Baritone full overhaul and relacquer project

Here I take a 1914 King baritone, that is is rough shape and restore it to like new condition. Dents removed, new leadpipe constructed and the entire instrument is fully buffed and lacquered with gold lacquered.
Not taking in baritones or tubas for full overhaul at this time, but trumpets and trombones are on.
[e-mail]
www.wardbrodt.com

[@kirt1214]

This is my baritone!!! Jim - your work is spectacular and I'm so thankful to have this documentary showing it's transformation. I have been practicing it daily (getting my lips back into shape). Look for a video of me playing it coming soon! You are much appreciated Mr. Huwe!

[@jimflys2]

Thanks Kirt!

[@nathanlucas6465]

How's the playing coming? I'd love to hear it 😁

[@kirtmosier3043]

@@nathanlucas6465 Here's a short snippet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emHMlpeootV_ZtE

[@VoodooDewey69]

Oh yea ,new axe, new inspiration !

[@bontrom8]

How does it play?

[@fredberg6980]

As a washed up, rusty euphonium and baritone player, this makes me want to sneak into my high school band room and rescue some old abused friends. Warms the heart!

[@markmilostan2493]

Congratulations that is a museum-quality restoration. What a joy to watch a true professional. That 1914 challenged you in every way. You never gave up and just kept going knowing how it would come out in the end from many years of experience. I'm 67 now, but if U tube was available to me when I popped out of high school. I probably would have been good at this. Great to watch you bring back what someone of no interest might have discarded saying look at this hopeless mess. Good job.

[@jimflys2]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelluzius5704]

Unbelievably skillful. What a beautiful result! It's heartening to see that there are still true craftsmen.

[@awsomevideoperson]

Amazing to see such love given to an instrument over 100 years after it was made. I'm sure the original craftsmen who made it would never guess the history their work would have.

[@overthetarget9401]

Simply a work of art. Fantastic job, thanks for sharing.

[@rick3514]

Wow! What a talented craftsman!

[@jacquesgras1084]

Bonjour, hello Vous avez réalisé une magnifique restauration ! Your work is magnifique! Bravo pour votre savoir faire.Votre instrument paraît être tout neuf. Marvelous

[@jimbob5848]

Informative and interesting. Craftsmanship. Wow. Beautiful..

[@dapsapsrp]

Bloody fantastic work, mate. Always a joy to watch.

[@jimflys2]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@brandonhenderson9118]

Absolutely stunning work!! Thank you for sharing.

[@jimflys2]

Thank you very much!

[@pugandblizzard]

Wow! Amazing transformation.

[@JazzR31]

Beautiful work!

[@mandlasithole1133]

HI JIM amazing work thanks for the video.

[@mikegaddis8556]

A true restoration! Very well done sir!

[@jimflys2]

Many thanks!

[@kypicker1736]

Excellent Job!

[@almirrobertodasilvaroberto7998]

Good job !! Congratulations

[@mikewilliams7994]

Full of admiration for the skill level exhibited here. Have to say I was on edge when you lacquered it because the card it was sat on protruded over the bench and I was in dread of it being knocked. Fabulous result, .. stunning.

[@robertjwilliams3532]

Beautifully done!!

[@starcaster]

Love the Keef impersonation -very Spinal Tap!

[@jimflys2]

You know it!

[@geraldstone8396]

Excellent video. Great work . You make a lost art look easy.👍

[@jimflys2]

Thank you very much!

[@emanuelmifsud6754]

A turntable will stop you moving about to get the correct gun angle. I am about to restore a baritone saxophone heavily corroded. You doing a great job. Cheers.

[@dejavu666wampas9]

There is an awesome amount of talent on display in this video. 👍

[@jimflys2]

Thank you so much!

[@usethenoodle]

Wow, just awesome! Beautiful artistry.

[@jimflys2]

Thanks, Craig. Much appreciated! 😀

[@euphonium_ca]

You, sir, are an artist! Amazing work!

[@jec0435]

Bravo! A true craftsman. ..and I chuckled at a couple of your comments towards the end. ;) You have a great sense of humor also.

