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Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 7:53 am
by felixbone
I’m thinking about converting my fixed Edwards B502 into a modular setup to give myself a bit more bell customisation options. That said, this horn has been really solid for me—it’s familiar and has gotten me through a lot, so part of me wonders if it’s better to leave a good thing as is.
What I’m curious about is whether converting a fixed horn to modular changes anything in terms of sound or feel? I know the added weight is minimal, but it seems even small changes can make a difference.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s done this kind of conversion or has thoughts on how it affected their playing experience.thank you!
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 8:13 am
by GabrielRice
A long time ago I did this to a Bach bass trombone that had had a Thayer conversion. The original conversion kept the bell attached rather than removable (as was common then). I did find that the instrument was less stable, and ultimately I had to make other changes to bring some stability back.
I don't recommend it. The B502 is a really good design as is. If you want more options I think it's a better choice to go to the Edwards factory and build up a horn around a modular valve section.
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 12:19 pm
by Gfunk
The B502 is a great horn and it’s been pretty meticulously designed. I’d be very skeptical to say subtle changes like that wouldn’t change how it plays, and they probably would change it for the worse. Parts being soldered instead of screws makes them play better in my experience. Personally, I would go the leadpipe/mouthpiece route. That’s a lot cheaper too.
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 1:41 pm
by Burgerbob
I had my m&w built soldered together just so I wouldn't go down that path again.
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 1:44 pm
by tromboneVan
Burgerbob wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 1:41 pm
I had my m&w built soldered together just so I wouldn't go down that path again.
Do you notice an improvement with everything fixed in place vs. modular?
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 1:50 pm
by tbonesullivan
felixbone wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 7:53 am
I’m thinking about converting my fixed Edwards B502 into a modular setup to give myself a bit more bell customisation options. That said, this horn has been really solid for me—it’s familiar and has gotten me through a lot, so part of me wonders if it’s better to leave a good thing as is.
What I’m curious about is whether converting a fixed horn to modular changes anything in terms of sound or feel? I know the added weight is minimal, but it seems even small changes can make a difference.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s done this kind of conversion or has thoughts on how it affected their playing experience.thank you!
That horn was pretty much designed as a fixed horn, and the changes in sound and feel would be accomplished through the harmonic brace and pillars. Have you fully experimented with those yet?
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2025 2:32 pm
by LIBrassCo
felixbone wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 7:53 am
I’m thinking about converting my fixed Edwards B502 into a modular setup to give myself a bit more bell customisation options. That said, this horn has been really solid for me—it’s familiar and has gotten me through a lot, so part of me wonders if it’s better to leave a good thing as is.
What I’m curious about is whether converting a fixed horn to modular changes anything in terms of sound or feel? I know the added weight is minimal, but it seems even small changes can make a difference.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s done this kind of conversion or has thoughts on how it affected their playing experience.thank you!
Na, done right they play the same.
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2025 3:04 pm
by WGWTR180
felixbone wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 7:53 am
I’m thinking about converting my fixed Edwards B502 into a modular setup to give myself a bit more bell customisation options. That said, this horn has been really solid for me—it’s familiar and has gotten me through a lot, so part of me wonders if it’s better to leave a good thing as is.
What I’m curious about is whether converting a fixed horn to modular changes anything in terms of sound or feel? I know the added weight is minimal, but it seems even small changes can make a difference.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s done this kind of conversion or has thoughts on how it affected their playing experience.thank you!
It can change it but the horn was designed this way. Leave it alone.
Re: Worth Converting Fixed to Modular?
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2025 4:34 pm
by elmsandr
Burgerbob wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 1:41 pm
I had my m&w built soldered together just so I wouldn't go down that path again.
So that O’Malley flare is going to be a vase?
Cheers,
Andy