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Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:47 am
by Shumanbean
I recently bought an Edwards bell for sale at Collectors weekly. The only engraving is "Edwards by Getzen USA," and the number 143 up near where the top brace would be. It's 8" and I think it's something other than yellow brass, maybe rose brass? It's a nice-looking bell, it's modular, and I want to put together a horn starting there.

Does anyone have experience with this bell size from Edwards? Id like to maybe pair it with a .500 slide, but I'm open to suggestion. Also any suggestion as to what metals to use in the rest of the horn would be great. And finally, do any components fit this bell, other than Edwards?

Thanks, and merry Christmas!

Daniel

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 12:12 pm
by pedrombon

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 12:15 pm
by Shumanbean
I don't know any specs...I'll try to measure.

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 12:17 pm
by Shumanbean
Ohhh...specs. Thanks.

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 12:39 pm
by bimmerman
I'd suggest emailing Edwards for confirmation, but based on their chart (https://www.edwards-instruments.com/tro ... one-bells/) and the 144 bell specs, I'd wager its a rose brass, 8", middle weight bell with soldered rim, double buffed, and tempered.

This would be intended to be used with their .525 and up slides, large bore tuning slides/valves/goosenecks.

But, definitely best to confirm with them.

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2020 8:31 am
by Shumanbean
Bimmerman, thanks. I'll check with them first thing tomorrow. I spoke with Doug Bert at Brass Exchange, who gave me the same information as you. I thought it was going to be a small bore tenor bell, due to the size, so I'll need to change my plans for the bell. Cool. I learn something new all the time.
Merry Christmas.

Re: Edwards 143 bell

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2020 10:50 am
by CalgaryTbone
The Edwards 8" bells were designed originally to be used either with .547, .525, or .525/.547 slides. A lot of Edwards players around 20 years ago were using them (often with the straight neckpipe) for certain solo playing and to "lighten up" their sound for certain orchestral playing. I have one that I usually pair with a .525 slide, but if I put it on my .547 slide it gives a nice brilliance and compactness that splits the difference between the typical .547 and .525 sounds.

Jim Scott