[@jimflys2]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jonathanhall7903]

Craftsman like you amaze me with your diverse skillset. sheesh.

[@jimflys2]

Wow, thanks.

[@stephenbransgrove3542]

Excellent job

[@golfhack3581]

Excellent work and excellent video! Loved the detailed explanations. British humor near the end along with the ‘never ending honey do list’ was a nice touch too. I play euphonium, not a King since ‘60s but a Miraphone 5050 now. Great job!

[@jimflys2]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulreynolds8245]

After watching the whole video, I know what Giant Steps here in Hixson Tn. will be doing to my Olympia baritone when I ask for a simple clean-up. Small dents show age, no cracks or breaks. Thank you sir!!

[@getprobed838]

one time...in band class...i played the baritone horn also

[@JDX123]

Awesome workmanship!

[@jimflys2]

Glad you like it!

[@massimilianopescetti3336]

Complimenti, sei un grande maestro.. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeffersonnettooficial]

Jim, here's the reason why I ship my horns to you all the way from Boston. You are out of this world. I could watch this video many times. Amazing job. Jeff

[@jimflys2]

Thank you!

[@Repair-rookie]

That is spectacular.

[@RyanReskyTrumpeter]

Wonderful job!!!

[@jimflys2]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ziosogliolone]

Grande restauro i miei complimenti!!!

[@GlennLaycock]

pretty remarkable - impressive.

[@jimflys2]

Thank you so very much!

[@jupiteroh2463]

maestrazo¡¡,es un trabajo de joyerIa,saludos PERU,AMERICA (ESPAÑOL)

[@celestinopessoa6006]

Bealtifullllll! Merveillé!👏👏👏

[@selbatsfam02]

Great video! Love the accent

[@jenikpospisel4141]

Hi Man! You are total master. I love your job. I was attending a course in brass instruments factory in Brno Czech Rep. (have been playing the trombone in opera orchestra for entire career). They finally didn´t decided to accept me. They told me: it´s better, you will play. So I know very well, how touhg your job is. I have a friend, who is doing brass instruments overhauls. His job is comparable to you. He´s often visited by people from all around middle Europe. But he´s keeping his secrets for himself and doesn´t want to tell enything to anybody :-D

[@jimflys2]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments. Check out my video on the Červený tuba I repaired. Czech republic! Someday I will visit there. Best, Jim

[@richmanwisco]

What an amazing job! And you're right here in Wisconsin (I'm in Watertown). I just bought a new trumpet to replace a c. 1914 J.W. York & Sons Model 105 Bb/A trumpet that's been in the family since it was new. It's a beautiful horn, but in need of restoration. I'd love to have it replated (and there are some two tone features in the bell and engraving which I'm sure would be lovely), and the valves have no compression, so they'd need to be replated as well. I'll have to set some time aside to get out to your shop and get an estimate. It's probably much more than the horn is worth, but I think it deserves it.

[@jimflys2]

You'd need to see Dr. Valve in Chicago. Figure probably 600.00 for those. Then the horn. Yeah, I'd need to see it.

[@VoodooDewey69]

A true old school craftsman !

[@jimflys2]

thank you so much

[@VoodooDewey69]

@@jimflys2 Your more than welcome sir .

[@danguerrera]

You are a good guy. You most likely brought tears to the family who owns this. I hope you have dozens upon dozens of apprentices. If not, it's time. Your hair is as grey as mine :-)

[@jimflys2]

Yes, the owner told me that his experience of conducting at Carnegie Hall was only exceeded by seeing this family heirloom back to like it was when new. Nice to hear. Humbling.

[@christophmaier2398]

Wow👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Good Job

[@jimflys2]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@wadehampton1534]

Jim, I was a baritone/euphonium player during Junior High and High School, and then the Montgomery County (Maryland) Symphonic Band. My parents bought me a Yamaha four valve, upright euphonium during my junior year in high school and I still have it forty five years later. My embouchure isn't as good as it was back in the day, but I can still get a few clear notes from my horn, and play scales around the circle of fifths. I miss my days in the Montgomery County Symphonic Band, there's nothing like the sound of a top notch symphonic band, it's BIG! I was particularly fond of the "Song of the Blacksmith", our percussion section had a real anvil, that was used to great effect while performing the piece. Great job refurbishing that old baritone horn, it reminds me of some of the baritones that my high school owned!

