Project restoration - Lidl Euph/Baritone in C

[chrisginstl]

I acquired this old Euph (or Baritone, I'm not sure which) made by Lidl back when Czech and Slovakia were united under communist rule. By the label it seems to have been made for export given the english language, although I really have no clue about that.

My hope is to clean the horn and improve the valve function to a point where it may be played. It won't ever be played a lot, but it's a conversation piece and since it's in the key of C, I don't have to change my C tuba fingerings!!

So what would you do to "restore" this instrument? (no Euph bashing please or comments about recycling)
- there seem to be some thinning or rust spots forming, so I assume getting a repair shop involved is advisable.
- any thoughts about prices? what should I expect to spend?

Here are a couple of pics:




Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Chris

[averagejoe]

I would love to see have one of those, it looks really fun. Sorry I don't have anything to contribute, but keep us posted.

[imperialbari]

Terminology across the Saxhorn/euphonium barrier with the ovals is tough:

http://www.chisham.com/tips/bbs/jul2001 ... 61604.html

Yours being in C also removes it from the normal distinction between Tenorhorn and Bariton. A borderline which even has been moved over the last decades, where both species have grown fatter.

The cranks and the water key of your sample, in my eyes at least, point towards it being made before WWII maybe even shortly after WWI. I would call it a small Bariton.

No advice on repairs can be given from the photo. That takes a hands on evaluation, or at least very specific and clear photos of problem areas.

The C instruments, which also are seen in flugelhorns and valve trombones, appear to have been used in two areas: dance halls and churches. In both cases for reading over the shoulder of the pianist or organist.

Klaus

[SousaSaver]

If I might make a suggestion, don't mess with the rotors if you don't have much experience taking them apart and properly re-assembling them.

If doesn't look as if it NEEDS restoration. It looks very clean. Unless you want to have it lacquered to protect the brass. I don't know if I would do that if you won't be handling it very often.

The one concern I would have is the condition of the rotors. By this I mean the wear and potential up and down or side play in the rotor.

Where are you located? Maybe there is a friendly Tube-Netter in your area who could have a look?

[chrisginstl]

Thanks for the comments so far! I live in St. Louis, and have used Bill Meyers (St. Louis Woodwind & Brass Instrument Repair) for past work, but it's been more than a decade ago. Plus, with the age and uniqueness of the horn I wasn't sure if there were special considerations.

I acquired the horn on eBay about 2 or 3 years ago, and promptly shelved it after an initial eval. Now I'm ready to make it "workable". The rotors are not something I'd mess with personally, but they do need attention. Alignment, and basic maintenance may be all they need.

I thought about emailing Lidl with the serial # to see its exact age. We'll see.

Thanks for any additional thoughts!
Chris

[iiipopes]

This may sound oversimplified, but it isn't: rotors are rotors. They have, as a family, from rotary piccs through European rotary trumpets & flugels, to french horns, to bass tubas and contrabass tubas, their own considerations as a family. Any tech who is truly proficient in rotors will be able to take care of the horn.

Great horn! A couple of C cornets or trumpets, an "altonium" in F (the ones sold here in the USA, which look like smaller versions of the American hybrid baritone/euph, were usually sold with an F crook as well as an Eb crook) and this horn would make a great church-band brass quintet, reading directly out of the hymnals or other congregational and service music without transcription or need for specialized arrangements!