Scratches on Instrument

Daniel8802 · Post by **Daniel8802** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:14 pm

Hi guys ... Just wondering if you have any tips for me? I have some scratches in my bell - now I know that sounds picky lol! - but just wondering if you have any tips at all for cleaning them up and shining it up? I have the Yamaha 842S ... Thanks!

Casey Tucker · Post by **Casey Tucker** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:27 pm

i've often wondered the same. let me add somewhat of a side question, is it possible when getting the horn "spruiced up" in the shop could you get the scratches buffed out? silver plate in my case. may it be easier said w/ laquer or not even possible?

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:29 am

You didn't say if your tuba bell was lacquer or silverplate.

There's no good answer for a lacquered bell--basically, one removes the lacquer, maybe burnishes (depending on their depth) and buffs the scratches, then relaquers.

For a silverplated tuba, your local repair shop can color-buff them out. It shouldn't be expensive at all. Just remember that buffing will remove a bit of the plating also. If the scratches are very minor, you might try one of the "pink" silver polishes like Hagerty's or Maas.

Otherwise, don't sweat the small stuff.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:26 am

I missed the "S'--okay, it's silverplate. Ignore what I said about lacquer.

If the scratches are significant, Joe's right--it's not like the old days when silverplate was piled onto a horn. A light buffing, even if it doesn't remove the scratch may lessen the appearance of a scratch considerably.

If the scratch is deep enough that brass shows though, buffing isn't going to get it out. You might try to fill it in a bit with one of those "silver plating" polishes to get the color to match.

Daniel8802 · Post by **Daniel8802** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 10:50 am

Thanks for the responces guys ... I play euphonium btw. The scratches aren't deep or anything like that. It it just from rubbing against things I think - like during concerts on my belt or something like that. I don't rough house with my horn. Just from everyday use.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:15 pm

the elephant wrote:That is the left-handed model.

And the 842D is the right-handed one?

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 1:21 pm

I thought in Yamaspeak, "D" stood for Dyslexic

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 1:10 pm

... now, THAT will scratch your bell!!!