[@jimflys2]

Thanks for the comments Wade. Yes, band is such a good influence on young musicians. My music store started a New Horizon band. Retired or folks who quit playing for 30 or 40 years and pick it back up again. So cool to see. Retired band directors are at the podium.

[@wadehampton1534]

@@jimflys2 you're right about that, Jim. I went to junior high school and high school (up until my senior year) in Tacoma Washington. The music program was second to none up there. When I moved to to Maryland in the twelfth grade, the music program there was an abysmal by comparison (no disrespect intended). I almost immediately auditioned for the Montgomery County Symphonic Band, and I challenged (and won) for first chair euphonium. I kept that seat for three years, until I joined the US Army (in 1978). The great musical background I had, set me up for a lifetime of playing music. I played the guitar, bass, and mandolin in rock bands until just recently. I also play the violin and the piano. I have a nifty 1983 Yamaha CP-70b Electric Grand Piano, that was a gift from a fellow musician who wanted a good for it. I was definitely happy to provide that! I owe a lot to my original band director, Mr. Richard Burns. He was my band director from the fourth grade to the ninth grade, and he was a real stickler for music theory (circle of fifths, major and minor scales etc.). I took private lessons from him as well, and he is my favorite teacher of all. Band had a very positive influence on both my sister and I. She later on played the trombone in Bob Hope's Washington DC stage band whenever Bob was playing in the DC area. She's also played in many different horn based pop bands since high school, using her own Mr. Burns musical education!

[@robveio2087]

Que teabalho maravilhoso parabens .

[@rodneyfrost1674]

Beautiful

[@zebrobson2639]

I think everyone who tells me I shouldn't get my 35-ish year old student tenor sax relaquered because it's dangerous to the instrument should watch this, and quiet those naysayers! Beautiful work, dude.

[@jimflys2]

Thanks. Nothing wrong with having an old instrument look pretty again and really nothing wrong with a "weathered" looking beauty either. Just make sure you use the right person for buffing and lacquering. Anytime you have buff, you will indeed remove some brass. Some guys are just a little too ham-fisted with that. Technique matters.

[@dellanno31]

Amazing....

[@FriPilot]

I wish you would narrate more, Jim. I like knowing what you're thinking about whatever step it is that you're taking.

[@jimflys2]

I will consider it. Some videos I get complaints about it.

[@nathanlucas6465]

Just a joy to watch! I've got a 30 year old yamaha Bb/F trombone that I would love to have restored to that standard. For best part of 10 years, I earned the majority of my living with it, and it shows! Its had a few bits of repair work done over the years - the valve was overhauled and the slide and bell have both had some dent work done (I fell off a riser while drunk on stage - oops) but the finish has never had any attention. The lacquer is chipped quite badly in places, and worn through completely where you hold the instrument. Sadly, I don't know anyone local to me that I would trust to do it

[@jimflys2]

Give me a call. 608-661-8644

[@nathanlucas6465]

I would love to, but I'm in the wrong country!

[@madamekatan]

I own a 1906 Distin euphonium I’m dying to have it given a proper look over. You’ve inspired me to get it done.

[@jimflys2]

Wish I could help you out. I have no time to do a larger full overhaul. Check out Oberloh on line. He's a master.

[@madamekatan]

@@jimflys2 it’s actually in good condition. It needs a cleaning, springs and corks replaced. I’ll check out who you suggested.

[@oppokaraoke4025]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@ronaldosouza8924]

Excelente

[@VideoNash]

thanks

[@jimflys2]

Thank you!

