Old instruments are like old cars made out of much thicker metal. The body on a 1930s car is at least 3-4 times as thick as a car made today. It takes a lot more effort to get a dent out of them, but they also don't dent as easily, so it is a trade-off.
Great save, it's a real demonstration of the depth of your experience. I really appreciate learning what it takes to refurbish an instrument. I noticed that the videos in your playlist are out of order - it did not change the story of the restoration, but it might be something to adjust. Keep up the great content!
Your attitude on making it right is like Mike Holmes, love it. And the three questions remind me of the Holy Grail scene. Love that we watch both of those together.
I always love watching these videos. Beautiful instruments and the opportunity to see someone so skilled metalworking, all in the same video. What more could you ask for in life?
Great job Wes the new ferrule looks the business my friend! I'm really looking forward to the next episode. Going to binge watch some of your other videos now.
a few months a go as school began I fell in love with kids and band. I bought some trumpets and sent them to a band teacher. She gets highly discounted repairs so defects I just sent to her. As I continued buying I got a few that were not as sweet as the first 5 were. Since she is always "no worries about it" I am curious for student trumpets that need dent work, which ones are worth it and what to do with the fairly damaged off brands? PS I am a chronic DIY control freak and NO WAY would I try to do this myself. Love your art.
Wes, where are you? It's been almost 90 days since your last video was posted. I hope you're just too busy with work, and not being 'held back' by something unfortunate.
Awesome video, I recently found your channel and love watching. Do you have any recommendations how to get into band instrument repair and/or how to find techs/shops that are taking apprentices?
How do you determine what type of laquer is on the horn. Is it just a matter of verifying with the manufacturer and experience, or is there some way to determine scientifically?
As always a pleasure to watch but i cringed when you were handling the long sttingy swsrf. Until recently i wouldnt have been tò concerned but after over 50 years of lathe use without any form of injury i nesrly lost a thumb from a long stringy piece of swarf. I wasnt even holding it and my hand was at least 18 awsy ftom the chuck! Moral of the story, one day lathes bite back!😢
FYI. Lacquer is a type of paint, such as enamel or urethane. Correct usage would be varnish or clearcoat. Prior to 1990 the only clearcoat paint you could get was lacquer, hence the mistake in referring to clear coat as lacquer. The 80s there was a lot of experimentation with clear coats but they either yellowed badly or didn’t stick.
What would you say are the most essentials tools for starting with repair? It appears that reshaping tools are important. Good solder station. Good bench w vice. And also, what talents help? Can a newbie like me repair an instrument at home? I’ve acquired two pieces I’m interested in working on. Thanks for any suggestions.
for those dents in the crook, why not just hammer ball bearings through to expand the dents ? size not available ? I do this to repair crushed header tubes, it's a god send
Hi Wes Lee, I have a repair question for you or anyone that can answer. I'm currently the only Bass Clarinet in our band and my register key seems to be acting a bit wonky. Normally when you press the register key and the 1st back button the very top hole is meant to open while the 2nd hole under it closes. But recently when I go to use the register key for those higher octave notes, the very top hole won't open like it's supposed to causing my notes to sound not that great. I'm not sure what happened that it's malfunctioning like this!! Any ideas or recommendations on what to do? Also how much would it be to get this issue fixed?
I have an old Boy Scout style bugle that had a badly crushed bell which someone tried to straighten. It now has a couple of places where it's cracked all the way through. I'd like to make it better, but not sure what will help and not hurt. Suggestions?
