Kalison replacement stuff

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:41 pm

I don't know what the quoted repair price was, but replacement parts are generally pretty expensive.

I also don't know if you'll find a suitable alternative one piece upright bell in great shape that will not only fit and look ok but but also cost less than ordering a new Kalison bell (which I guess would have to be done through the Tuba Exchange?).

The leadpipe might be able to be totally replaced with a generic pipe from Allied that would come filled with pitch and need to be bent to shape. The kicker would be finding one as close to the original size as possible. Sometimes they work out great, other times replacement pipes don't turn out nearly as good as the original.

If he likes the horn, was planning on keeping it, and doesn't mind spending some money on it, it could likely be repaired very well by one of the tuba repair specialists that read this board. Does he have insurance on this tuba?

I would investigate the cost of having repairs made to the existing parts by a top notch repairman (Lee Stofer isn't too far away from you or maybe the Brass Bow) before I would spring for a totally new bell or leadpipe. I would be very careful about doing bell swaps and using a generic leadpipe...it could result in a great instrument or a ruined one. Proceed with caution.

Glad to hear your friend was alright though. Car accidents just plain suck.

UTTuba_09 · Post by **UTTuba_09** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:51 pm

Yeah, check with the Tuba Exchange, they should be able to help you out...

cjk · Post by **cjk** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:40 pm

I would try my darnedest to get the horn totaled by one of the insurance companies and consider it a blessing if it happens.

I wouldn't consider that model of instrument worth what it will cost to fix.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 10:33 pm

Bob1062 wrote:I'm just curious if there any other bells that might be a easy addition. It'd be nice to be able to tell some good news!

Well, there's one way to find out.

Take some measurements. measure the circumference of the bell right where it enters the ferrule at the junction with the bottom bow. A dressmaker's tape (nice and flexible) is very convenient for this purpose.

Measure the diameter of the bell.

Measure the height of the bell between the ferrule and the end--it's easiest if you rest the horn on its bell and sure from the floor straight up.

Then post the measurements and see if anything happens.