TromboneChat

I play a 1934 KING Eb Sousaphone...sounds gorgeous but rings. When recording, I've had a friend hold my bell to deaden the ring. Can anyone recommend a pretty way to deaden it? I don't want to tape it up, she's an old beauty. And no, neon tape isn't any prettier. Thank you for the advice!

[checks website name]

Did you try....tape?

You can get those tuba leather things that go around the bell throat. That might work. Or put some silly putty somewhere on the bell where no one will see it, maybe with some coins mixed in.

Maybe a pool noodle, or possibly a small section of one, cut lengthwise to slip over the bell rim.

How about some half-way sawed-thru squishy balls that could be wedged onto the rim?

Isn't a ringing bell what you want?

Nice when the sound rings but not the bell!...

I would try some clear tubing that can be found at any hardware store. I forget if it is 1/4" or 3/8" that you want. Slit it with a blade and slip onto the bell rim. Also, strategically place gaffer's tape might help.

Any kind of tape will eventually damage the lacquer, if there is any left. I would piece 8-inch wide strips
Of leather or get one piece from a hide. Size it to just short of the circumference of the bell. Flap the leather around the bell circumference. Use the Belt hole tool to put holes in each end and tie it similar to football lacing.

BrianJohnston wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 11:50 am Isn't a ringing bell what you want?

Often on sousaphones, one note in particular will ring (on my current work sousa, it's a B) and ring for seconds, loudly and audibly to those around you, or any microphone in the vicinity.

It's not resonating and ringing in your hands like, say, most Shires trombones do. It's actually sounding a note.

Andrew

TheBoneRanger wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 3:44 pm ring for seconds, loudly and audibly to those around you

I believe you're referring to a sympathetic resonance.

There is flexible edge protector made for car doors and other such things, that may snap onto the rim. Some even comes in colors. It might not be enough but it's worth a try.

Wag Aero has stuff for airplanes and then there always is alligator grommet.

harrisonreed wrote: ↑Wed Aug 10, 2022 4:18 pm
... Or put some silly putty somewhere on the bell where no one will see it, maybe with some coins mixed in.

I'd vote for that. Or silicone rubber, like what fishing worm lures are made of. Drummers often put little rectangles of the stuff on drum heads to cut the ring, and it's magic.

theticketstub wrote: ↑Wed Aug 10, 2022 4:11 pm I play a 1934 KING Eb Sousaphone...sounds gorgeous but rings. When recording, I've had a friend hold my bell to deaden the ring. Can anyone recommend a pretty way to deaden it? I don't want to tape it up, she's an old beauty. And no, neon tape isn't any prettier. Thank you for the advice!

You might get some heavy macrame or needlepoint and stretch it over the bell throat. That's how trombone bells ringing is usually damped (well, with some sort of material stretched over the throat). Or you might put the duct tape around and then paint it with flowers and cows and whatnot (ala DJ Kennedy), if you want it to look less like duct tape. On a 1934 sousy, I doubt there's any lacquer left to worry about.

Swim noodle. About a dollar USD most places. Cut a slit just into the center and try sliding it onto the bell. You might need the whole circumference, or maybe just a foot. Also protects the bell if you bump something.

A one foot piece can be slit and pushed down over a car window for.............well I better not say.

baileyman wrote: ↑Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:24 am

harrisonreed wrote: ↑Wed Aug 10, 2022 4:18 pm
... Or put some silly putty somewhere on the bell where no one will see it, maybe with some coins mixed in.

I'd vote for that. Or silicone rubber, like what fishing worm lures are made of. Drummers often put little rectangles of the stuff on drum heads to cut the ring, and it's magic.

the drum stuff is called Moon Gel.

Why are you asking trombonists, anyway? This is a tuba problem - specifically sousaphones. Many of the above trombonists are clearly trying to be helpful; it is also clear that they have never experienced this common sousaphone problem. Just sayin'...

This stuff..........

https://www.amazon.com/Pcs-Clear-Drum-D ... RydWU&th=1