getting a horn laquered

Casey Tucker · Post by **Casey Tucker** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:34 am

so i just bought a raw brass F tuba and i want to get some stuff done including getting it re-finished. i haven't really decided but i know i don't want it to have a gold or metallic laquer. more like a clear coat laquer to keep the raw brass look but without the worry of oxidation. question: is there a shop in TX that will do a clear coat? somewhere near TX? somewhere at all? also, i noticed that kanstul trumpets have the finish option of a brushed raw brass. kinda like satin brass on the conn tubas. do you think there is someone that can do this or a company that can? any help is greatly appreciated.

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 11:24 am

An 'interesting' finsh can be had by simply scrubbing a raw brass horn with Scotch-Brite and then applying a good grade of automotive wax.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 12:58 pm

Yeah,I know,we aren't answering your original question.Tough.

.Polish once per year.Limit exposure to air.Play and enjoy.Part of the beauty of your horn is it's cost effectiveness.You're about to ruin it.It won't resell for much more if relaquered.And you WILL resell it someday.

The Big Ben · Post by **The Big Ben** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 1:04 pm

I don't like the smell of my hands when I handle raw brass. Will auto wax stop that?
I've never seen the leather sleeves some guys have in catalogs. Am I just looking in the wrong catalog? Does anyone know where to get those?

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 1:53 pm

The Big Ben wrote:I don't like the smell of my hands when I handle raw brass. Will auto wax stop that?

Application of a good auto wax will help. However... It's a personal chemisty thing. Just a touch from some folks will tarnish a raw brass horn instantly. I don't have lacquer on any of my horns and they stay looking good for maybe six months or so with little or no attention.

Casey Tucker · Post by **Casey Tucker** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:24 pm

hey wade,

yeah that would be the 180 you're talking about. i have to have a brace re-soldered between the 4th valve and tuning slide, but i must say good work. it plays really well. scotch brite and auto wax? i'll give it a go. i think i'll keep it unlaquered for about 6 months and we'll go from there (if it starts to be a real hassle and it's tarnishing when i look at it, i'll laquer it) i'll look into these leather guards and hopefully that'll take away some of the worry. im just worried i'll do something to hurt the horn (this is why i asked for advice first) what would i need to do for day to day maintenance for raw brass? is it anything like silver (wipe with soft cloth and store)? thanks guys for the help.

TexTuba · Post by **TexTuba** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:33 pm

Casey Tucker wrote:hey wade,

yeah that would be the 180 you're talking about. i have to have a brace re-soldered between the 4th valve and tuning slide, but i must say good work. it plays really well. scotch brite and auto wax? i'll give it a go. i think i'll keep it unlaquered for about 6 months and we'll go from there (if it starts to be a real hassle and it's tarnishing when i look at it, i'll laquer it) i'll look into these leather guards and hopefully that'll take away some of the worry. im just worried i'll do something to hurt the horn (this is why i asked for advice first) what would i need to do for day to day maintenance for raw brass? is it anything like silver (wipe with soft cloth and store)? thanks guys for the help.

I have a raw brass 186. For maintenance, I do nothing! I just let that patina be. I remember hearing somewhere that to rub off any green spots that might appear. I don't know how accurate that is, but I do rub them off with a damp cloth.

Ralph