My experience with descant horns, which is supported by the acoustical theory,
is that a smaller bell throat allows production of a much superior French horn
sound on the high horn. An F alto horn with a large throat approaces the
proportions of a euphonium with the loss of a lot of the high harmonics. It is
so much easier to find a mouthpiece to make a seamless transition between the
horns with a smaller bell throat.
There is nothing inherently less loud using a smaller bell throat. A smaller
bell usually projects the sound better, giving the reflected sound more carry.
Train yourself to hear your own sound coming back to you. Find some time where
you can play in an empty auditorium. Take your Thompson, and practice
symphonic excerpts.
To increase the power of a smaller belled instrument, there are several ways to
go. Since you are dealing with a descant horn, the options are a little
different depending on whether you're playing full range or descant range.
Although many players have gotten used to using a deep funnel mouthpiece (it
takes the brilliance out of the Bb horn to match the dullness of a large
throated F alto), proper cup depth acoustically scales with the length of the
horn. A deep funnel mouthpiece is proper for a player who uses the standard F
horn a lot. The proper cup for a Bb, F alto horn should be proportionately
shallower. Since pop tone should be maintained, a large bowl shaped cup is
appropriate. A smaller belled horn with a large, bowl shaped mouthpiece is
used very effectively outside of 8D territory. Opening up the bore of the
mouthpiece is another way to up throughput.
You might want to consider changing the front end of the leadpipe. A larger
venturi or faster taper can make a big difference. A lot of my serious playing
was done on fourth horn. If you're successful getting a 'big' sound with a
large, shallow mouthpiece, spend some time exploring the F alto horn for the
very low register.
The only other advice I have is, for full range playing on a descant, or even a
single Bb, an F attachment is much more essential than a stopping valve. Get a
crook made for the conversion,and learn to use it.
-Original Message-
From: Alon reuven <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: horn@music.memphis.edu
Sent: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 01:41:13 +0200
Subject: [Hornlist] Yamaha YHR 881
Dear listers
I have a discant Yamaha YHR 881
which is pretty good - it gave good results in in many challenging pieces ,
but I cannot get a dissent forte on this instrument . it has a middle small
throat , and it seems to be the reason . Now I wonder - is there anybody who
knows :
a) if there is anybody out there who would trade a middle large bell+tail
section for a middle small one ?
b) In general- if I would assemble a yellow brass bell section on a gold
brass body - should it create any problem?
thanks
Alon Reuven , Israel
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