he issue of bell options goes straight to the core of the Eclipse design philosophy. Rather than having several completely different models in our line with different playing characteristics, we opted to build a single trumpet that plays perfectly - and then to give it different sounds. (Bells are fixed, not interchangeable).  

The construction of all Eclipse trumpets is identical from the mouthpiece receiver, around the one piece lead pipe and front bow and through the valve block to the rear tuning slide. The elegant and efficient design of the front end of these instruments, where all the notes are formed, means that a clean, strong, core vibration is delivered to the amplification side of the instrument - where the sound is developed and coloured - the bell. All Eclipse trumpets share the impeccable intonation, slotting, projection and free-blowing evenness of tone that this unique design affords.

Choosing a new horn is a very personal matter.  We all have a totally unique sound - we don’t sound like anybody else even when playing an identical instrument. What we are all looking for in a horn however is the same. We want to find the horn that most easily enables us to realise the sound we imagine in our head when we are actually playing -
our ‘inner trumpet sound’. All horns will colour or affect that sound in some way - we just have to remember that it is us, not the horn, which has a voice.

It is my belief that any one of the Eclipse models could be used very successfully in any musical circumstance. However the variety of bells available make it possible to select an Eclipse trumpet that feels tailor made to your own playing requirements.

Eclipse trumpet bells are available in 3 different styles:
   

1.) MediumClassic
  The medium classic is inspired by the smaller, straighter flared bells of the past. It produces a clear bright sound and responds very easily in the upper register, available only in standard weight (0.5mm) yellow brass.
 
2.) Medium
  The medium bell is a standard size with a profile designed to provide great versatility, available in yellow or red brass, standard (0.5mm) or heavy weight (0.7mm)
 
3.) Large
  The large bell has a more open throat and a slower taper to the flare which makes for a larger sound with less resistance and room for a lot more air, available in standard weight (0.5mm) yellow or red brass, heavy red brass (0.7mm), and copper (0.8mm).

The heavy weight bells have more projection; more stable tone centres and retains a very even tone even when played at very loud volumes. The standard weight bells have a faster response, with more flexible tone centres and a wider spectrum of timbres.
 

STANDARD   BELLS

 
MY Medium Yellow  
  Excellent all round instrument, very versatile. The sound is bright and clear, remaining centred and focused at all dynamic levels, with a solid core to each note and great projection. The trumpet speaks very easily and is ideal for lead trumpet, commercial playing and studio work. Also  a good choice for principal trumpet players in symphony orchestras or military bands.
MR Medium Red  
  Like the medium yellow this is a very versatile horn - a near perfect blend of warmth and projection. The red brass brings a depth to the sound which is silky smooth, rich and dark, however it is still a lively and agile trumpet. It responds very quickly and has a sparkling top register with effortless projection. Equally suited to jazz ballads or lyrical chamber music, at home in a big band or  an orchestral trumpet section  - the medium red could be the ideal choice for a ‘crossover player’. Added to the Eclipse line by the request of artist Robert Bauerle.
LY Large Yellow  
  Similar in timbre to the medium yellow, bright and clear, but with less resistance and a more expansive sound. The large yellow has great projection but when you increase the volume of a note the sound just keeps on growing. The slots are firm and true but do not restrict expressive, lyrical playing. This would be an ideal trumpet for symphonic section work, particularly in clear lacquer. The large, bright, projecting sound of a silver plated large yellow would be perfect for concert bands or in military marching bands playing in the open air.
LR Large Red  
  This bell has proved to be the favourite choice of jazz soloists. It has warm, velvet timbres, within a large, golden sound. The slotting is more flexible than on the medium bells which allows for expressive and personal playing. It is very free blowing, speaks very easily is and responsive over a huge dynamic range. As you put more air through the horn the sound just grows and grows, it retains the rich, dark core to the tone but will also really project and open up when you want a phrase to flare out. At home in a variety of musical settings, the large red has also found favour with European classical players.
XLR Extra Large Heavy Red  
  The X-large heavy red is an extremely powerful, free blowing instrument. It offers the same wide spectrum of tonal colours as the large red but has firmer slots, more depth and greater projection. It is almost impossible to make the trumpet distort or break up, it retains the integrity of it’s huge dark sound at all volumes. Ideal choice for a strong player who uses a lot of air, whether as a soloist in a small jazz group or in a horn section with a loud rock band. This trumpet also works well with heavy valve caps and larger mass mouthpieces.
 

SPECIAL  ORDER  BELLS

 
MC Medium Classic  
  Free blowing with a bright, pure sound across the whole range the elegant medium classic bell has a dazzling projection that will really cut through any ensemble. This trumpet has a  sizzling top end when pushed which will appeal to specialist high note players in big bands. The  focused core and punchy attack would suit playing in a pop horn section or salsa band. However, the sweet clarity of tone and fluidity of movement across the harmonics would also make this horn a good choice for classical players - it would blend particularly well with C trumpets. A slightly tighter leadpipe was developed to compliment the qualities of this bell.
MHY Medium Heavy Yellow  
  If I was working mainly in symphony orchestras then this would be my horn of choice - no question - it is awesome. The natural timbre of the instrument is slightly darker than the medium yellow with more depth to the sound, greater projection and more secure slots. It has an intense, focused tone with a dark core and brilliant projection even at the quietest volumes. As you increase the air supply or ascend into the upper register, the sound remains pure, true and impressively powerful. Great all round instrument for the stronger player.
MHR Medium Heavy Red  
  Great jazz soloist horn or for fat lead trumpet. It has a darker, denser tone than the medium yellow with firmer slots and greater projection than the medium red.  This horn can produce a wide variety of tonal colours. Whilst it is very powerful when played hard it retains its matt overtones in the upper register and is almost impossible to over blow.
LHR Large Heavy Red  
  The large heavy red is an extremely powerful, free blowing instrument. It offers the same wide spectrum of tonal colours as the large red but has firmer slots, more depth and greater projection. It is almost impossible to make the trumpet distort or break up, it retains the integrity of it’s huge dark sound at all volumes. Ideal choice for a strong player who uses a lot of air, whether as a soloist in a small jazz group or in a horn section with a loud rock band. This trumpet also works well with heavy valve caps and larger mass mouthpieces.
LC Large Copper  
  A truly unique trumpet with masses of personality which will enhance the sound of the developed and commanding artist. The heavy weight, pure copper bell adds a complex set of overtones enabling great contrasts in tone from a dark, bluesy whisper to a pure, bright screaming shout. The horn is very open and agile, yet has fantastic, focused projection with great weight behind the sound. The large copper is usually supplied with heavy valve caps and an elegantly crafted counter-balance in the back bow.
 
 
 

The sound options available are quite numerous, considering the role the finish will play. Relative to raw brass, lacquer will warm the sound, silver plate will brighten slightly, and gold will leave the sound virtually unchanged. Click on the "finishes"  button on the left for a complete list of finishes available.

Bell descriptions provided by Noel Langley