[@MrTBoneMalone]

Beautiful work. I've really been enjoying your repair videos, and I appreciate you so much for making them. I know they take a lot of time. I'd love to see you do a video on how you got into doing instrumental repair and your general thoughts about the industry today. Did you start out in a program like the one they have at Red Wing? When I was much younger, I had an interest in doing this kind of work but opted to study music education instead. I'm in my fifties now and still have curiosity about pursuing this path. I'm just wondering if someone can still make a true living doing this. I know there's a shortage of good techs. In Portland Oregon where I live, there really isn't anyone I care to take my horn to. I usually just expect to ship my horn to have it repaired. Again, I appreciate you so much for making these videos.

[@jimflys2]

Yes, I have been thinking of doing such a video. I was on the music ed path also. I am thinking of something about how I have melded both repair and performance to fulfill making a living and playing music. Yes, there is opportunity for you. But good training is important. Redwing is where I went.

[@johns3106]

Huh! I always thought there was some sort of jig or mandrel to bend new tubing on!

[@jimflys2]

I wish there was, but unless you are in a factory setting, it is all hand bending. It is difficult with short pipes of larger diameter. Nickel silver tubing is a real work out. Not my favorite thing to have to do, but have torch, will travel.

[@larrysupersport]

Just curious how much does this extensive of a restoration cost? ish...

[@dennisrohm6372]

You could use a turn table for spraying

[@jimflys2]

I do have one I made for drums and the like. Big horns, I just kind of deal with it, but not a bad idea. Thanks!

[@jeffersonnettooficial]

Hey Jim, Can you tell us what you used to degrease it and how you mixed lacquer and gold (which product did you used?)

[@jimflys2]

Hey Jeff, I used a spray degreaser that is in effect like Trichlorethylene or at least similar. It is a brake part degreaser and cleaner. Very effective stuff. The lacquer was Nikolas 2105 nitrocellulose. The mix ratio is around 60 parts lacquer to 40 parts thinner. The gold dye was mixed at a non specific amount. I just added and sprayed on test brass until I got a color I liked. The gold dye from Ferrees tools. It's made foe this lacquer. I am sure there are many available out there that would work that combine with lacquer quite well. But I have used Ferrees for 30 plus years. No need to look further.

[@gr8bragu368]

I need you to look at my Besson

[@xoversprayurfacex8388]

Jim you are a true artisan. Absolutely, fantastic work. I saved a Yamaha YSL 354 from a pawn shop starting to rust a little. I paid to have the slide reworked so it was playable again. Is it worth getting it restored. No dents but a little pitting. I did get it for pennies on the dollar.

[@jimflys2]

If the tubes don't have red rot, yes. If they do, well they will continue to rot. I love 354s. Send some pics to the email in my description. Let's talk!

[@jimflys2]

Have you seen some of my other videos? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4ive62KhciCbcUsi=RNhGJanl3O0TQOw2

[@oldcars5547720]

Outstanding work. As I was watching this I was wondering how similar/dissimilar this is to polishing stainless steel trim for vintage automobiles?

[@jimflys2]

It is similar. I have visited an auto restoration place in town. They had a single high speed buffer to do the work, No exhaust hood. White compound is all I saw. I have buffed some stainless. Not really that much fun!

[@oldcars5547720]

I actually have an old Baldor grinder but never had the right buffing wheels to go on it.

[@MikeSpeakman]

Brilliant video and what a wonderful refurb job thanks, subscribed. Could i ask you about the lacquer? Did you bake the instrument to harden the lacquer? if not what type of lacquer did you use that doesn't need oven hardening?

[@jimflys2]

It is old school lacquer. Nitro cellulose formulated for brass coating. Nikolas 2105. It is basically what all band instruments would have used back in the day before 2 part epoxies evolved sometime in the 1950's and following. Some instrument companies used more of a shellac, which could be argued is the same as lacquer. A version of lacquer anyway. Nitro sprays super easy. Not as chemically resistant as a 2 part epoxy, BUT does not require baking. And you ever seen an epoxy finished instrument that is losing its lacquer? Yep. All finishes are temporary. It depends on handling and care and body chemistry. I am overhauling a trumpet right now with silver plating (more durable than baked epoxy clear coat) and the thing was been pitted beyond belief! Looking good now though!

