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While I’m waiting for this second coat of Citristrip to remove the last of the nasty pebble finish (not knocking the style, it was in bad shape when I got it) from my otherwise fully-rebuilt, new-to-me 70s Conn 36K... I’m thinking about what color I want to go. This rig is what some call “fiberbrass” as the bell I matched it with is actually from a vintage (Naked Lady) 26K. It’s a great match, making his horn sound much more “14K” with excellent projection and intonation (except for that pesky, flat C in the staff). I’ll post pics when it’s stripped, primed, and assembled for Sunday band rehearsal.

As for the final body paint color, I tried a test coat of “antique gold” and wasn’t digging how it clashed with the lacquered brass. White is too basic. I’m leaning toward satin black with a nice, semi-gloss clear coat to prevent fingerprints.

But I have at least a week until she’s color-ready! So, I figured it would be cool to see what kind of shenanigans y’all have gotten into with your fiberglass sousas.

I’ve seen pictures of Bloke’s crazy (awesome) custom 36K (though some action shots would be cool). I’ve seen Bill Troiano’s awesome Jupiter too, that’s a gorgeous black finish!

What else have you guys done? Don’t be shy!

I was under the assumption that a 20k/22k bell will not fit a 14k/36k body? Are you sure it isn't a 14k bell? The 20k bell should be too wide to fit a 36k..

@Sousaswag sorry for the fake news! Simple case of morning (almond)butter fingers. It’s very much a nice, brasss 26K bell... says the stamp on the back, 6 1/8” diameter, etc. Updating post now.

Now back to the OP’s topic

Oooooooooooooooh. I like.

Bloke, if I decide to keep this horn, I may also reach out to you directly in the coming months about sending you my valve section for "detailing". Nothing major (it's just had a full "service-restoration"). There are still a few dings (in the not-easlity-reached 3rd valve loop, of course) and I would be asking for the obligatory classy satin lacquer treatment you gave to that school's 36K horn (A+). I'd also want to chat about modifying the first valve plumbing: shortening and reversing the slides to bring up 2nd space C, and allow left-hand manipulation for Eb/low C... just thinking aloud. I'll cross that brigde once I decide I can hack it on BBb!