Trumpet1Ohio

A few days ago I landed a beautiful, in most ways, '59 Olds Super trumpet. With the exception of a problem with the finish it looks like it was just taken out of a time capsule. The valves and slides look new!

The problem is with the finish on the left side of the horn. Along the bell and the left side of the valves it looks as though it's raw brass with a pretty nice patina and color. After leaving it out over night it appears to be darkening from exposure to air. Since the horn is not completely void of finish I'm not sure how to handle it. The bell flair and inside of the bell still have lacquer and the right side of the horn, for the most part is still ok. I hate to take Brasso to it and have it end up bright brass again but I also don't want it to continue to darken and have it look inconsistant with the rest of the horn. I hope I'm explaining it well enough. Any ideas on how to handle this? Eventually, I'll get it refinished, but can't swing it financially right now.

Thanks

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Ken
'59 Olds Super
'76 Bach Model 37

oldlou

How does that old girl sound? If you are pleased with the way that it plays, let that be your major consideration. Was it manufactured to win a physical beauty contest, or, a musical beuty contest? The only people who will see it well enough to notice the poor condition of the lacquer will be the other musicians in whatever ensemble you play in, and they have no reason to care about your horns appearance, just how well it sounds. The audience in most cases can't see the freckles from a distance. Have you ever noticed the condition of the finish on Chris Botti's Martin Committee Model trumpet? He is one of the top paid trumpet artists in the world, and plays horns that look like they have been through a major war.


OLDLOU>>

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SJORDO

Why don't you try removing the remaining lacquer. Then shine the whole horn up with brasso and let time run it's course. Over time a nice patina will form. I just did this two of my horns with great results. I also added a scratch brush finish. Very easy to do. Good luck!

Trumpet1Ohio

Lou,

This is the 2nd Super I've owned. I had an early '70s horn that I sold. When I bought this one I was curious to see if the late 50s Super would play differently. I was and am anazed at the difference in the two. I know I am going to love playing this horn.

I prbably won't worry about the lacquer issue right now.

__________________
Ken
'59 Olds Super
'76 Bach Model 37