Fuzzy F#s and the Dented Horn

[BPL]

No that's not the name of a band. My CG Selmer has a dent in the cuff where the bell meets the first valve, and also where the lead pipe meets the 3rd valve, and the numerous dents on the bell have made the bell look like it actually has a flat side. The receiver also has a hairline crack and leaks water.

I've been wondering for a while if these dents might be the reason high F# sounds fuzzy.. F and G resonate OK. Or in deed, whether this might be affecting efficiency, generally. But that's not why I finally decided to put it in for repairs. I started feeling a tickling vibration on my left hand where it touches the cuff, then I noticed my hand was getting wet.. yep, it's got a hole.

I've found a really good repairer, and he's doing a complete refurbish for me... back on my Yamaha for the time being (which I notice, also has the same dent in the cuff).

My question is, has any one here ever experienced a significant improvement in their upper register after getting their horn repaired? Or upgrading from a compromised horn?

[James Becker]

We've had a good number of customers tell us the issues with playability and pitch they had before have gone away after repair work was completed.

One of my favorite stories to tell was hearing two Conn 8D players say nearly the same thing after having their valves rebuilt. Both had blamed themselves for not having a high register but discovered they could negotiate the upper register on their Horns no problem after the leaks in their valves were eliminated.

As for dents it's like the old real estate saying "location, location , location". Nodal and antinodal points reside at different spots along the bore and would explain why your F and G play fine while your F# does not.

Let us know what improvement you experience when you get your CG Selmer back from the shop. 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

[BPL]

OK, I got my horn back.

First, a couple of things.

- The bell rim, apparently is made of steel? It holds a magnet.
- The bell metal, reports the repairer, is extremely soft.
- The nickel lead pipe had some corrosion, and I'm looking for a new one, if any one can help? The repairer has fixed it for now, but eventually it should be replaced... he says.
- The lead pipe inside the receiver appears to be tapered internally. The CG Personal mpc also seems similarly thin at the end.. as if to reduce the effect of the gap?
- He replaced the water keys with Amado keys.
- All the dents and leaks were fixed, including the valves.. Overall, it came out beautiful.

Playing it;

The first day was weird.. I've been playing my Yamaha for the past week. It was like changing cars.. just different. But now (after 2 days), I've re-accustomed myself, and it (the CG Selmer) feels fantastic.. and sounds great! So much better than the other horn (which is a professional model)

The upper register.. High F to DHC is coming nicely.. A to DHC is not loud, but it's there, it's in tune, and feels controlled. Time will tell if it is going to be consistent. It's not that these notes are "easier", but they don't seem to take as much trial and error to find. If things start opening up, up there, you'll all hear about it..

Brett

[EricV]

Brett
Sounds like the repairs went very well, I know when I had my CG Benge serviced, I noticed a big difference with my valves etc.

Now If only it would just slot that F above high C every time!!
Cheers
Eric
_________________
CG Benge trumpet
Yamaha Xeno Cornet