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I just noticed on my new euph that the tuning slide closest to me is getting scratched up some by my belt buckle. How do you protect your instrument from this type of damage?

Don't wear a belt

(Someone had to say it!!)

Geotuba wrote:Don't wear a belt

(Someone had to say it!!)

Oh, I considered that. But in my case that would have ended up being not wearing pants either.

I slide my belt off to the side when I'm playing. My pants are still up and the instrument doesn't get scratched. If I end up in a hurry in the bathroom, though, it does slow me down a little.

MA

Just get one of those '70s "fuzzy" belt buckles

(but seriously, folks, I'm betting you could get or adapt something for the lower bow of the euphonium like the leather guards for horn & tuba)

Buy some nylon webbing and a plastic side release buckle and make your own belt!

Well, I was hoping to avoid this:

Mary Ann has it right. Just slide your belt around your middle so that the buckle is off to one side where it won't touch the horn.

Rick "who learned this the hard way" Denney

Get fat enough for my belly to cover the buckle.



(just kidding)

Wear sweats!

I have the same problem with scratches caused by my wedding ring around the top bow of my tuba. The ring's not coming off for anything. I guess a leather guard would help with that....

Neat. I never thought I would see a thread about beltbuckle scratches on a tuba forum!! I thought I only saw those on guitar forums! (having belt-buckle scratches on a nice acoustic can really squash resale value)

Seriously, MaryAnn's "turn your belt buckle to one side," Geotuba's "don't wear a belt," and CATransplants "coverup" method are all used by guitarists and would work for us, too. I usually carry a cloth to wipe down my horns after I play them, and use those when necessary to cover my belt buckle.

lgb&dtuba wrote:I just noticed on my new euph that the tuning slide closest to me is getting scratched up some by my belt buckle. How do you protect your instrument from this type of damage?

..................... Try suspenders.

armytuba wrote:I have the same problem with scratches caused by my wedding ring around the top bow of my tuba. The ring's not coming off for anything.

Black duct tape around the horn in the right place does the same thing (...and how would I know... )

I had this problem with my school ID tag and jacket zipper. I ended up just taking off the ID (After some nasty scratches) and taped a bandana around the area just under leadpipe. When the tape wore out and the thing started to sag, I just manned up took it off.

There are quite a few easy DIY scratchguards you can make to put on a horn. Try some stuff out.

You could wear an apron when playing. I have seen such used by some British Military band tuba and euphonium players.

I have noticed this sort of problem on my PT-20, but it has been caused not by the belt, but metal buttons on the jacket.

Sans a Belt pants: http://www.nolansmenswear.com/Pants/sansabelt.htm

brassperson wrote:Hi,

Trombone players use for their shirt collars and instrument finish called a collar saver. It is a large clear plastic/rubber hose split down the middle that wraps around the pipe. Some tubas use it around the bell. I am thinking you may want to experiment at the hardware store this concept.

I've used a telephone handset coiled cord on one of my trombones for that. Works ok but adds a little weight. Depending on how well the trombone balances that can be a problem.

For the record, I was hoping to get some responses (and I did) from people who have actually dealt with this problem to see what creative ideas might turn up that I haven't already considered. Some of the other responses I'll just consider as humor.

I'm probably going to do 2 different things. First, carry around a wash cloth for those times I'm in tracht. Thanks for that idea. Second, replace the belt buckle I normally wear day to day with a leather covered one I'll tool with some interesting and appropriate design.

I'm still interested in what people have actually done themselves that hasn't already been mentioned.

Buy tighter pants...

I use tennis racket tape to protect against ring scratches and lacquer wear were I hold my horn. Works great, easily removable, no sticky residue, won't mess up the lacquer like some leather guards.


http://tinyurl.com/29jcmr

go to the Red Wing store and ask for a mechanics belt
mike