Posted by Jim G on August 01, 2002 at 00:31:11:
In Reply to: Duct Tape on Bell Wall posted by Dr. Phil Golson on July 31, 2002 at 22:26:50:
It does reduce bell resonance some usually creating a darker sound. Also handy on some thinner brass horns to keep notes from cracking up at moderate to louder volume.
I think it is at least as common as putting a belt around the bell. I also remember seeing a picture of a Cerveny horn that someone (Jay Bertolet???) had gone one step further than duct tape and had brass rods soldered inside the bell to create a similar effect.
Jim G