Posted by Chuck(G) on September 16, 2003 at 21:11:23:
In Reply to: Tuba bell change posted by Brandon Ostrom on September 16, 2003 at 20:18:04:
You probably could do what you want, if you could find the right bell. Generally, the taper and flare of a bell has a strong effect on the quality and characteristic of the sound, but has a much smaller effect on intonation. Since the Imperial's such a tall tuba, it'll be a little challenging to find something with the flare you want--and still have something that will clear the top bow.
I wonder if the 2-piece bell stack from one of the old King BBb 2341-type horns would fit. Those can be had with either 19" or 21.5" upright bells.
Get a dressmaker's tape and measure the circumference of the bell where it enters the ferrule at the bottom bow. Also measure the height of the bell at that point. Then start looking for something close...