This post is a follow-up to one I wrote last year, on the differences between spun and hand hammered bell flares.  I have been doing some thinking recently on this topic, and decided to record some more audio examples of the two flares I currently own for my Engelbert Schmid double horn: a lacquered, spun flare, and an unlacquered, hand hammered flare with a garland. In recording these new examples I tried to take into account some very useful comments posted below the original article.

First, I recorded these short excerpts in a larger space, with the microphones placed approximately twenty feet away, and second I am asking readers to take a very short poll to determine which bell is generally preferred by listeners. I’ll post the results in a week or so, with summary comments. Your participation is very much appreciated! The poll is very easy to complete. Simply listen to the excerpts below, which are labeled, but without any indication as to the type of bell being used. Record your response using the provided buttons. Feel free to write in additional comments below. Please note that while every attempt was made to perform the excerpts in as consistent a manner as possible, there is the occasional “blip” as well as some extraneous noise in the hall (not created by me). The excerpts are in contrasting styles, and are taken from Weber’s Romance (arr. Boldin) and Randall Faust’s Celebration for Horn and Organ.

Excerpt Number 1: Weber, Romance/arr. Boldin

• Bell No. 1
• Bell No. 2

Excerpt Number 2: Faust, Celebration for Horn and Organ

• Bell No. 1
• Bell No. 2