Horn damaged during repair work

Donjon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Posts: 567

I had a slight ding to the crook on the 3rd valve slide and took it in for repair. When I got it home and took it out to play, I realised that the slide had been damaged in two places during the repair and only moved with significant force. The stopper ring had been dislodged and the other tube end was misshapen.

I returned it to give him the repair man and he made some improvements, but the slide still doesn't run smoothly. He says that if I leave it with him, he'll get it running smoothly again, but this might remove some of the silver.

I'm absolutely gutted that my beautiful Schilke is damaged and feel that anything less than original condition is not good enough.

(the horn is under a year old and worked perfectly before the work).
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C.E.Divine · Veteran Member Joined: 30 Jan 2013 Posts: 285

The tools used to do this can easily damage the slide when used by careless or hack repairmen. He probably didn't make sure to keep the tube from contacting the rod while he was applying force, and caused it to go out of round. And to get it running smoothly again, it should NOT remove any of the silver. Do not take it back to him. This would be time to find a new tech. I do not know where you are located, but I work in Fayetteville, AR, and we get the occasional mail-in instrument. Just PM me if you are interested. Or, if you want as close to factory as possible, send it to Schilke. I believe they still do repair work on their own instruments. I hate seeing brand new instruments damaged and distraught owners, especially when it is another repair person that did the damage.

I would also ask politely that he not charge you for the work that he did, but it sounds like he will not be the type to agree to anything. A good, honest technician would have realized their mistake and fixed it at no charge to you. That is the cost of doing business. When we screw up, we eat it to keep the customer happy, no matter the cost (within reason, of course.) Your trumpet can be fixed, it is not ruined, but NEVER let this guy touch it again.

edit-just noticed all of your .co.uk tags. Sounds like you are in the UK. I believe Will Spencer is located in Surrey. You may give him a ring.
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Corey Divine

Bach LR19043B B-flat
Blackburn converted Bach C
Kanstul CC920 Piccolo
Blessing XL Flugelhorn
J.W. York and Sons Perfec-Tone B-flat/A Cornet

Donjon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Posts: 567

You're advice is much appreciated. I'm just working out the best course of action, my primary concern is that the trumpet is returned to new condition asap.
_________________
http://www.thebigeasyband.co.uk
http://www.trumpet-scully.co.uk
http://www.kabukimusic.co.uk

James Becker · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:32 am Post subject:

We're all human and make mistakes now and then. That being said, how one recovers from his/her mistakes can be vary widely and is a reflection of one's pride in their work and amount of experience. Unfortunately you had to learn the hard way, but with some replacement tubes and fresh silver plating it can be rebuilt like new.
_________________
James Becker
Brass Repair Specialist Since 1977
Osmun Music Inc.
77 Powdermill Road Rt.62
Acton, MA 01720
www.osmun.com

Our workshop is as close as your nearest UPS store https://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US

brianj · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Apr 2006 Posts: 239

I see from the web links you're based in Yorkshire.

Have you thought of taking the trumpet to Mick Rath. He's a good man and has done good work for me in the past and is near to you.

If you're willing to post it Andy Taylor has done brilliant work for me in the past, and Leigh McKinney at Eclipse has also done good work for me.

good luck with fixing up your hooter

brian jones

cheiden · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:31 am Post subject:

If you're problem is limited to the removable slide perhaps replacement is a better and more certain option. Some time ago I had an incident that left the 2nd slide of my Yamaha flugel severely damaged. I was told that this could be difficult to repair, I assume that means expensive. On a lark I went on line and found I could get a factory replacement for only $25. At that price I'm not even going to mess with repairing it.
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Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart

Steve Hollahan · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:48 am Post subject: 3rd slide dent repair

Very hard to remove dent like this. Easy to damage slide action. BUT, it should have never been returned if slide didn't move easily. BIG MISTAKE for any repairman to hand a pro horn back to customer that doesn't work. He might need to replace slide and apologize.

Lose -lose situation for everyone. BUT, its better to keep guys with pro horns happy. And many times the part will cost the store and not the tech.
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Steve Hollahan
Bach 37, 229 C
Yamaha 9620 D-Eb, 741 C, Flugel
Kanstul 900 piccolo trumpet
Sculptured Recrafting Custom Instrument Repair
and Restoration
www.sculpturedrecrafting.com

jhatpro · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:35 am Post subject:

Don't know any of the UK but have had great work done in the US by people like Charlie Melk, Steve Wynans, Rich Ita and James Becker. I've also had poor work from people who were close and cheap. Big mistake.

When a keeper horn is involved, going with anyone but the best is asking for disappointment.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

yourbrass

James Becker · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:12 am Post subject:

Though his focus is primarily Horns, Luke Woodhead is a highly skilled brass repair technician with a great attitude towards his work http://www.woodheadhorns.co.uk/

Good luck!
_________________
James Becker
Brass Repair Specialist Since 1977
Osmun Music Inc.
77 Powdermill Road Rt.62
Acton, MA 01720
www.osmun.com

Our workshop is as close as your nearest UPS store https://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US

Brad361 · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:28 pm Post subject:

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6187

I hope that tubes attached to the casing of the third valve did not get distorted and/or scratched by inserting/moving the dented third slide. I would send it to Schilke.

Venturi · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Apr 2012 Posts: 262

Donjon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Posts: 567

I'm very pleased that the tech has now agreed to replace the slide, this is exceptional news and the horn will very soon be back to it's original state.
_________________
http://www.thebigeasyband.co.uk
http://www.trumpet-scully.co.uk
http://www.kabukimusic.co.uk

cheiden · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:43 am Post subject:

ltkije1966 · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:06 am Post subject:

You might consider shipping it back to Schilke. Give them a call and see what they can do for you.
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Scott Kuehn

patdublc · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:10 pm Post subject:

If it were me, I would contact Schilke and have them do the repair. They have the best selection of parts. They have done very good work for me in the past and have treated me very fairly.

It can be difficult to find a tech with the right skills to do the work locally.
However, if a tech of Jim Becker's level recommends a local tech, then that I would trust as well.
_________________
Pat Shaner
Play Wedge Mouthpieces by Dr. Dave exclusively.
Experiment with LOTS of horn makes and models.

LittleRusty · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:58 pm Post subject:

While I agree that Schilke would do a good job, probably as good as many of the top techs, in my opinion, suggesting the OP pay for international shipping to get his third slide repaired is kind of silly.

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6187

It is worth a try to see if with a replacement slide the horn is restored to its former playing capacity. However, OP mentioned damage done to the non-movable tubes - hence, sending to Schilke might be a better option.

LittleRusty · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 4:07 pm Post subject: