Originally Posted by
davewerden
On either a Sterling or Adams, red brass adds a little more zing to the sound at the expense of a little smoothness in sound. When I played Sterling I liked both bell choices, but I always chose to buy the red bell. That got me the more lively character I wanted.
I just finished a trial of an E1, 0.55 yellow brass, antique finish and an E2 Selected from Baltimore Brass. I really like the E1, but the sound has a little fuzz to it and it's not as focused or full as I would like it to be. I like the E2 - it's just too heavy and and the sound too rigid for me. I'm planning on ordering an E1, 0.60 clear lacquer, soon, and I'm on the fence as far as bell material - red or yellow?
What I've read from other sources is that red brass will give a darker, smoother, more covered sound than yellow - yet you say, Dave, that it gives some "zing" and a "more lively character," "at the expense of a little smoothness."
Any recommendation here? I guess I'm looking for a little more brightness and focus to the sound.
David Young
Andreas Eastman EEP526S '08
Denis Wick SM5
Utah State University Wind Orchestra