[@MikeSpeakman]

@@jimflys2 Thanks for a prompt reply, i ask because my Boosey & Hawkes Sovereign Eb tuba is lacquered but the inside of the bell flare is raw brass as the original lacquer was so bad i just removed it. I once tried a rattle can lacquer to coat it and it looked good until i rested my arms on it on a hot day while the conductor ws talking and large patches of lacquer stuck to my arms and lifted off the bell flare lol

[@danharrold8011]

Great Work ! Did you have to bake the clear coat ? What type of clear did you use ?

[@jimflys2]

No. I used air dry nitrocellulose lacquer. Exactly what would have been used in 1913.

[@DougKnechtelArt]

Fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the process 😊 I have a double bell euphonium from 1893…it’s in playable condition, but it needs a bit of work here and there. The thing is, I’d like to see the dents removed (or just reduced) but I don’t want to wreck the patina. Have you done that kind of work?

[@jimflys2]

Yes, I have. It is a challenge when removing dents that may require burnishing, because it kind of removes tarnish. If you have time, eventually it will discolor again. Send a picture. Contact info is in the description box.

[@mal2ksc]

Instrument repairmen are like bar brawlers -- both use table legs as tools of the trade, and then insist they're something else. :)

[@johnny4498]

Very well done! I have got a question: Which lacquer is used to paint brass instruments? I want to relacquer my trumpet in Silver, I know this shouldnt be done my a normal person like me because it probably won't look good in certain spots, but It would still look better than it does now and relacquering by a professional is very expensive at my local stores, especially with all the pre-work like delacquering and polishing.

[@jimflys2]

Thanks for the questions. Anyone can paint or get actual colored lacquer and spray on the horn. You might want to look at either a conventional look like this baritone or a scratch brushed version. That is less expensive and looks cool. See my video trombone scratch brush finish job. Email for specifics.

[@johnny4498]

@@jimflys2 Thanks, what is the name of the lacque you use?

[@brushbros]

You are so modest to include your mistake in the video. Why aren't there bending tools like electricians use, but smaller?

[@jimflys2]

This job humbles me everyday! Thank you. I know, I have looked at bending tools like for conduit. A few guys have invented their own in order to do the job, but this is a small community and not enough market for these tools.

[@djasge3893]

Nice job. Thank you for sharing. Quick question if you see the comment, what are you using g for gold lacquer? Thanks

[@jimflys2]

I used Ferree's gold dye added to the lacquer at an amount, that after spaying some test pieces, seemed to be the color I wanted. Google Ferree's Tolls Inc....... X82A 4 oz. (118 ml) Perma-Laq Dye

[@djasge3893]

Super, thank you!

[@hablalabiblia]

I wonder how much a dedicated work like this one actually costs? What is the average for repairing such an instrument in such conditions? Loved the process.

[@jimflys2]

This one was about $2200 at the time 4 years ago. Had to make a lead pipe, though, but a good ball park.

[@raining123]

What kind of lacquer did you use for this project? Is it durable? Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jimflys2]

In this case I used Nikolas 2105. It is a nitro-cellulose air dry lacquer and is what would have been used originally. Or something very close to this. Is it durable? Well, nitro is beautiful, but does lack in chemical resistance. THAT BEING SAID, modern 2 part epoxies that involve baking are not exactly impervious to hand sweat or other chemicals. They are more durable. The do not flow as nicely IMO. They do not have as good of clarity IMO, but are pretty good. They have a more critical shelf life or pot life once mixed. They require baking at 350 deg. and this is not really a great option unless doing mass production overhaul work. I do occasional overhaul work with the majority of work being mechanical and some touch up lacquer. Therefore, it seems to me that this is a very reasonable way to go. If needed and a client is willing to pay some extra, I can have baked epoxy sprayed by another shop. I have done that several times particularly on newer, less vintage instruments. I just wanted to keep the vintage vibe all the way around on this one. Thanks for asking.

[@jayvucic9438]

Silver Flair trumpet restoration

[@viames]

I would like to know the price of this sophisticated repair and lacquering.

