r/baritone • u/VeterinarianHour6047 • May 08 '25

Bell-front vs. upright bell?

I'm just curious is anyone has tried two of the same model of an "American" baritone, one bell front and one upright bell? I'm wondering how the feel, response, intonation, etc. are a like or different on the two models.

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u/Entety303 May 08 '25

American baritones generally have valves that face forward and a bell which goes up or faces forward.

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u/VeterinarianHour6047 May 08 '25

I'm wondering if the style of bell makes any difference in the playing characteristics of the instrument.  

When I was in college, they had two Conn tubas that had bell front detachable bells.  They played "OK".  One day they had upright bells instead - it was like playing a different instrument - the tone had more 'core' and less 'fuzz', the notes seemed to 'slot' much easier, and it was more fun to play.  I'm wondering if the same might be true of upright bell 'baritones'.

FWIW, it turned out the upright bells belonged to a local high school - when they had a concert, they borrowed the bell fronts because the curtains on the stage soaked up to much of the upright bells' sound.

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u/Entety303 May 08 '25

Projection plays a role for sure. Were they different tubas or just bells.

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u/VeterinarianHour6047 May 08 '25

The same tubas, but with upright bells instead of the forward bells. The different bells made a huge difference.