New Alexander "Standard Spun"Detachable French Horn Bell Flare in Gold Brass, Lacquered 
 
New French horn bell flare from Gebr. Alexander in Mainz, Germany. 
 
The bell flare is in gold brass with a detachable 1/2 ring that will fit any modern Alexander 103 French horn with detachable bell and standard Alexander bell ring.
 
It is a standard "spun" flare as supplied on new Alexander 103GAL double horns. 
 
Alexander's standard bell is made using the spinning process that is common today. In this process, a large circular sheet metal disc is pressed with a tool against the rotating bell mold on a lathe until the sheet metal lies evenly against it. During this process the metal must be annealed again and again so that it changes form. Finally, the rim is flanged and a brass wire is inserted for reinforcement. The initial thickness of the sheet metal disc is 0.6mm.
 
Note about Yellow vs Gold Brass: The only technical difference between the two metals is the copper content . Both metals are alloys of copper and zinc, whereby the copper content in gold brass is about 10% higher than in the brass alloy. The change in copper content has an influence on color, durability, sound and response . While brass has a yellow-greenish color, gold brass appears reddish. Gold brass is more resistant to corrosion from the inside, so-called zinc corrosion . This is the reason Alexander always use gold brass for the leadpipes of all their instruments. In terms of sound, a gold brass instrument is often described as warmer or darker. The response is somewhat heavier compared to brass.
 
HG