Mouthpiece Restoration $$$

[TheHatTuba]

Does anyone know the rough cost to restore a mouthpiece (this one has slight nicks/dings, out of round shank, and is missing some silver) to bright silver plate (no fancy satin or gold plating)?

[Doug Elliott]

I charged somebody $30 recently to replate a Bach 18 that was in good condition. If it requires more work it might be $40-50.

[joh_tuba]

Doug is right.

If you want the rim sanded smooth again or any other customization work done then $40 or $50 is reasonable. Keep in mind that when removing nicks or changing a rim or cup shape you can only remove metal.

[Doug Elliott]

I wish there was a convenient way to fill in dents, scratches, and nicks, that would accept replating... but often the plating doesn't adhere right if there are dissimilar metals on the base surface. So yes, refinishing usually involves removing some small amount of metal to get a smooth surface finish, if that's what you want.