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Just watched the 7 episodes of Hirsbrunner Tuba Repair Project. Brilliant! I stumbled into it by accident this morning googling brass instrument repair. I know I'm years behind the times (the project is from 2011) but I highly recommend this video series to anyone who wants to see in detail what the work of a master craftsman looks like.

You need some work doing, Bob ... or looking to do a bit yourself?

I do need some done. An airline dropped my yamaha f on its head, put a krinkle in the bell and knocked a brace loose. (they also broke the case)

For 15 years I've been thinking about having it fixed. Now, unemployed, I'm not using it much and could part with it for a time. But now, unemployed, I don't really have the money. So I was scanning the web for ideas and seriously thinking about giving it a go myself. From Dan's vids I learned that even with a well equipped shop, removing bell krinkles is a time consuming job requiring a good bit of technique and not for the faint of heart like me.

If I had the money, and if I didn't already know two really good repair guys, I would certainly give Oberloh's a shout.

If I remember correctly, the case stayed closed. The bell end of the case split. That cracks never been repaired either. Oh, and somehow the leather was take from the handle leaving a sharp metal grip. I was living in Chicago and teaching part-time in Troy Alabama. The first time I went there, I flew and that's when all this happened. I complained at the the airport (can't remember if I flew into Montgomery or Birmingham) and they replied "we're not responsible" and stuck a "fragile" sticker on the case.

I hadn't noticed how sharp the handle was until I arrived at the music school and tried to shake the department chair's hand. My hand was covered in blood.

After that, I rented a car with unlimited miles and drove each week.