CLEANING: Ultrasonic - Chemical - Home | Summary & Decision
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 11:09 am
I have read several posts on maintenance and cleaning, and thought I'd share my summary, as well as my decision to put it through some heavy vetting here on Tubenet.
SUMMARY
The point is frequently made that semi-regular cleaning is important to the maintenance of the horn, and health of the player.
There are lots of tips on how to do a home-cleaning, while an important additional point made is that home jobs are rarely sufficient as the only service.
There is an ongoing quality debate between chemical cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning. To my eyes, it appears that chemical cleaning may have the edge in preference, although this is also biased by access to ultrasonic or trust in the skill and experience of the operator for ultrasonic -
amateurs need not apply.
Deeper problems in older horns like mine may be revealed with a thorough cleaning. Leaks, and other issues may be masked by "beneficial slime." Once removed, additional repairs may be necessary.
The "Beneficial slime" theory is only part true. Yes, it may be masking problems, but the general consensus is that it is never beneficial, and never too soon to get the horn back to how it should be; sans slime.
Various stories of techs/shops trying to avoid cleaning big, awkward horns have emerged, and now I have my own version. Back when I had a little work done to help with the threading of a valve, I asked the tech about cleaning, and he replied in an irritated tone, "These horns don't need to be cleaned."
I've pondered all of this for a bit, and even considered whether I wanted to fact-check the store's policy on cleaning. Do they offer it? Even so - if that's his opinion, do I want him working on my horn? We're in a small-ish town, so there aren't many options.
The decision:
I found Tubenetter Lost's thread viewtopic.php?f=2&t=62618&hilit=overhaul about restorations, with a list of qualified technicians by state. I looked a couple up, and there's one in Detroit and one in Chicago, which are equidistant to me.
Dana Hofer brass repair came out on top. He has pictures, videos, references and even a clear and distinct pricing page that includes services on tubas and sousaphones. While he offers ultrasonic, versus chemical, I feel his reputation and experience alleviate any concern over the threats of ultrasonic.
http://www.danahoferbrassrepair.com/
I feel like having a professional-level technician within a couple of hours for services that can impact the lifespan of the instrument, is pretty darn good. I'm sure I might still use the local guys for a small repair to keep me playing if needed, but I'm feeling good that Dana will identify any other needs with the horn and responsibly get it playing to the best of its potential.
I suppose I'm just rattling on to share what I gained from Tubenet and sound out my logic. If anyone knows a better shop within an hour or so of Grand Rapids, Michigan - I'm all ears. In the meantime, I'm hoping to drop by horn off with Dana next week.
Thanks to all for your contributions to the topic of cleaning & maintenance!
SUMMARY
The point is frequently made that semi-regular cleaning is important to the maintenance of the horn, and health of the player.
There are lots of tips on how to do a home-cleaning, while an important additional point made is that home jobs are rarely sufficient as the only service.
There is an ongoing quality debate between chemical cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning. To my eyes, it appears that chemical cleaning may have the edge in preference, although this is also biased by access to ultrasonic or trust in the skill and experience of the operator for ultrasonic -
amateurs need not apply.
Deeper problems in older horns like mine may be revealed with a thorough cleaning. Leaks, and other issues may be masked by "beneficial slime." Once removed, additional repairs may be necessary.
The "Beneficial slime" theory is only part true. Yes, it may be masking problems, but the general consensus is that it is never beneficial, and never too soon to get the horn back to how it should be; sans slime.
Various stories of techs/shops trying to avoid cleaning big, awkward horns have emerged, and now I have my own version. Back when I had a little work done to help with the threading of a valve, I asked the tech about cleaning, and he replied in an irritated tone, "These horns don't need to be cleaned."
I've pondered all of this for a bit, and even considered whether I wanted to fact-check the store's policy on cleaning. Do they offer it? Even so - if that's his opinion, do I want him working on my horn? We're in a small-ish town, so there aren't many options.
The decision:
I found Tubenetter Lost's thread viewtopic.php?f=2&t=62618&hilit=overhaul about restorations, with a list of qualified technicians by state. I looked a couple up, and there's one in Detroit and one in Chicago, which are equidistant to me.
Dana Hofer brass repair came out on top. He has pictures, videos, references and even a clear and distinct pricing page that includes services on tubas and sousaphones. While he offers ultrasonic, versus chemical, I feel his reputation and experience alleviate any concern over the threats of ultrasonic.
http://www.danahoferbrassrepair.com/
I feel like having a professional-level technician within a couple of hours for services that can impact the lifespan of the instrument, is pretty darn good. I'm sure I might still use the local guys for a small repair to keep me playing if needed, but I'm feeling good that Dana will identify any other needs with the horn and responsibly get it playing to the best of its potential.
I suppose I'm just rattling on to share what I gained from Tubenet and sound out my logic. If anyone knows a better shop within an hour or so of Grand Rapids, Michigan - I'm all ears. In the meantime, I'm hoping to drop by horn off with Dana next week.
Thanks to all for your contributions to the topic of cleaning & maintenance!
) into one of those ultrasound tanks. I just don't want to risk blowing holes in dezinctified parts, and I don't want to have so much money into some sort of "rig", that I would be forced into hard-selling people access to it (so that it might possibly pay for itself). Finally, I've seen those things (done by others' tanks) leave a good bit of lime in instruments.