Open or Modified Bell?

[Spring Creek Calls]

Do you like a fully open bell or partially open bell? I prefer the open bell so  can get my finger inside for control. See very few pictures that include the bell opening when trumpet shopping.

[EZ]

Makes no difference to me. I play any call...Trumpet, wingbone, cane...by tightening (choking down) my hand and then loosening up to see what the call likes (they are all different). Of course, when doing that, my middle finger does end up in front of the opening to some degree. I've never stuck my finger "inside" of any call.

[Greg Massey]

For myself it just looks like a trumpet with a modified bell....  I don't care for the open bell, but it's really all about how it plays... IMO

[Meleagris gallopavo]

Doesn't matter to me much.  Those with a closed bell require less air to play.


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[GregGwaltney]

Just my humble opinions here......I prefer the bell to be moderately open, the bell opening size is really just part of the makers system. One could make a closed bell with enough air flow to work fine, but opening the bell does enable the call to perform differently than a closed/standard bell opening. I believe that the draw is reflective of the builders total "internals" (MP, Barrel, Bell, shape/finish of each & transitions between them).....not just the bell opening. Frankly, a closed or open bell can sound pretty cruddy if it is not in tune with the rest of the trumpet. These things are amazingly finicky, very slight changes in any part of the call can result in drastic changes in playability and sound. They are a blast to mess with, a never-ending challenge that is for sure.

[crow]

Makes no difference to me. I play any call...Trumpet, wingbone, cane...by tightening (choking down) my hand and then loosening up to see what the call likes (they are all different). Of course, when doing that, my middle finger does end up in front of the opening to some degree. I've never stuck my finger "inside" of any call.

Hope this is working out better for you than all the money they paid for your childhood singing lessons.
We've heard about your singing, kind of scary.

[EZ]

Makes no difference to me. I play any call...Trumpet, wingbone, cane...by tightening (choking down) my hand and then loosening up to see what the call likes (they are all different). Of course, when doing that, my middle finger does end up in front of the opening to some degree. I've never stuck my finger "inside" of any call.

Hope this is working out better for you than all the money they paid for your childhood singing lessons.
We've heard about your singing, kind of scary.

That wasn't supposed to get out!!!

[Spring Creek Calls]

My original practice sessions were with a Lewis Inzer trumpet with a wide open bell that you can easily get a finger into and create the needed back pressure. I still find that method the quickest way to that "huntable" yelp in the field. As Tony stated, adjusting the hands will create the back pressure but it seems I have to search for it on each call and each calling sequence. I'm sure I'm the minority but I continue to look for the open bell trumpet.

[Greg Massey]

My original practice sessions were with a Lewis Inzer trumpet with a wide open bell that you can easily get a finger into and create the needed back pressure. I still find that method the quickest way to that "huntable" yelp in the field. As Tony stated, adjusting the hands will create the back pressure but it seems I have to search for it on each call and each calling sequence. I'm sure I'm the minority but I continue to look for the open bell trumpet.

For myself, I really don't necessarily put a finger inside the open end of the trumpet, just in front of the bell of the open end of it and that all depends on the style / or who made the trumpet, a lot of it i do with just the cupping of my hand around the end of the trumpet ... if this makes sense ... some of these trumpets take very little back pressure .... IMO... But i'm still learning ... LOL....

[outdoors]

I like the bell call because I can get different tones/sounds
Versatile it works for me..........