[@jimflys2]

At the time I did this in 2020, this was about $2200.00 US as I recall. I am not taking in baritones and one place that was doing them is now closing shop in June, so I can only imagine that this kind of job is going to demand a premium and tubas, they will be way up there for sure. Not sure of very many places doing much other than a few overhauls here and there. The same with me. It takes a certain business model and I am in a retail store environment that prevents me from doing more of this. But it sis really rewarding and fun work when you can dedicate all your time to this kind of thing!

[@emanuelmifsud6754]

Have you tried using a lazy susan when spraying, it would make your job easier. I mean a turn table. Hi from Sydney Australia.

[@jimflys2]

I do have one that I built since this. I have used it on a drum. Usually trombones are not a problem or trumpets. I have not had to spray a big horn like a baritone since this video. But if I do, I will be set!

[@emanuelmifsud6754]

@@jimflys2 I have purchased a baritone saxaphone that has been vandalised by someone, by drilling ten 5mm diameter holes in different locations on the instrument. I intend to flatten and smooth the holes and make them preciseily 5mm dia, I will hole punch 5mm dia circles from brass sheet with similar thickness. Then I will silver solder them in. I am NOT a professional instrument repair but have taught Metalwork includingg oxy/acetylene brazing.. i will restore the lacquer finish also. What do you think of how I am going about repairing this instrument?

[@abrdds]

Do you work on cars, ie, quarter panels on 73 Novas?? Nice work on the Bari...😊

[@jimflys2]

Been known to do that, yes.

[@DavidSmith-cz9zv]

would be nice to hear what it sounds like

[@jimflys2]

Not with me playing it!

[@kirtmosier3043]

Hi David. Here's a short snippet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emHMlpeootV_ZtE

[@DavidSmith-cz9zv]

@@kirtmosier3043 Thank you

[@ilikeflybys]

How much does a restoration like this typically cost?

[@jimflys2]

At that time, It was about 2,200 I think. I'd be hard pressed to do that with other work demands. Covid sucked, but it did provide time for this kind of project whole everyone cowered at home.

[@Lasnointer]

Hi Jim, Do you have project use by epoxy ?

[@jimflys2]

I don't

[@Lasnointer]

@@jimflys2 what is your suggest eopoxy or resin ?

[@skye3292]

How much would you have charged for something this extensive? I’m very curious.

[@jimflys2]

Not doing these right now due to volume and time. As I recall, back in 2020 that project was around $2200.

[@skye3292]

@@jimflys2 That’s crazy, props to you for doing stuff like that. We need more people like you in the repair world.

[@johns3106]

How long does a job like this take?

[@jimflys2]

I had a bit more than 40 hours. I think 43.

[@donrougeux2122]

Why don't you get a cheap tube bending fixture?

[@jimflys2]

Send me a link. The one some of the band instrument companies offer is not terribly useful.

[@Ivansgarage]

I kind of like the before.... just kidding... amazing workmanship...

[@jimflys2]

Sometimes unrestored has its charm

[@jackx4311]

Interesting that you - and @Scott 15 - call this a baritone; with a bore as conical and a bell that size, in England we'd call that a euphonium. I know that some will say "a euph has four valves, and a baritone has three", but both euphs and baritones can be bought with both three and four valves. In fact, a very good and experienced euph player I was talking to in a 1st section English brass band said in his opinion, a euph with compensation didn't need a fourth valve, and that using the fourth valve affected the tone of the instrument. Different players, different strokes, eh?

[@jimflys2]

You are exactly right Jack! I occasionally go on a highly detailed discussion with customers and parents about the differences and conical vs cylindrical bore and how 4 valves do not a euphonium make. (Ijust had a 1920 King Double bell euphonium on my bench last week. 5 valves of course) But how can I buck this nomenclature challenge? Most of these horns, in America at least, are kind of bastard horns. They are neither truly a baritone or eupho by historic definition. They are cross breeds. I think I may need to resort to calling them what my band director called them in high school. Barigrones. This had to do with the sound they made by sorry players. Or my workmate's name. Bare-ly-tone. Nice huh? Good catch.

