Re: Replating an instrument.


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Posted by dw on September 11, 2002 at 10:27:26:

In Reply to: Replating an instrument. posted by J. Beish on September 11, 2002 at 10:17:06:

Most full overhauls cost about 25 to 50% of the original cost. Reason? All the original finish has to be removed, lacquer or silver. The dents are removed, usually the instrument is unsoldered completely, soldered back together, buffed (and tubas are not easy to do), degreased, and plated (copper strike, then silver plated).

Is it worth the money? Overhauling an instrument is mostly cosmetic (sorry for the obvious) and for your own enjoyment. If you are trying to sell an instrument, the cost is not offset by the resulting price.

If what you are trying to do is get new spatulas, you can probably purchase them through Custom Music and install them yourself. Your local repair shop can, in all likelihood, make new linkage for you using model truck/airplane parts.


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