Is This Unusual?

[SonnyPhono]

I know that these 56" exhibition horns don't pop up too often, but...isn't this price quite a bit high?

http://cgi.ebay.com/BIG-Gorgeous-CYLIND ... 43a0605132

[Brad]

Seems high to me, and i would be worried about the asphalt scratching the rim of the bell as well.

[SonnyPhono]

Ha! I thought the same thing. Someone put some time and effort into restoring/polishing that horn to have it sitting directly on asphalt.

I thought these would generally sell for about $300 or so. It IS in pretty good condition though. While on the subject, I have a brass horn that has some small dents/dings and creases. Has anyone had success in smoothing these sorts of blemishes out, and if so, would you mind sharing how to go about doing so?

Or, is there someone I can send the horn to who can remove them and polish it for me? How much would a job like that cost on average?

[Brad]

I haven't done so, nor do I know anyone, but I would think that anyone that repairs and restores brass musical instruments could do it. I would inquire at a good music shop, especially one that rents to school children.

[browncow]

Like Brad said... A good brass repaiman will be able to do the work. The best guys will be able to make event the worst creases almost invisible, provided that there is no tearing of the brass.

As a side note, the best band repair shops now have high end ultrasonic tanks, and might be willing to clean parts for a price. I had them clean a disassembled reproducer that turned out quite nicely.

[SonnyPhono]

Interesting idea with the tanks. Wonder if they would be large enough for a 56" horn though. I'm going to check it out and will let you know what I find.

[Jerry B.]

I'm taking a similar horn to CAPS and will be happy with $250. Mine is a nice original but has not been straightened and polished. The ebay horn states that UPS shipping with be ninety some dollars. I doubt that UPS will touch it for that amount if it's packed to their requirements. It will take a refrigerator packing carton.

I've had good results having horns straightened and polished by the local music store that sells brass instruments. Jerry Blais

[SonnyPhono]

I agree that the shipping cost on the eBay horn was low. I could see it being double that amount.

I have a 56" horn that needs to have some small dings taken out of it and needs a good polish. I would be happy to take $250 for it as well. That's why I was surprised by the realized price of the eBay horn.

I will check into a local music shop for pricing. Hope it isn't too steep!

[JohnM]

Just a tip -- most music stores farm out brass instrument dent and ding repair and polishing to craftspersons working out of garages or basements. You maybe better served to contact a high school band director first in order to get the local skinny and possibly save the music store mark- up.

[SonnyPhono]

Good idea, John. I just got off the phone with a pretty reputable music shop in my area. They have service technicians who are employees of their store. I was told that to remove dents and smooth out a 56" horn I would probably be looking at around $100. Then, they would charge an additional $100 to polish and re-lacquer the horn. $200? I don't know. I think I could probably polish and re-lacquer the horn. If so, I guess $100 isn't too bad.

I will probably try contacting a local band director Monday for some alternative ideas.