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Strad Restoration



 
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rcox6918
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Joined: 16 Apr 2020
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 11:42 am    Post subject: Strad Restoration Reply with quote

I was wondering who could restore a Bach Stradivarius for a decent price? Budget is around $900 but could it be done cheaper ($500-700 would be a dream)? I just want it cleaned, polished and relacquered. The horn plays well enough but it is more of a refinish + cleaning rather than a full on restoration job.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated!
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Richard A
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 11:48 am    Post subject: Bach Stradivarius Refinish Reply with quote

Start with James Becker at Osmun Music in Acton, MA.
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kehaulani
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 11:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've had good luck on a number of horns by Jim Becker at Osmun Music. As far as price, you should discuss with him just what you specifically need and then he can give you a more accurate price.
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rcox6918
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Osmun is definitely on my list but I am looking out for others as well just to keep note.
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Halflip
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 12:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Charlie Melk is very knowledgeable regarding Bach Strads, and he does excellent lacquer work. (I speak from personal experience -- he has relacquered over 15 horns for me. Also, I believe Dr. Valve sends his clients' horns to Charlie if they need lacquer work.) Charlie's website lists a base cost of $925 for a refinish in lacquer, but you may want to check with him in case your horn needs other minor work.
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theslawdawg
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 1:02 pm    Post subject: Re: Strad Restoration Reply with quote

rcox6918 wrote:
I was wondering who could restore a Bach Stradivarius for a decent price? Budget is around $900 but could it be done cheaper ($500-700 would be a dream)? I just want it cleaned, polished and relacquered. The horn plays well enough but it is more of a refinish + cleaning rather than a full on restoration job.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated!


Rich Ita.
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Uberopa
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Greene's Buffing seems to get high praise around here for the type of work you would like done.
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TrumpetMD
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Joined: 22 Oct 2008
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've restored 4 horns over the past few years, including my main trumpet, a 1975 Bach 43*. All of them were relacquered or replated, along with other work. For the first 3 horns, I used Kanstul (sadly, they're no long in business). The last horn I restored was a 1965 Bach Strad by Mark Metzler. He did a great job, and what he did was in your price range.

A few people suggested Osmun Music. They have a great reputation, and Jim Becker is a regular here. One question that I have for Jim ... do you relacquer and replate horns in-house, or do you send them out for this?

Thanks!
Mike
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Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
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Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.
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Speed
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Joined: 13 May 2015
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 5:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a very early Elkhart Strad refinished at Southeastern Musical Services in Huntsville, Alabama. It played great to begin with, but when they finished with it, it looked like new. Plus it was well within your budget.

Take care,
Marc Speed
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rcox6918
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Joined: 16 Apr 2020
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 3:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

TrumpetMD wrote:
I've restored 4 horns over the past few years, including my main trumpet, a 1975 Bach 43*. All of them were relacquered or replated, along with other work. For the first 3 horns, I used Kanstul (sadly, they're no long in business). The last horn I restored was a 1965 Bach Strad by Mark Metzler. He did a great job, and what he did was in your price range.

A few people suggested Osmun Music. They have a great reputation, and Jim Becker is a regular here. One question that I have for Jim ... do you relacquer and replate horns in-house, or do you send them out for this?

Thanks!
Mike


When you say 'budget' is that my maximum budget or dream budget?
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James Becker
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Joined: 02 Sep 2005
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Location: Littleton, MA

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 4:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

TrumpetMD wrote:
One question that I have for Jim ... do you relacquer and replate horns in-house, or do you send them out for this?

Thanks!l

Mike


Thanks for asking, Mike. The bulk of my restoration work is mechanical, particularly for vintage instruments where preservation of original finish is paramount. Keep in mind that perfect appearances often require blending of blemishes by filing, sanding and heavy buffing. For lacquering we can apply a baked epoxy finish in house, but have a source that can apply lacquer electrostaticly for a premium finish. Like the majority of shops, we use Anderson for all silver and gold. Cyanide solutions for silver and gold plating require strict compliance to environmental laws. Our in house plating is limited to dimensional copper and nickel for rebuilding piston and rotor valves.

As for a budget refinishing, in some instances where no additional prep work is required, like dent removal, feathering out blemishes has been done. We can provide a quote upon inspection.

I hope this is helpful.
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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
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TrumpetMD
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Joined: 22 Oct 2008
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Location: Maryland

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

James Becker wrote:
Thanks for asking, Mike....

Thanks Jim!!

rcox6918 wrote:
When you say 'budget' is that my maximum budget or dream budget?

As I recall, his standard restoration price was somewhere between the two.

Mike
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Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.
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Ed Kennedy
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can add Steve "Dr. Valve" Winans to your list.
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adagiotrumpet
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Joined: 31 May 2006
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 7:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ed Kennedy wrote:
You can add Steve "Dr. Valve" Winans to your list.


+1 He's restored several horns for me. His work is flawless.
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