Any experience with bell protectors

[cdjohns]

Does anyone have experience with those plastic bell protectors ie. does it affect sound, etc? Where are they sold.

[davewerden]

Any experience with bell protectors

I have not tried one. However, the rim of the bell has important vibration characteristics. You can order a euphonium with no bead on the edge of the bell, with a soldered bead, or with an unsoldered bead. Each has a different sound. I have to think that adding a plastic rim (tightly?) around the rim will affect things. Whether or not you like it is an unknown, but it would not cost much to try it.