Reunion Blues Bags - Still tarnish silver?

Toobist · Post by **Toobist** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:49 pm

Hey all,

I remember a post a while back about the new China-made RB bags having some sort of chemical reaction to silver? I'd love for someone to tell me that was never an issue and that I should go ahead and order one for my YFB-822S without any worry. Anyone?

I don't want to start any rumours about what is probably an excellent product though, so please, someone disprove the above suggestion. I'd love to hear from the original poster if possible as I haven't been able to find that exact post.

katfey · Post by **katfey** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:08 pm

The poster was "Rick F"
You can search Reunion Blues tarnish
and find it - don't search for the word silver

But I agree with Scooby Tuba - Cronkhite made the Reunion Blues bags before they moved the operation to China - so if you liked the Reunion Blues bags before - you want to buy a Cronkhite bag now!

Rick F · Post by **Rick F** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:23 pm

The friend of mine got a replacement bag from RB about 2 or 3 months ago. It took quite a lot of emails and phone calls for him to get it replaced. They finally agreed to replace his bag. He has his new RB bag now and says it's not tarnishing his horn. RB never did admit to any treatment to the felt like material inside.

Toobist · Post by **Toobist** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:25 pm

Thanks for the prompt responses!

Here is what I got from a dealer. (I thought I was contacting Giardinelli, but these are the people I got when I called.)

Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response (Daniel) - 01/23/2007 11:55 AM
Dear Musician.

I have honestly never heard anything about that problem, Im sure if it
was a problem in the beginning the company got some lawsuits and fixed
the problem.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions or
concerns.

We appreciate you choosing Musician's Friend.

1-800-391-8762

Customer - 01/23/2007 11:40 AM
I've read that the fabric used on the current RB gig bags (tuba bags in
particular) react to silver finishes and cause discoloration or
extensive tarnish. Has this problem come to your attention? If so, has it been resolved?

Although I'm not sure I'm confident in the amount of actual RESEARCH this customer service rep did, he has a point. Oh... and I didn't realize I was 'choosing' Musician's Friend but there ya go.

Another reason I'm looking into it is, I'm researching (notice I'm actually DOING research) the company for a dealer who's interested in the product. I need a solid answer so I welcome more responses and thank those who already have.

PS, I'm actually thinking Soundwear or Cronkite for myself. However, I know that if I get RB at the store, I can get a KILLER deal. It's something I need to keep in mind ($$$).

OH! Thanks Rick. You replied as I was writing the above. I have the contact number for RB now and I'm going to make sure that whatever they may send to us here in Canada will not tarnish silver.

Kyle Turner · Post by **Kyle Turner** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:33 pm

Ok, I'm having this problem big time. I have e-mailed customer service at Reunion Blues several times, and have not heard back from them. The bag is fairly new. I originally got it from WWBW, so I'm not sure if they (in their defunct state) can do anything for me. Any suggestions? Maybe the inside can be cleaned to erraticate the problem? Any suggestions?

skinnytuba · Post by **skinnytuba** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:50 pm

I had this problem, too. Not with my horn (which is lacquered), but with my mouthpieces.

zeign7 · Post by **zeign7** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 3:27 am

I personally bought a new reunion blues gig bag the summer of 2005. I have never had a problem with tarnishing. I hold a Hirsbrunner Euphonium in it and have never had an abnormal amount of tarnish. There is a certain degree of tarnish that is due to chemicals from your body holding the horn but I have not encountered anything different from the norm with my gig bag.

It is strange because these posts were also around when I bought my gig bag and they made me paranoid. Now they're just irritating because I have found them to be, well, unfounded and false. I don't claim to know anything about any gig bag companies but I do own a Reunion Blues gig bag and it has never gave me any problems. Maybe you personally have had a problem, but I would not fault the entire company for it, perhaps it was a "lemon" like some horns are.

At any rate, good luck with whatever you have. My reunion blues gig bag works just fine for me.

Kyle Turner · Post by **Kyle Turner** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 9:42 am

"Communist plot"?
"Enola Gay"?
"Irritating post"?
"Don't blame a whole company"?
Jeez guys, I was simply asking for advice. This is one of the rare times I have done this.
Thanks alot.

KentEshelman · Post by **KentEshelman** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 9:46 am

For what it's worth, I have a similar problem with a gig bag made by Altieri. My silver tuba turns purple at any place where it touches the gig bag.

Kent Eshelman

Toobist · Post by **Toobist** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:43 am

zeign7,

Please read the first post. Then... consdier the idea that what you bought may have been old stock and before the chemically treated fabric was used on the interiors of the cases... then... understand that I was hoping to find out that the problem was fixed... then... understand that I was, in truth, trying to spread the word that the company now sells product that doesn't chemically react with silver.

After all of that, enjoy your new knowledge that none of us were trying to offend you or your favourite gig bag company.

PS. That's disturbing to hear about Altieri. Any word back from them about the alleged(look up that word zeign7, before you flame me) issue with the tarnish?

Rick F · Post by **Rick F** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:37 am

Kyle,

One solution might be to get one of those anti-tarnish bags made by Gillis. Unfortunately, I can only find it at WWBW or Music123.

Gillis Tarnish Prevention Bag - euphonium

Tarnish prevention bag for euphonium. Innovative new product keeps silver horns from tarnishing while in the case. Just slip your instrument into the soft, specially treated zippered pouch, put it back in the case, and say goodbye to tarnish!