| Brush gold lacquer finishes can be applied without solder burns and excess solder showing through the lacquer. (Excess solder is a tell-tale sign that a horn was NOT assembled by a master craftman. It's an accident that happens less and less with experience). Several manufacturers successfully accomplish this (think Yamaha and Selmer Paris, for two). Using the brushed finish as an excuse demonstrates the general attitude toward quality control with this marketer.
I'd like to hear a followup review with the horn cleaned up and a proper Bach-like tuning slide in place for use by a Bach player. I suspect that the gunk may have been excess tuning-slide grease. It might also be construction residue. No matter which, you see it on many horns (including Bachs) when delivered. I'd suggest a thorough inside cleaning with Simple Green and good brushes.
An odd slide and wads of gunk inside a horn can wreck the performance of even the best custom-made horn. I think this Zeus deserves a second chance by the same reviewer.
Dave |