Carbon trombone bell
A German company has worked with materials scientists to develop a trombone bell made of lightweight, high-tech material.
According to a press release from Musik Amrein, the carbon trombone bell is a world first. The Lübeck-based company spent a year developing it using state-of-the-art technology and the expertise of specialized materials scientists. The lightweight high-tech material carbon weighs 20% less than brass and allows optimal handling of the instrument and comfortable music-making.
The carbon bells (also known as bells) are manufactured in the same way as sheet metal bells on a mandrel whose convex and concave surface is designed and measured for the purest intonation. The material has a very high rigidity and at the same time a lower density than metal, it is corrosion-resistant and wear-free. Such a bell can even withstand a fall without deformation or dents. Carbon does not heat up in strong sunlight and is resistant to ageing.
The sound of the bell on the trombone is pleasantly soft, the notes are light and focused. Professional trombonists of various styles have tested the carbon bells and given positive feedback. This encouraged Amrein to present prototypes to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Music Fair from April 10 to 13 in Hall 4.1, Stand D58).
The next important step would be to develop tuba sound pieces to reduce the weight of these instruments.
