Due to the number of first class professionals using cut bell , I think it would not be accurate to say that a horn with a cut bell does not have a " true horn sound " . I think that there is a big number of variables , and therefore we should not focus on such subtle changes . It reminds me of my own question , quite a while ago , about lacquered instruments vs. unalcqered ones . I can't remember who was the one who told me " if the audience can't tell, if the conductor can't tell , and if your colleagues can't tell , what difference does it make ? I think that that guy's advice applys here , too. Alon Reuven _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org