My "new"old 20-K

[John Caves]

Hi All,

I just purchased a used Conn 20-K with a brass lacquer
finish. The thing plays like a dream, but the lacquer has a black scale-like appearance to it. Is this just dirt that would come off on a nice summer's day in a wading pool with a bottle of Soft Scrub (and a six-pack)? Is there anything better to clean brass lacquer with other than Soft Scrub?



Thanks for any info!

[Dan Schultz]

The thing plays like a dream, but the lacquer has a black scale-like appearance to it.

Sounds a bit like the lacquer is already history! Pick a 'dime-sized' spot and rug vigorously with Simichrome, Wenol, or Brasso. If a shine appears rather quickly, you might be better off to remove any lacquer that might be remaining by using a commercial stripper like 'Aircraft' stipper available from Autozone. My opinion is that raw brass looks much better than crummy lacquer. It's difficult to polish a turd.

[John Caves]

Yes, I think you are right. I literally just picked the horn up Friday, but didn't get a real good look at it until this morning. What I remember as "dirt" was lacquer coming off. I think I will have to save my pennies for a complete refinishing in a couple of years (after my "new/old" Conn helicon gets reworked).

I know now I must stop buying "new" horns.

[John Caves]

I know there aren't any 20-k's there,but I believe there still is a four valve Buescher (?) that is in rough shape. I saw it in a dimly-lit garage one night, but, I couldn't tell if it was anything worth doing anything with.

Might you be interested?