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After reading Mark's thread when he stripped and scotchbrited his euphonium, I thought I'd try it on my Conn bell that the lacquer was roached out on. Turned out pretty well I think.

I realize this was a few months ago but I am pondering a what to do with a similar situation. I have an old 20j with the original recording bell. The body looks good but the bell is all messed up,and really drags the appearance of the horn down.
I've heard that stripping these horns will mess up the sound. I'm sure the recording vs upright would have something to do with it but I wanted to ask how much this affected your horn.

I like the effect visually, I'd think the sound would have changed little.

I've never noticed any appreciable difference between lacquer or raw brass.

Raw brass will certainly hide any imperfections (dents, etc.) much better than lacquer, as does flat wall paint over gloss or even semi-gloss.

As to appearance, I much prefer the look of raw brass. First, I shine it up really nice, and then very lightly go over it with scotch-brite. At a distance, it gives the appearance of satin silver.

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I can't explain why, but there has always been something about a lacquer finish that "turns me off".

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I agree. I'm not to much of a fan of lacquer although some manufactures can really pull it off. Gotta say Satin Silver for me.

Now the question is how goofy would a 20j look with a raw bell and lacquered body? The body finish is actually pretty good. But the horn was a school horn I'm pretty sure for it's life until a week ago so the body is riddled with little dents and dings so raw brass may actually be beneficial.
Does anyone have any pictures of raw 20js? I've tried to look for them and can't seem to find them.

I Can honestly say I have not noticed any horrid intonation problems since stripping the bell. As far at the appearance, the bell has started to patina to a nice brass color that blends very well the 20J body which has some lacquer left. What does the audience see, that big shiny bell sticking up in the back row. I put a nice coat of wax on it every couple of months to try to slow the oxidation. I would have rather sent the bell to Lee Stofer for a complete redo but being the cheapskate I am this route had a good (and affordable) outcome.

I fixed a giant dent in my bell as well. Some highschool 15 years ago decided to stand on the bell...but it rolled out ok. And you can't see scarring unless you're about 5 feet away or so.

I agree they may look a little goofy. But every director who's told me that has taken it back once they've heard it...
I may look more into it if I find a valve.