Big Bell^®

The Big Bell®, created by Cannonball® in 2001, enhances the ability to create a broad range of dynamics for a depth of the sound color and lower partials. The increased size also lends to a big, warm sound.

Semi-Precious Stones

Semi-precious stones adorn the key touches, necks, and bell key guard (SC5 only) of the Premium Big Bell® Stone Series® Sopranos. These beautiful stones give the instrument a striking look, and are also patented for the way they change the instrument’s resonance.

Engravings

Our Big Bell^® Stone Series^® is beautifully hand engraved by our artisans here in the USA.

Two Necks

Each Big Bell^® Stone Series^® Soprano comes with two hand-customized necks: one straight and one curved (S5 and SA5 models), or two curved in different finishes (SC5 models). Each neck is adjusted for superior projection, rich tone, and precise pitch. Our acoustical technicians meticulously adjust each neck to perform optimally on the specific saxophone.

• The High F# and G keys extend the saxophone’s range and makes high passages easier to play.
• Each Cannonball^®saxophone bell is formed from a single sheet of brass and hand hammered before being meticulously hand-smoothed and evened.
• The bell, bow, and necks go through an annealing process several times, heating and then cooling the brass to specific temperatures. This annealing process gives the horn a warmer, more even tone. The Cannonball® hand-hammering process, which follows annealing, hardens the brass and gives our instruments superior ring and resonance.
• Our Italian Pisoni water-resistant leather pads have been specifically chosen for long life, excellent sealing, and the superior feel they add to the key action.
• Our pads have riveted nickel-plated brass resonators that are specifically chosen for optimum performance and sound.
• Steel needle springs allow for the most precise, even key tension. The bluing process makes the steel resistant to rust and corrosion, which extend the life of the springs.
• Forged brass has much greater strength and uniformity than cast brass, so our keys resist bending and hold their adjustment exceptionally well over time.
• Upper and lower stack adjustment screws allow for easier and more precise regulation and adjustment. Under each stack adjustment screw we use synthetic cork, which (unlike natural cork) resists compression over time, so the fine adjustments on your saxophone will last.
• Our sturdy brass thumb hook is adjustable so you can set it to the angle that best fits your own hands.
• The Big Bell® projects a bold, warm sound, yet allows you to play with the most subtle nuances, creating a contemporary version of the big-sounding American horns from the early to mid 1900's.
• The “tilting spatula” rocking mechanism allows fast and fluid transitions between the low C-sharp and low B-flat keys.
• The four left-hand table keys are susceptible to being knocked out of adjustment when their top post moves, so we have added an additional lateral brace to keep it in place, especially when the horn is hit or dropped.
• Relief springs help lift open the G-sharp and low C-sharp keys when they would otherwise “stick” and remain closed.
• Cannonball® Mouthpieces are made of quality hard rubber and carefully crafted play easily and to create a clear, rich, beautiful tone. They are the choice of many professional saxophonists around the world.