play and respond. That's all I need. Another set of mutes specifically for just 1 horn. -Bob

[administrator]

I can tell you that my Radial bell is very, very large. I will have to measure it tomorrow to see precisely how large, but larger than almost all modern production trumpets.

[GeorgeB]

@bobmiller1969

The 1959 K-Mod was made in Paris and response is not quite as good as the 1952 Selmer Paris but has a similar warmth in its tone. The '52 may be more responsive due to the smaller bore, and the valves are faster than the '59 K-Mod. Of all my horns, the 1952 Selmer Paris remains my favorite horn to play with small groups, but not with the 35 member band I play with. When you push the '52 the sound is not as clean and warm. I hope this answers your question.

George

[bobmiller1969]

@administrator I will have to measure my horns as well when I get a chance. Mutes that I've filed for my other horns will simply fall out of my Selmers. Likewise, mutes that are setup for my Selmers stick out about a half an inch with my other horns. Funny that my DeVille and Radial can use the same setup, even though the DeVille's bell is a smaller diameter.

I guess what I'm really trying to find out is if there's anything special or unique about Selmer bells, not necessarily what bells they most resemble. Most of what I read online about Selmer trumpets is how fast the valves are (agreed!), the ergonomics of the Radial valves, how most of them have a nickel-silver leadpipe. Not much about what else makes them unique. Whatever it is, I just love them! -Bob

[bobmiller1969]

@georgeb I had a '62 24BX. I loved the sound of it, but it was a bit "stuffy", even with the larger "X" leadpipe. I never measured anything on that horn, but I remember that it did have a much larger venturi than my 37, yet still quite a bit of resistance. I could never quite get it to light up the way I wanted. I find that the Selmers I've played have a lyrical quality to the sound that I haven't found with other horns. Also, I like that they typically give me little to no gap with my Reeves mouthpieces (standard shank, no sleeves). I've had older "vintage" mouthpieces that would bottom out on these horns.

I've got a couple horns that are on my radar, and am hoping to make a more informed decision on my next horn purchase. Thanks! -Bob

[GeorgeB]

@bobmiller1969

I agree that the Selmer horns have a unique sound and I think it is because of the tone ring on the bell. I have a 1942 Buescher that has a tone ring similar to the Selmer Paris horns. It is my second favorite horn for solo work.

[stumac]

Could not find my old measurements, I have measured 4 Selmers, diameter of inside of bell and distance from bell mouth. Regards, Stuart.

[bobmiller1969]

@stumac Thanks for this! -Bob