Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:41 pm
I don't know what the quoted repair price was, but replacement parts are generally pretty expensive.
I also don't know if you'll find a suitable alternative one piece upright bell in great shape that will not only fit and look ok but but also cost less than ordering a new Kalison bell (which I guess would have to be done through the Tuba Exchange?).
The leadpipe might be able to be totally replaced with a generic pipe from Allied that would come filled with pitch and need to be bent to shape. The kicker would be finding one as close to the original size as possible. Sometimes they work out great, other times replacement pipes don't turn out nearly as good as the original.
If he likes the horn, was planning on keeping it, and doesn't mind spending some money on it, it could likely be repaired very well by one of the tuba repair specialists that read this board. Does he have insurance on this tuba?
I would investigate the cost of having repairs made to the existing parts by a top notch repairman (Lee Stofer isn't too far away from you or maybe the Brass Bow) before I would spring for a totally new bell or leadpipe. I would be very careful about doing bell swaps and using a generic leadpipe...it could result in a great instrument or a ruined one. Proceed with caution.
Glad to hear your friend was alright though. Car accidents just plain suck.
I also don't know if you'll find a suitable alternative one piece upright bell in great shape that will not only fit and look ok but but also cost less than ordering a new Kalison bell (which I guess would have to be done through the Tuba Exchange?).
The leadpipe might be able to be totally replaced with a generic pipe from Allied that would come filled with pitch and need to be bent to shape. The kicker would be finding one as close to the original size as possible. Sometimes they work out great, other times replacement pipes don't turn out nearly as good as the original.
If he likes the horn, was planning on keeping it, and doesn't mind spending some money on it, it could likely be repaired very well by one of the tuba repair specialists that read this board. Does he have insurance on this tuba?
I would investigate the cost of having repairs made to the existing parts by a top notch repairman (Lee Stofer isn't too far away from you or maybe the Brass Bow) before I would spring for a totally new bell or leadpipe. I would be very careful about doing bell swaps and using a generic leadpipe...it could result in a great instrument or a ruined one. Proceed with caution.
Glad to hear your friend was alright though. Car accidents just plain suck.
