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"Bach Bells and Leadpipes"

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I own and play on both the 239 and the 229 bells performing orchestral music, solo playing (trumpet and organ and chorus etc.), chamber music and recording sessions and have gotten excellent results with both bells. For those who do mixed playing, you can be very successful choosing either bell. The 229 bell has a broad fine-grained tone that is superb for orchestral playing. Its sound has power and stays broad and fat in the upper register and it blends well with the entire brass section. The 239 bell is easier to play and has more of a fine soloist's tone with better delicacy and nuance. It has a lovely compliment of overtones that the 229 does not have that is especially sweet and pleasing in tone closer to a vocal quality of sound. Leadpipes: The 25H pipe is big and open. Great for massive orchestral works where you want a huge amount of tone and volume. Works great with a 239 bell.Even better with a 229. The 25C (standard) pipe is excellent in tone and great in churches with organ pipes and choirs where you want a fairly big sound but still retain lots of control and endurance. Works best with a 239 bell. The 25A pipe has resistance in between the 25H and 25C pipe giving you a judicious compromise: more open and free but not too big. Works well with both bells. The 25S pipe helps a C trumpet feel more like a an open Bb trumpet.It works great with a 239 bell. The 25R pipe improves intonation and gives a darker, freer tone with better intonation. Great on both the 229 and 239 bells. The 25H, 25A and 25C leadpipes are available with a very open "Big D"(full length Bb)tuning slide or a "Little D" (standard C, moderate resistance) tuning slide. Both play in concert "C". The 25R and 25S can also be ordered with a rounded tuning slide (if desired)as well. A rounded tuning slide helps open up a horn that feels too tight. It also takes away a little of the focus in the sound. Works great for some players. For both bells, I recommend the large bore (CL) version unless you do exclusively smaller church gigs and light chamber music where a medium large bore (CML) may be sufficient and is an easier transition from your Bb trumpet. Finishes: Choose lacquer for a warmer tone with less edge. Silver is more durable and creates a brighter, more alert sound, and Gold produces a richer darker tone with superior corrosion resistance. Happy Practicing!

"Good sound, iffy intonation"

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I have a 25c leadpipe, 239 bell, large bore.

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This horn is completely different from a Bb trumpet as we all know. The horn comes off with an extremely brilliant and bright sound, well for me at least. I have an extremely dark tone (I was so told by Ben Wright, a professor at New England Conservatory) so the C trumpet helps me brighten up the sound a bit. But, the instrument is sometimes hard to play in tune, especially the Eb in the upper staff. Great horn, just a bad Eb...goes flat. Plays wonderfully and response is great!