[@jackx4311]

@@jimflys2 - barigrones and barelytones . . . :)) You slay me, Jim! I'll enjoy passing those two little gems along to my friends in the band. I must admit I'm a bit baffled by why anyone would actually want to build an instrument which is half-way between the two, as (in my unhumble opinion), both are necessary in a band line-up. I mean, for a mid-range solo in a hymn like 'The Mansions of the Lord', the rich and mellow sound of a true euph is perfect - yet if you want a fast mid-range solo in a rousing march, a mere mortal playing a euph just can't achieve the crystal clear articulation, a trombone played by anyone less than a James Morrison may not be able to play that passage at tempo - so what do you do? Euphs and 'bones step back as the 1st Baritone says; "Hold my beer, mate." As with so many things in life, Jim, it's a case of 'using the RIGHT tool for the job'. Keep up the superb work, and best regards, Jack

[@brushbros]

ps. Why not use polyurethane, which is ever so much harder than lacquer?

[@jimflys2]

Great, great question! Clear finishes have advantages over others. Yes, poly would be harder, but also much thicker and would interrupt the resonance of the instrument in a dramatic way. Poly does not flow out as nicely as nitro or have that clarity. Poly is also great on guitars and cars, furniture, though some don't like the plastic look of it, but it can be cut and buffed on those surfaces. Not so with a brass instrument. I have experimented with a 2k. No dice. Poly is engineered to be sprayed over an abraded surface so that it can bite into it and hold on whereas lacquer for brass is engineered and sticks very well to a smooth, highly polished surface. Touch up on a nitro finish is super easy. harder to do well on epoxy, poly etc. 2 part epoxy that has been developed for brass is very durable and chemically resistant, but not bullet proof either. I get reports of horns I have refinished in nitro that they say resonate more freely and seem alive, more responsive. I also get requests to strip factory finishes (typically 2 part baked epoxy) because they seem less desirable with regard to resonance and the feel of the horn. In the end, sound is the lead, then look, then reparability. I would spray poly on a 68 Charger for sure, but not nitro. Thank you for the question and it is one I have asked and experimented with.

[@patrickholmes4103]

Very nice work but spit valve is in the wrong direction.

[@jimflys2]

Yes, you are right. I must have just stuck it in for the final shot. I am sure I would have pulled it and put it in the other way. Good catch!

[@Repair-rookie]

How do remove the remaining lacquer?

[@jimflys2]

13:26

[@bobbymorelandjr.7440]

Whoa, Jim you must at least blow the baritone at the end of the video or the thing has not been restored...?

[@jimflys2]

I did, but edited it out. It just sounded poor on the video although it sounded great in person. I felt it would not benefit the video.

[@bobbymorelandjr.7440]

@@jimflys2 Just need to hear it to be complete no mater how it sounded. Watching you work the magic for 50 minutes and not blowing just one note for the climax was ,,,, ??? JS

[@kirtmosier3043]

@@bobbymorelandjr.7440 Hi Bobby. here's a short snippet of me playing it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emHMlpeootV_ZtE

[@scott1564]

When I clicked on this I fully expected to see an actual EUPHONIUM incorrectly called a Baritone but sure enough, this IS a Baritone Horn (I prefer to add "horn" to the end for clarity). It also appears to put to rest the idea that bore size controls the difference as there are varying bore sizes in both Baritones and Euphoniums. At any rate, cool video. Especially for anyone that has picked up either instrument. However, the only thing about buffing and removing material -- I would probably give up appearance for sound. But given that this is a 1914 instrument and sound quality may not be the primary goal, I can see the argument.

[@jimflys2]

Yeah, many people prefer keeping original and concern themselves with sound over looks. This is Especially when they face the cost involved. Depending how bad the metal is and how pitted it may be will determine a lot. There are many horns that I have gently made known that they are not a good candidate for full overhaul. Sometime mechanical is just the best way to go and save the money for a new instrument and Keep the old one for its own sake. Thanks for watching!

[@danrickard1911]

A~!

[@jimflys2]

Thanks,