The bell of the trumpet goes through an annealing process several times. In the annealing process the metal is
first heated up and then cooled slowly to allow the instrument to be pliable during the shaping process. This also gives the horn easy response and projection.
Part of the annealing process includes hand hammering. Several alternating cycles of annealing and hand hammering make the metal harder
and more rigid for increased durability. It also gives the instrument a great ring and resonance that is characteristic of the Cannonball sound.
Shaped bells waiting to be fit.
Only the most experienced master craftsmen have attained the level of expertise required to hand shave the bell using a lathe.
This process takes the inconsistencies of thickness out of the brass, making it a smooth amplifier. In today's world of over-mechanization,
the importance of hands-on attention to detail is often overlooked -- not here at Cannonball!!
Our 725 bell features a unique bell flare. This bell contributes to superior intonation, ring, resonance, and projection. It is from this unique bell
that we get our "Big Bell" trademark.
Our unique bell flare.
The sound and feel is open and free-blowing although you will never feel like you are playing
into a wind tunnel because the added dimension in the flare is compensated by having a bit of extra resistance in the lead pipe.
All of this is combined to make a comfortable instrument with an unforgettable sound that will make it easy to achieve your desired results in performance.
