Firebird Bass Clarinet Bell

In 2024, I purchased a Royal Global Firebird grenadilla bell as the ideal bell for my Uebel Emperior bass clarinet. At the time, I was unsure if it would fit the Uebel Emperior, but it not only fit, it was a great match for the instrument. Now, Royal Global has done it again, with the introduction of a Firebird bass clarinet bell in mopane, which I recently purchased in April 2026, and as the original in grenadilla, it is SPECTACULAR...!!

So what is the proverbial "good, bad, and ugly" about the Firebird bell...? The GOOD: The Firebird bell--be it eco wood or mopane (pure grenadilla bells are no longer available) is well designed, well built, and a solid bell that was specifically designed for Royal Global and Buffet bass clarinets, but fits and works equally well on the Uebel Emperior bass clarinet. This bell adds to the already gorgeous sound of the Emperior. .THE BAD: As an accessory, the Firebird bell is expensive, BUT worth the investment. I have a definite preference for both my grendilla and mopane bells over the original and traditional metal bell, so for me, the investment was well worth the price paid. THE UGLY: The Firebird bell does not fit in all available bass clarinet cases, and that may be an issue. However, there are ways to store and transport the Royal Global bell, be it a separate covering or case if necessary.

In summary, the new mopane bell is is fantastic, and a great addition to any bass clarinet. The few issues that I have are minor and totally inconsequential to the sonic results and look of the instrument. To be clear, the Royal Firebird wood bell in mopane may not be to everyone's taste, but "don't knock it until you try it." I believe that you will be amazed...

I recently purchased an Uebel Emperior bass clarinet, but have always looked to the royal Global Firebird grenadilla bell as the ideal bell for any bass clarinet. The only question was if it would fit the Uebel Emperior. After discussion with some of the experts in the world of bass clarinets (and many thanks to) Michael Lowenstein and Brian Corbin, I ordered what was the last available Firebird bell in grenadilla. So what is the proverbial "good, bad, and ugly" about the Firebird bell...? The GOOD: The Firebird bell is well designed, well built, and a solid bell that was specifically designed for Royal Global and Buffet bass clarinets. As the Uebel Emperior is very similar to the Buffet, it fits well, and adds to the already gorgeous sound of the Emperior. It is also available in both grenadilla and cocobola woods, so bass clarinetist have a choice. THE BAD: As an accessory, the Firebird bell is expensive, BUT worth the investment. Additionally, as wood stocks become harder to obtain, the availability of all wood bells will decrease. Royal Global's solution was to develop an eco-wood for use in their bass clarinet bells, While this is a good alternative, it does not replace the beauty or sound of a wood bell. THE UGLY: The Firebird bell does not fit in many available bass clarinet cases, and that can be an issue. The Uebel Emperior comes in a BAM case, and the bell does not fit. However, the bell will with--either complete with the receiver tube, or as separate components in the outside pocket of that case, but must be protected in a covering or case of some sort. In summary, this is fantastic bell, and great addition to any bass clarinet, and the few issues that I have are just inconsequential to the sonic results and look of the instrument. To be clear, the Royal Firebird wood bell may not be to everyone's taste, but "don't knck it until you try it." I believe that you will be amazed...