larry huene

after a long search I have purchased a committee in good shape both
in the finish and structurally. I have been thinking about totally refinishing
the horn. I know that some would say leave it alone, but after spending
all that $$$ on something, why not go all the way. the finish is about 80%
valves are good and just a few dings easily fixed. looks real good the way it is, but think about how it could be.
need some feedback here, what would you do ?? new brass lacquer, gold lacquer, silver plate, gold plate.

larry

Dale Proctor

I'm one of those, if the finish is original....

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screamingmorris

If the finish is 80 percent intact, I would absolutely, positively leave it alone.

I have only had one instrument re-lacquered, and the instrument sounded much less "alive" with the new lacquer on it.
(I do not know if my experience was typical, though.)

Some instruments are in such bad shape that there is not much choice but to re-lacquer them.
But 80 percent original lacquer intact is not bad shape, it is very good shape.

Based on what I have seen in eBay over the past year, I think I can safely say that your trumpet is worth more $$$ with 80 percent original lacquer than with 100 percent re-lacquer.
(Except in the case of that eBay seller "alucard" who manages to ruin vintage instruments and then sell them for much more than they sold for new 50 years ago. I assume you are not thinking of having "alucard" refinish your Committe.)

The link below is what the Conn Loyalist Web site says about disadvantages of re-lacquer.
(Yes, I know that Conn did not make the Committee, but the article is relevant to all great vintage instruments.)

The Conn Loyalist

By the way, have you thought about cutting down your Bb Committee to make it a C Committee?
Just joking... there was this other thread ...

- Morris

Brass crusader

Hello,
So far, I agree with what everyone else has said...

If you have a Committee with any kind of original finish, keep it original!! You never know what a new finish could do to the sound.


If it ain't broke, don't fix it.


Cheers

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~Brass Crusader

Yamaha Xeno Custom w/ reverse leadpipe
1947 Olds Super Recording trumpet
1947 Olds Special trumpet
1952 Olds Ambassador cornet
1967 Olds Special cornet
1970's Yamaha 631 Flugel w/ Rose brass bell
1970's Conn 17b Coprion director
Other assorted Conns and Olds
Yamaha and Bach Mouthpieces
1929 Martin Handcraft "The New Master"
1935 Conn 22B NY Symphony Special tpt
'83 Callet New York Super Large Bore trpt.
'35 Conn 32H trombone

forrest

I'm of the mind it's your horn and, assuming you plan on keeping it, you should do what you want.

I just had a 37 year old horn that I bought new restored and plated in silver. I did it for me - not for what others think. I'm not going to sell it - ever - so I did what made me happy.

veery715

If the dings are easily fixed, get someone competent to do just that. You can always reconsider a new finish later.
I'd play it for a good while before doing anything. Decisions about refinishing are easier to make once you really know the horn.

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rowuk

You know what, your audience could care less, they just want refined notes coming out of the front.

The geeks will see an original Committee and without playing a note you will be cool and authorative. The very young kids in the local wind band will like shiny better. There are some of us (like me) that would just get the laquer ENTIRELY removed. That is consistent, non invasive and for the geeks even cooler and more authorative!

I think it is riskier to get a horn relaquered. The chance of the sound changing for the worse is greater than with silver or gold plate.

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oldlou

I totally agree with Robin. To add to his statements, I would have you ask yourself if you are still young enough to play this horn for an extended number of years, or, if you will have to either sell it, or have your heirs do so in the foreseeable future. An example in point; I am 72 years old and in relatively poor health, thus, I have to look at the collectors market influence on anything that I buy. This is to protect my heirs from the real losses that WILL occur upon my demise, if I do 'ANYTHING' to any of my horns that reduce their value after I am gone. To relacquer that old Martin will definately reduce it's saleability and value on the current market. It's your horn and also, your choice. Please contemplate carefully.


OLDLOU>>

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Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list

trumphat

I have a friend that had his original '47 Committee - he got it new in high school- overhauled and re-lacquered a few years ago. He does not like the way the horn plays or sounds. I have a 1950, hardly any finish left, and would not think to have it done. It plays and sounds great! Leave yours as is and enjoy it for what it is. Just my opinion.

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Martin Committee Deluxe M '50
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Gary Garcia

Hi, I have a 1947 committee that I purchased from the original owner, no dents and has a wonderful old finish. I think if a horn is not beat up with major dents that it should be kept in its original finish.If not, whatever floats your boat! ----Gar