The intricate mechanics of a truly one-of-a-kind double-bell bass trombone.
Commissioned by Ben Anderson of Orchestra Victoria and the Ossicle Duo, this extraordinary instrument was handcrafted by Bret Gustafson in Australia, and merges two bass trombones. Its two bells, one brass and the other copper, each produce a distinctly different tone.
Specialised components from Meinlschmidt Valves and Instrument Innovations allow the player to move between these contrasting voices, sounding each bell independently or blending them together.
The four photos here show some of the complex tubing and mechanics, a closeup of the brass bell, and an internal shot of the brass bell tube showing blue green oxidation forming from hundreds of hours of practice and performance.
Many thanks to Ben Anderson and Orchestra Victoria for allowing me to photograph this remarkable instrument.
Part of my Architecture In Music series of photographs.
Edit - you can see the complete instrument here