Silver (re)plating

Mdbri · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:07 am Post subject: Silver (re)plating

Hello all.

I'd like to have my trumpet replated. Its silver plating is now 95%.

I know this question was asked a million times probably, but what's done to the remaining plating? Do they brush it off? Any risks for the trumpet?
Thanx

KPaultpt · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:20 am Post subject:

Well, I just had my Bb trumpet replated. I've owned that Bb for 11 years got me into my undergrad and grad schools. It was a Bach 37 ML Bb standard. I loved that horn and it was playing great just my hands had eaten all the silver away. So I decided to go get it acid cleaned and asked terry pierce a repair guy in NYC if it was doing ok and if I should get it replated how much etc. He said yeah your horn is fine no holes its in good shape.

Long story short I went to a guy named Chuck Mcalexander to get it replated. He was incredably arrogant and belligerent with me. However he was the only one in Manhattan that did replating so I get it back after 2 days A bunch of holes originated, the plating job sucked there were still scratches and he didn't buffer two spots. Not to mention he didn't wash out the silver flakes on the inside and I'm still washing them out. I am going to go down there today and having him fix it or ask for my money back. I would get it done where everyone else gets it done. Tom Green and Melk for laqure or Anderson Plating.

I'm looking for a Bb and a place to sell mine IF he fixes it.

Gluck and I would be very careful this guy ruined my trumpet.

--KpaulTPT
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veery715 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:28 am Post subject:

LittleRusty · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:44 am Post subject:

The prep work can include work to fill pits and to make the surface smooth so the new plating will also be smooth. When my trumpet was done the tech had to fill many pits from my acidic hands.

You should also have the tech check for red rot. The plating will not adhere as well on any spots where the rot is near the outside surface.

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

Bonearzt · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:59 am Post subject: Re: Silver (re)plating

veery715 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 8:29 am Post subject:

Someone must know of a good plating operation in Europe. They've been doing silver plate there for a long time.
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Mdbri · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

My trumpet was lacquer originally. Then it was silver plated by the previous owner (his "tech", I guess). The job was done rather poorly, it looks as if I'd done it in my kitchen, drunk, sleepy and with lights out

For you who have had a trumpet replated: is the new plating even?

I have an excellent tech, but I wanted to know some things in advance.

nordlandstrompet · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Silver (re)plating

Bill Blackwell · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 10:01 am Post subject:

Send it to Kanstul.

I took a Benge to the Kanstul factory a few years ago, which had its original silver (not unlike like yours) about 95% intact - I was looking to have it completely redone.

After looking it over, Zig said, "you can spend $275 having it completely redone or $45 to have it spotted." Would I be able to tell the difference, I asked? - "No" he said.

He was right. When it was done, it looked like a complete refinish.

The estimated time to complete was two weeks. Actual completion time - two days.
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Capt.Kirk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 5792

I go to Andersons Plating for any plating I need! Sure they are more expensive then many other's and they take for ever 4-6 weeks turn around time but they are the industry standard! Everyone else is compared to them. I should add that not only are the ladies that answer the phone friendly but the guys in back that do the actual plating and buffing and valves will get on the phone and answer questions and they are good with emails too! Really nice bunch of people. If they are good enough to meet NASA and Mil-Spec. that is normally more then good enough for anything I would need plated!
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trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4808

Another vote for Kanstul.

Excellent work, can do any needed repairs, and some of the quickest turn-around times in the industry. It sure won't be any 4-6 weeks, and they do all the work on-site.

The few extra days in shipping to Anaheim & back are well worth the wait.

Give them a call for details - 888.KANSTUL
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Irving · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 1887

A Word or warning about Anderson. They won't plug the valve ports before they plate. The inside of the valve casings will end up getting plated as well. If you have your horn plated through a repairman, he will (probably) re lap the valves, since there will be less clearance due to the silver plate. If you send your horn directly to Anderson (as I did), they don't bother checking the valve fit after plating, which ended up not working well (in my case). For some reason, they refuse to plug the ports. Plating was fine otherwise, but the valves were never the same. I think that I will use another outfit the next time, making sure that they plug all ports (just ask them if they do beforehand), so that no re lapping will be necessary. If you do decide to go with Anderson, I'd have a technician deal with the prep work.

Mdbri · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 8:40 am Post subject:

Well, since I'm from Europe, sending my trumpet to Kanstul, Anderson, etc. is out of question. I have an excellent tech here, but I just wanted to know what to expect in advance.

Thank you for all the replies and comments.

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

Wildman · Heavyweight Member Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 513

cheiden · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 10:22 am Post subject:

I know a notable pro who's horn was substantially changed for the worse after having it replated by a major shop. My teacher says the biggest risk isn't in the plating process but the prep. Apparantly it's REALLY easy to over-buff the horn and heat up the metal such that it either thins or softens, drastically altering the playing characteristics of the horn.
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Lboretrumpets · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 288

Take it from someone who found out the hard way... it takes about 10 SECONDS of extra buffing to get a part way too hot. However... if you're into shiny instruments that don't play well.... I have one to sell!
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tikielazteca_2 · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 4:23 am Post subject:

I’m looking to get a trumpet of mine plated with Anderson. Anybody ya’ll recommend handle the prep work?

Walter Bone · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 4:46 am Post subject: