TromboneChat

Not sure if this is the correct location for this query...

If not - Mods - please move.

I have a 9", unlacquered bell that appears to be one piece construction. The metal looks to be red brass, but could be something different (bronze?). It is quite heavy and about .5" longer than a modern Edwards bass bell.
I purchased it from Jim Bermann in the early 2000's. He said it was special - but we all know that can be a moniker thrown in for ease of sale.
It doesn't look to be a Bach or a Holton or Conn. The bell bead is almost french style. Serious patina!

If you think you may be able to help me please include an email in your response and I will email pics. Cause those are worth 1,000 words.

Sam

Sounds like an Osmun.

I bought a 9.5” bell from Quinn the Eskimo about 3 years ago. It was from the Jim Bermann collection (I was told that Jim passed away a few years ago). After investigating and following several leads, I concluded that it was a bell made by Shires back in his Osmun years. It is a fantastic bell. I have it set aside for a Shires-type modular system that I will eventually make.

Does anyone have a list of stuff that was owned by Jim Bermann?
CrazyforTbone86 - I think you may be correct. The patina is certainly old enough to think it may be an 80’s creation from Osmun.

The name Greg Harper $375 is hand written in marker (but was wiped off - only a faint shadow remains).

Greg Harper is the Bass Trombone player in the Colorado Symphony (Denver). You can probably send him a message through the orchestra - maybe he can tell you about the bell. Perhaps Jim bought it from him?

Jim Scott

If I'm remembering correctly, around 1994, Greg Harper had a Yamaha Doug Yeo prototype bass. It had an Osmun bell.
You could check with Greg for the accurate story.

Greg Harper is originally from Massachusetts, so Osman/Shires is fairly likely. I think he got the Denver gig in 1997.
Steve Shires might remember it....

Calgary, Bus and Doug,
Thank you for your input…
Hopefully Greg will see this and respond!?!

You guys rock!

I don't know if he's on this chat group. You may need to reach out to him to get an answer.

JS

Steve told me he didn't make it.
If it truly has no seams, it was electroformed the same as Conn's Coprion and Bach's Sterling Plus bells.
If I have time I'll call Greg.

It does have a pronounced seam longitudinally