How would you supe up a Bach TR 300?

radiobob · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:15 am Post subject:

My practice horn is a Bach TR 300 and I'm thinking of fixing it up. What would you do to turn a TR 300 into a hot rod? Be creative, and don't say "turn it into a Strad".

Bob

Tom LeCompte · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:16 am Post subject:

What are your goals in "fixing it up"? What is your budget?

radiobob · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:19 am Post subject:

Wow, quick reply! I just want it to be the best player it can be. My budget isn't large but I have a friend who is a repairman so I can get a discount maybe. I'm interested in any ideas both high and low budget.

Bob

fuzzyjon79 · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:22 am Post subject:

No flames intended.. but if you want it "souped up"... send it to Jason Harrelson.

I'm being serious... he takes the horn apart and rebuilds it...and from what I have read on his testimonials.. the horns play better... I can't speak from experience because I have not and will not have that done to my horns... but if you wanted to experiment.. then you should contact him.
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[ This Message was edited by: fuzzyjon79 on 2004-04-18 12:44 ]

radiobob · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:38 am Post subject:

Oh No, let's not get that started!

Bob

Mouse · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:59 am Post subject:

If I might offer an opinion, progress comes from experimentation, and I respect that Jason is attempting to improve on existing trumpet designs. In fact, at some point in time, I'm going to go to the Twin Cities and try out his horns! I might be pleasantly surprised or maybe I won't like them. I give him credit for trying to innovate.

Regards
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pocketrocket · Regular Member Joined: 19 Oct 2003 Posts: 64

I would take the same route as the guy who not so recently suped up an Olds Ambassador. I remember he put a leadpipe on it, got the slides working, and relacquered it.

He posted pics of it on here so if he stumbles on this thread he might be able to point out which one it was.

[ This Message was edited by: pocketrocket on 2004-04-18 13:12 ]

bophead · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 10:34 am Post subject:

I would give it a good soak, replace corks and felts and post it on E-bay. Then buy a Kanstul 700.

mheffernen5 · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 10:37 am Post subject:

My idea would be to either buy a silver TR300, or have your current TR300 silver plated if it isn't already.

surfhorn · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 10:43 am Post subject:

Bore and stroke it and add a Holley four barrel.

If that doesn't work, you can take your tuning slide and have a repairman flair the openings of each pipe....or buy a rounded tuning slide.

musicalmason · Veteran Member Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 214

I agree with bophead, you should sell it and buy a good horn.

dbacon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 8592

trumpetmike · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 1:54 pm Post subject:

Find a big bin, deposit trumpet in it, jump on bin for fun.

It might not work any better, but you will have had some fun doing it!

Then go and buy a Yamaha

Seriously - I would put the money towards a better instrument, rather than adapting the one you have got. It is a student instrument. If you have it adapted all you will end with is a student instrument that looks unusual.

radiobob · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 2:25 pm Post subject:

Well, thanks for all the replies so far, although other than a rounded tuning slide and silver plate, I haven't really seen any serious ideas. I do have some professional horns too, way too many actually, I did the Ebay bop for awhile, but I use this for practice and it's O.K. for that. Actually, it's not a really bad horn, just seems rather dull and lifeless. Really good vaves too. I contacted Jason Harrellson to get on the list for his pass around horn, he replied to say he would get back to me and I haven't heard anything since. There must be some way to turn a TR300 into a better horn, moving braces, adding braces, other?

WaxHaX0rS · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jul 2003 Posts: 524

http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic=16027&forum=7&start=15

That's the thread of the guy who transformed his Ambassador. He took down the pictures, but maybe you can ask him to send you some.

Tom LeCompte · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:20 pm Post subject:

Radiobob,

I'm afraid I agree with much of what's been written here, although I would have perhaps said things differently.

First, changing the playing characteristics of a horn is a far more expensive proposition than changing the cosmetics of the horn. By the time you are done, for example, putting a new bell on the horn, you've spent more than the horn is worth. Secondly, it's difficult to make the horn "play better" - that is, to be universally better in all aspects. A trumpet design is an exercise in compromises.

The best thing you can do to the playing characteristics is to save your money and buy another horn.

If you are interested in cosmetics, I don't think mheffernen5's idea to silver plate your horn (if it isn't already silver) is a good idea. That will be in the ballpark of the cost of a new horn.

Cheers,

Tom

trumplyr · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:28 pm Post subject:

Radiobob,

I agree with Tom's post. If you're just looking for some cosmetic touches, I think Bach sells a kit that has some gold plated do-dads that would look pretty cool. You could probably get it from any music store and it wouldn't cost you that much.

Marty
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