Pros and cons of Gold Plating top section of bell

[Locky]

Thanks all. In the main an anticipated dose of realism and a few laughs on the way. Red paint you think?

[trseaman]

...and painting my truck red will make it go faster.

Daniel C. Oberloh

Especially if you also add quick shift floor mats and high speed bumper bolts.

And... Don't forget the Yosemite Sam mud flaps!!

Tim

[Chuck(G)]

I'm talking barn paint applied with a broom.

Does a tuba play faster if it's painted with glossy red paint?

[Wyvern]

The thought has occurred to me - what about having a nickel silver band (garland) fitted around the top of the bell, to cover the damage and strengthen? But I don't know if that is practical, or how it would affect the sound?

Otherwise John, if it is worrying you, just have the dents knocked out and the tuba re-lacquered (or silver plated which I believe costs no more - at least at Mr.Tuba). Then use a tuba stand to avoid damage in future. I have found using one considerably reduces the chance of damage (only one very slight dent on my Neptune in two years use).

Jonathan "who only ever stands his tubas on their bells for maintenance"

[TubaRay]

...and painting my truck red will make it go faster.
Daniel C. Oberloh

Especially if you also add quick shift floor mats and high speed bumper bolts.

And... Don't forget the Yosemite Sam mud flaps!!
Tim

Absolutely! This is quite important.

[lgb&dtuba]

Then use a tuba stand to avoid damage in future. I have found using one considerably reduces the chance of damage (only one very slight dent on my Neptune in two years use).

Jonathan "who only ever stands his tubas on their bells for maintenance"

What he said. Before I started religiously using a stand I've had my tuba bell stepped on, a chair set on it and the usual collection of dings from setting it down a little too firmly.

I have to admit that wasn't the major driving force behind my getting and using a stand, though. Having a bell mounted mike was. I didn't want to lay the tuba down or remove the mike between sets.

[The Big Ben]

(or silver plated which I believe costs no more - at least at Mr.Tuba).
Jonathan "who only ever stands his tubas on their bells for maintenance"

Where is this "Mr. Tuba" guy? If plating costs no more than laquer, I have enough work to keep him busy for 3-4 years.

I think he's in the UK....

http://www.netupandgo.com/mrtuba/

Jeff "It would be cheaper yet to have Herr Oberloh finish it with his broom and barn paint" Benedict

[windshieldbug]

Does a tuba play faster if it's painted with glossy red paint?

Only if applied by a broom or it's musical equivalent; a viola

[Wyvern]

Where is this "Mr. Tuba" guy? If plating costs no more than laquer, I have enough work to keep him busy for 3-4 years.

I think he's in the UK....

http://www.netupandgo.com/mrtuba/

That's correct, he is in the UK!

My understanding is that although silver plating costs more than lacquer, the preparation work is less, so the total cost ends up about the same.

[Chuck(G)]

My understanding is that although silver plating costs more than lacquer, the preparation work is less...

I wonder if he'd care to share his secret?

[windshieldbug]

I wonder if he'd care to share his secret?

[Daniel C. Oberloh]

My understanding is that although silver plating costs more than lacquer, the preparation work is less, so the total cost ends up about the same.

Wrong. Anyone else care to explain this one?

Daniel C. Oberloh