Lawson Horns

.: Leadpipes

After years of researching and repairing horns, Lawson began to use computer aided drafting and design to find new ways to improve the leadpipe tapers for horns. After extensive research, he discovered that the leadpipe taper is the most crucial taper for the ‘slotting’ of notes and stability of pitch. His efforts in the field of acoustics have now manifested in four types of leadpipes, which can be bent exactly to your horn at our shop with a photocopy of your existing horn or from one of our hundreds of existing bending blocks.

We have four types of leadpipes which can be bent to fit any double horn.

FB114 - Most popular with Alexander and other medium bore instruments
FB210 - Most popular with Conn 8D and other larger bore instruments
FB310 - Popular with Dual Bored Horns, Holton 175, Paxman 23

V2 - Standard on all newer Lawsons. The V2 works only for Lawson horns that are dual bore. If you have any questions, we have extensive records of every horn made and can answer this question. We also have extensive information on the V2 leadpipe on our research page.

Additionally, due to its design and difficulty in construction, it is strongly encouraged that we install V2 leadpipes here in New Hampshire. We are not responsible for refunds or additional repair work needed as the result of faulty V2 installation which was not done at our shop. For a brief discussion on the effects of the V2 pipe, please click here.

Our leadpipes come in 3 alloys: Yellow Brass, Red Brass, and Nickel Silver.

.: Leadpipe and Flares FAQ

How do I know you will have a bend for my horn?

Most horn makers have a fairly consistent shape to their bends. However, some makers such as Alexander, Yamaha, and Conn have had some changes to their leadpipes over the long span of their production. We can easily install your leadpipe if shipped to our factory in New Hampshire.

I have a repair shop in town that can install the leadpipe. Can you bend the pipe and send to have installed?

Yes. We have hundreds of bending blocks for many different makes and models of horns; but we always ask that customers send us a photocopy of the horn, leadpipe down. Please make sure it is not set to zoom in or out!

We also can accept pencil traces, though we strongly prefer a photocopy.

My repair shop in town can bend the tube and install it for me. Can you send me just the straight unbent leadpipe?

No. We do not ship out any of our unbent leadpipes.

My leadpipe was damaged and I cannot get the original shape. What can I do?

Photocopy it as best as you can and trace on top of the photocopy an approximate location of the original bend. Chances are we have a bending template here that will be able to work for you!

I have an older Lawson. Can I install a V2?

The V2 leadpipe will only work with dual-bore Lawson Horns. Some of the older models will not have any significant benefit from a V2 leadpipe. Call us with any questions.

Can I install a V2 on my Conn/Alex/Yamaha?

The Lawson V2 leadpipe is only for Lawson horns.

.: Bell Flares

From the early 1970's, Lawson Brass performed numerous tests, first on hardness of the bell flare, then, sponsored by the International Horn Society, a test to see what effects different bell alloys would have. The Copper Development Association, a public relations arm of the Copper Industry, provided much data about copper alloys and Lawson Brass Instruments was fortunate to have the help and advice of Mr. Thomas F. G. FitzMaurice, Metallurgical Engineer of the Anaconda Brass Co. in Waterbury, CT. who suggested and helped procure different samples of copper alloys for experimentation.

The early bells produced were of the following alloys:

CDA260 - Yellow Brass containing 70% copper, 30% zinc.

CDA230 - Red Brass containing 85% copper, 15% zinc.

CDA752 - Nickel Silver containing 67% copper, 18% nickel, 15% zinc

In 1979 Lawson Brass Instruments introduced an alloy that was originally designed for architectural structures, a strong but workable material that had never been used for musical instruments. It was AMBRONZE. A beautiful, golden, copper alloy.

CDA 425 - Ambronze containing 84% copper, 2% tin, 14% zinc.

A search for the alloy that the famous Kruspe nickel silver horn was made from yielded NICKEL BRONZE, the closest alloy available now to the pre-WWII German nickel silver used by Kruspe.

CDA 725 - Nickel Bronze containing 89% Copper, 2% tin, 9% nickel

At the present time Lawson Brass Instruments produces french horn bells and tails in both Ambronze and Nickel Bronze. By special order, instruments can also be supplied in Yellow Brass (cartridge brass).

Playing Characteristics

1. Shape, size, and thickness - Subtle differences in playing characteristics such as ease of starting notes, dynamic range, carrying power are influenced by these dimensional properties.
2. Stability - The internal dampening characteristics of the bell flare influence the stability of the pitch, ease of starting the sound and the ability of the instrument to maintain sound through slurs. Dampening is controlled by alloy, weight and hardness.
3. Dynamic range - For a given alloy, the hardness affects the dynamic range. A softer bell flare distorts at a higher input of sound so that more control of dynamics is possible. Varying the hardness gives different degrees of brightness or darkness to the sound.
4. Tone color - The alloy and its' hardness controls the timbre or color of the sound. This color change is most noticeable at high dynamic levels.

Differences

The Ambronze bell flare has a powerful, wide dynamic range. The color is nearly constant throughout.
The Nickel Bronze bell flare responds quickly (short start-up time), has a powerful, wide dynamic range. The color changes from dark at low dynamics to bright at high volume.

For a more technical discussion of material design and some frequently asked questions link to our research and materials page.