TromboneChat

Hey guys, I play on an Edwards with my 1972 42 yellow brass corporation bell.
It is quite light. The previous owner told me that it has a soldered beadwire as well. If I were to get an Edwards bell, what would be the closest to this?
Thanks

There’s no close corollary on the Edwards side. Bach bells are one piece and I believe all Edwards bells are two piece.

If you want a two piece bell that’s heavier, you’d want to find a Bach bell to mount, or try a one piece bell from Shires (series 5), M&W one piece, or perhaps a Courtouis bell.

If I were in your shoes, I’d explore popular Edwards bells, whether they were similar to the 42 bell or not since they have so many options.

Sounds like a question that might be better sent directly to Edwards. Christan and his team are great at pointing you towards something that will work for you. Even better if you can make a trip there, or to a trombone event where they have a display.

Jim Scott

Many current Edwards players are former Bach players, and they end up with a bell that, at least on paper, is very different from a Bach bell. Alessi's Edwards bells were all unsoldered rims. So if you're looking at switching to an Edwards bell, I'd go into it with an open mind. Like Matt K said they have so many options. You may end up with something that works better for you. Or, you may end up finding out the 42 is best for you and switch to an all Bach set up!

There are plenty of options… but none of them are a Bach. My experience (on a bass) was that there were a lot of great options that played and sounded great… but they don’t play or sound like a Bach. I didn’t get there until I just put a Bach flare on the horn. Then it was a lot more like a Bach… though still not exactly, so I just went all the way to a Bach and sold that horn.

For some soldered bells, IIRC, the 384 is a light soldered rim and the 336 is a medium heavy one… but I would advise to not know at all what you are playing and let Christan guide you to what you need, not what you ask for.

Cheers,
Andy

Just say to Christan "I want to get awesome"

I would echo what others have said: Contact Christan at Edwards. He probably knows exactly what you need already, as I'm sure many have wanted the same thing previously.

Christian is incredible. Just try what he puts in front of you and answer his questions. Best not to figure out what you are playing until you buy it.

And also understand Christian is at Edwards because of the Getzen family and company. They are also a force.

For me, every time I try a 42, I really like my Edwards horns better.