I have some questions about the various combinations of customisations that appear on the Adams website. It looks like i'm going to be able to test play a E1 and a E3 (not too many about in the UK). The E1 will have a 0.60 Sterling Bell and the E3 a 0.70 brass bell (I assume that's yellow brass).
So my questions:
1. Will all E1's sound and respond more closely to each other than to an E3 with the same bell spec (Example - will a E1 with a 0.70 yellow brass bell be closer in sound and response to a E3 with a 0.70 yellow brass bell or a E1 with a 0.60 SS bell)?
2. I'm assuming that, in general, the thinner the bell the brighter the sound and quicker the response?
3. If my assumption in my second question is correct what makes the bigger difference to the sound the bell thickness or bell material or are these two independent things that change the sound and response in different ways?
4. The Adams website states "Sterling silver is a very versatile material but also much more dependent on the individual’s particular ability level. Therefore we recommend this bell option for the serious amateur or professional." Why? If you lack ability with this bell option how would this manifest itself?
5. My pre-conceptions before testing make me think that a E3 with a red brass bell would be the closest in sound to a British Euphonium (York, Besson or Stirling), does this sound like a reasonable assumption?
Thanks for any responses