External Horn configurations...materials

[De Soto Frank]

Edison horns, primarily, but other might apply to this discussion...


Has any noted difference in playing quality between similar sized horns that differ in terms of shape ( rolled conical vs flat-panelled "Morning Glory"), or material ( tin-plated steel vs. brass vs. paper-mache vs. ? )

I will be transcribing some black-wax amberols soon ( male chorus ), and I have a choice of:

14" black & brass Witches-hat

30" Tea-Tray flat-panel Morning Glory

30" Superior Metal Co. Conical Brass

and I might pick-up a

40" conical brass, make unknown.


Thoughts ?

De Soto Frank

[Phototone]

The longer the horn (as a general rule) the lower bass notes that can be reproduced.

[Lucius1958]

It may be argued that the MG horns, with their expansion being somewhat closer to that of an exponential horn, might provide a slightly better response than a straight horn of equal length…

As for materials: if you're playing recordings with a lot of high frequency noise, a softer material (wood, papier-mâché or the like) might filter out some of that noise. A metal horn would perhaps be clearer with a good clean recording…

Just my two cents.

Bill