[TPIN] Need help...

[JFDonaldsn at aol.com]

> 
> If you have it relacquered, you might feel 
> like you just bought a new horn. 
> 

Careful with the relacquering and refinishing. Phil Smith (yes, that Phil 
Smith) was interviewed and was asked about his equipment and said that he had an 
old Bach C that he loved but was showing its age and wear, and he had it 
refinished. It came back beautiful, but unplayable. He regretted having 'ruined' 
the horn. He had to go to Elkhart and pick out a new one, which wasn't the same 
as his old one.

If the lacquer is spotty and ugly, have it stripped off. If there are dents, 
get them taken out. If the valves are starting to lose compression, have the 
valves replated and hand fit to the casings. But don't have it buffed to death. 
Shiny is over-rated.

     Jim Donaldson
     Trumpet Gearhead