More centered sound

[bigbandbone]

I own two bass bones. My 72H lives in Cleveland and I love it! I play mainly big band and I get a very compact, centered, and edgey sound which I love!

My TR180 stays in Florida and I just kind of like it. The sound spreads too much for my taste and not enough edge. It’s bone stock and I’m playing it with a V cup Macinkowitz 1 1/2 G. I’ve also added a 10” piece of peel and stick foam weather stripping to the bell flare which seems to help.

What other mods can I make to the 180 to get the sound I’m after or should I just trade it in on a vintage Conn?

[ithinknot]

Nothing else is much like a small taper Conn (71/72/73H), so if that's what you like just get another. Holtons are fundamentally wider sounding, especially with the 10" bell, so don't fight it.

73H if you want a dependent double like the 180. Assuming equivalent condition, valuewise those two would probably be a straight trade, so you might even find someone who wants to swap.

[GabrielRice]

Agreed.

[OneTon]

Are you playing both horns with the same mouthpiece? Is your Marcinkiewicz 1 1/2 G a custom mouthpiece? I am not really seeing a reference to “deep v” on Marcinkiewicz’s site.

[harrisonreed]

Unpopular opinion, but wrap the throat of the bell with leather, tape, or suede. You can add metal rods to add weight. This will give you more focus and fundamental / core.

[WGWTR180]

Conns and Holtons are apples and oranges. The 10inch bell doesn’t help on the 180 either. Sounds like you are a vintage Conn guy.

[AtomicClock]

Calderpips tone halo?

[meine]

Had a similar problem with my Williams. Put some weight on the handslide and it‘s solved. I taped some plated of lead on it, in total 80 gramms. Works very good.

[WGWTR180]

Ugh. I would never do that to a slide.

[GabrielRice]

Word of warning: electrical tape like that will trap moisture and corrode the brass.

[OneTon]

Brass Exchange out of St Louis has a 72H in playable but rough condition at a reasonable price. He takes trades and consignments.