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Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:38 pm
by Jedi Master
I have noticed that there is a certain odor to my raw brass horn, that seems to be attaching itself to the interior of the hard case! Is there any treatment to keep the patina from forming, and to eliminate the odor?

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:58 pm
by circusboy
A Jedi Master must grow to love the smell and the patina of raw brass.

When I had a raw brass horn, the smell was all a part of the experience for me. I really DID like it.

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:03 pm
by iiipopes
You think the smell of raw brass is bad? You ought to live with the smell of 80 year old silver tarnish on the 38K! It's all part of what makes us tuba players.

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:13 am
by djwesp
Turtle Wax works well for this.

THe smell goes away... granted you like the turtle wax smell. It also evens out (but does not prevent) the "raw brass" patina.

There is also an accelerator for the patina, when used diminishes it from smelling. I got it from Jeff Stelling.

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:44 pm
by Matt Walters
Five to six days a week I leave home smelling of clean clothes and light after-shave. Then I work in a brass store 8-12 hours a day. Luckily when I get home my wife says, "I like the way you smell. You smell like you and brass."

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:46 pm
by bigbob
Ahhh such a good smell yellow zink and copper<s>...bigbob

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:22 pm
by tubatooter1940
In my case, it's the player being more odiferous than the tuba. :P

Re: Raw Brass Odor

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 9:29 pm
by Dan Schultz
Brass is a WONDERFUL smell! I'm up to me elbows in it all day long. Toss in some soldering acid and burned lacquer and I'm in Heaven!

Now... if you really want to know what a bad smell is.... work on a 'spitter's' saxophone who still carries the horn around in the original case!