TromboneChat

I know there's been a few posts about screw bells, but I'm thinking this is slightly different.

I've been wanting to get a screw bell for a while now, but I'm not sure the path I want to go down. I would prefer to get a backup bell so I'm not damaging my main horn (3b). I'm not sure if I want to get a straight horn, a 3bf or something a little more versatile in case I have a traveling gig that asks more of me.

A few questions to spark a discussion:
- Would you buy a backup horn/bell to have a "travel" horn? Or would you just have one horn?

- If you had a travel horn, would you buy the same horn you're used to playing, or something a little more versatile? Maybe something medium bore, or a 3bf, in my case.

- Is the idea of having a horn that you travel with a dumb idea?

Lets start there.

Many people have "travel horns.", or maybe one that isn't in as good condition, or is more portable. Depends entirely on what your specific playing situation is. I think with the Ralph Sauer model, he wanted something that would have no trouble fitting in the overhead compartment on a smaller domestic flight. The thing is, you also need the right case for a screw bell trombone, and few companies, if any, make one aside from the case for the Sauer.

For a 3B?

Just get another 3B, have it cut, get the Lawler screwbell bag. That's maybe $1000 for a nice backup travel instrument.

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Wed Dec 11, 2019 12:54 pm For a 3B?

Just get another 3B, have it cut, get the Lawler screwbell bag. That's maybe $1000 for a nice backup travel instrument.

Do I even worry about the option for a more versatile horn and get a 3bf? Or is the valve going to cause more issues with finding the right case.

With the valve your'e stuck with the Marcus Bonna tenor screwbell case. It's a good case, it'll fit, but it's also $550 and a little bit too big for a smaller horn like that.

A travel horn is insanely convenient.
I would suggest having a second horn, just because it's really nice to have a backup.
Feel free to swap bells / slides, being able to ding a slide and pull a replacement out of the closet can be a lifesaver.
And putting the screw ring on a 3bf is a fantastic idea.
I kinda want to do that now...
Travelling with a horn is not only good for the chops, but loads of fun.
The first time I sat down at an airport bar with a violin case on my back was just great.
For parts - the Shires screw-ring is nice, but the threads are kinda tight, the Olson is very nice but a bit heavy.
The Bonna flat case is fantastic, the Basili is just ok but significantly cheaper, you can work the parts into a Pelican rifle case but it takes a bit of creativity. There are another couple of cases, every now and then you'll see a Holton, etc.
- Just saw the last post from Aidan - I say get the 3bf - they're great horns, and as you know super useful. If you're not feeling the Bonna Case I think Basili is doing custom work through Irvin Karan. Or you can work up your own with maybe a viola or bassoon case, frustrating process but can be fun.

Marcus Bonna has a "jazz" model screw bell case which is made for up to 8" bells.

It all depends on how much you fly and what that convenience is worth to you. When I fly it’s usually with my bass trombone and having a screw bell and Marcus Bonna case for it make a HUGE difference. But there are quite a few compact, fairly protective cases for horns with an 8" bell or smaller and it’s not that hard to get a case that size safely on a plane unless you’re on a tiny plane or it’s the day before Christmas.

The difference between how my Bach 50 played before and after the modification was pretty negligible, and like someone above said I haven’t heard of anyone who was unhappy with their horn after the conversion. BUT if you do decide to get another horn or bell section I would really recommend adding something to your arsenal that’s useful in its own right, like a 3bF. I’d also really strongly recommend looking for a Selmer Bolero. They’re the same size as a 3b but different enough to give you a new voice to use, and mine with a valve plays really well in the low register. It’s my catch-all horn I use the most for any time I play tenor trombone outside of an orchestra and it’s fantastic for pit work.

I had my Shires Colin Williams bell cut. It feels a bit different to play- neither better nor worse, just different. The size of the Bonna screw bell case is a huge difference, though. It's easier to fit in a cramped car, and the stress it relieves in a plane is worth the price for me.

while not related to the screwbell case I wanted to post about my recent experiences with Marcus Bonna. I recently acquired a Bonna Bass trombone case. There was a missing foot on the bottom. I emailed Bonna and get a reply quickly. when I explained my issue, they sent me a complete set of feet for the bottom (new style) for no charge. All emails were replied to promptly and it was a GREAT experience to work with a company who values customer service.

while they are expensive cases, the quality and customer support are outstanding from Marcu Bonna.