Welcome to Austin Custom Brass
Step 1: Establish the Blow
This is where it all begins. The blow is shaped by your Venturi size (.342 – .365) and lead pipe choice (#2, #3, #7, or #9). Each option influences efficiency, resistance, tone color, and projection.
You’ll also select from materials:
Lead Pipes (drawn tube): Yellow brass, gold brass, copper/red brass
One-piece machine lead pipe: Yellow brass only
Mouthpiece Receivers: Yellow brass, nickel, or gold brass
Receivers are internally cut to fit your mouthpiece with minimal gap and are designed around Greg Black mouthpieces.
Not sure where to start? Steve Bell, Jr. will guide you through selecting the Venturi and lead pipe that best match your playing style and sound goals.
Lead Pipe Options at a Glance
BT2 – Efficiency & Brilliance: Fast response, bright tone, great for lead/commercial players
BT3 – Versatility & Balance: Warm core, adaptable feel, fits multiple styles
BT7 – Fullness & Depth: Broad, resonant, ideal for jazz soloists & symphonic players
BT9 – Maximum Power: Big, open blow with unmatched projection for advanced players
Step 2: Establish the Flow
Once the blow is set, we refine the flow through your horn. This stage focuses on main tuning slides (standard, reverse, asymmetrical) and bore valve casing size to fine-tune resistance, openness, and endurance.
Bell Trumpets offers multiple bore options:
.453 Medium Bore – Hoxon (one-piece yellow brass)
.459 Medium Large – Bell Trumpets Factory (2-piece yellow/copper with nickel upper, optional light/heavy)
.460 Medium Large – Meinlschmidt (MAW valves available, yellow/copper with nickel upper)
.465 Large Bore – Bell Trumpets Factory (multiple brass/nickel combinations, light/heavy builds)
.470 XL Bore – Hoxon (one-piece yellow brass, yellow/nickel slide tubing options)
This step balances your blow + your flow, making the horn feel natural in your hands. With Steve’s guidance, you’ll explore how different bore sizes and slides affect your comfort, efficiency, and endurance.
Step 3: Establish the Sound
The bell defines your horn’s voice. Once the blow and flow are set, you’ll audition different bells to find the sound you’ve always envisioned.
Options include:
Bell Shapes & Bends: Standard or 30° bend
Diameters: 4.63" – 5.50"
Materials: Yellow brass, gold brass, copper, phosphor bronze, nickel, or bi-metal combinations
Construction: One-piece or two-piece, French rim, rolled rim, soldered rim, gauges .40 – .60
Mandrel Lineup (inspired by classic designs)
BT370 (Bach 37): Balanced, centered, versatile
BT430 (Bach 43): Broader, brighter, strong projection
BT470 (Kanstul 470): Broad, warm, symphonic power
BT720 (Bach 72): Dark, robust, orchestral weight
BT1S (Calicchio 1S): Brilliant, focused, cutting edge
BT900 (Yamaha 9335): Refined, balanced, flexible
Each mandrel offers unique tonal character, projection, and response — all tailored to your playing needs.
Step 4: Establish the Style
Finally, your horn becomes uniquely yours with finishing touches. Beyond sound and feel, style brings your personality to the instrument.
Options include:
Finishes: Clear lacquer, silver plate, gold plate, black nickel, satin with clear coat, custom patinas, multi-color fades
Custom Details: Real pearl finger buttons, weighted top/bottom caps, flat-top pistons
This step ensures your Bell Trumpet doesn’t just perform your way — it looks your way.
