The Tragic Tuba- part 1- Wes Lee Music Repair

[@theasianradiooperator]

As a musician I have to say repairmen are under appreciated. Next time I send in my horns, I’ll have to write a thank you note!

[@BigDawgCleveland]

a tip helps 👍

[@moriscoley5328]

That's just the proper thing to do, to give thanks when any repairs are done. People do appreciate it.

[@peternotarfrancesco2614]

Also recommend them to your band mates 😅

[@yanwo2359]

It must be extremely satisfying to heal something as damaged as this poor instrument. I can't help but think they have a soul and appreciate it. Great work and very interesting!

[@carlosnellessen8519]

Ñm

[@Yondral]

I am doing the same job in Switzerland and yes it’s very satisfying to see the before after when you recieve a such damage instrument

[@matthewchallen3079]

If that tuba is tragic, than the 10+ year old tuba at my middle school affectionately nicknamed "old crusty" is in disrepair

[@cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese]

@@matthewchallen3079 OMG THE FRENCH HORNS AT MY SCHOOL TOO 💀

[@franklowe4243]

​@@cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese I

[@ThomasMartin-k7i]

You sir are a treasure to your community. Maybe you could work with your school system to bring some of the students into your shop to learn and help repair the instruments they are learning to play. Sort of a 2 for 1 education. I had a shop class starting in 6th grade , a little wood working, metal and ceramics. Eventually I got a job after high school as an apprentice repair man with the National Cash Register Co. Decided to try college though and became a mechanical engineer. Then the desire to work with my hands learned in grade school struck again and for a hobby I built my own home, added on to my daughter's home, and together with my son tore down his home and rebuilt it to twice the original size. It all starts when we are young!

[@LongNguyen-qg3ue]

This guy is like an artist ... I really enjoyed watching this.

[@erivon2234]

"like" an artist? you must not know an artist if you see one.

[@kristimiller-lee2338]

I have said before but that tiny torch is so nice! Your physical labor is bringing the tragic tuba to a resurrection.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

It has been a game changer. Lots of hard labor, no shortcuts

[@pomelo9518]

Nice mahler reference

[@ALEX-Extreme]

I’m a strings/keys instrument player but seeing any instrument in this condition breaks my heart. I couldn’t fathom treating any of my instruments like that. Thank you for bringing it back to life.

[@ethanmonteroza3981]

that poor unfortunate soul has been brought back to life (as a tubist i say thank you very much)

[@prosanis1216]

This is no specialist who’s working here, this is a magician! If you listen to his breathing you’ll hear also how much effort he puts in his work. How nice of you that you show us your craftsmanship. I enjoyed every single minute of this vid so thanks for sharing this beautiful video with me ❤️👍👍

[@ActualSighs]

I can really appreciate your work. I used to overhaul jet engine components. I was the dent fixer guy. I could look at a part that anyone else wouldn't even attempt to work on and take on the challenge. Satisfying work for sure. I saved that company $$$ in parts they would have just scrapped.

[@BrassLock]

Have you transferred your skills to vintage motor body restoration? There must be good money in that market these days.

[@ActualSighs]

@@BrassLock No. I've transferred over to IT Computer management guy for better employment opportunities and continuity of paychecks 🤣.

[@BrassLock]

@@ActualSighs Good for you! But sad for the loss of your _"crumpled-metal"_ working skills. My Honda Jazz got "lightly rear-ended" a few years ago which left unsightly wrinkles in the upward-lifting door. I've been told that this simple wrinkle cannot be restored due to the fact that the door is "double layered", so I need to import a complete new door from Japan 🇯🇵 and have it fitted with the old window, wiper etc. No doubt with supply chain problems these days, it would mean months without a car. Wish I had your skills 🙄

[@hookedonprjonrojas2314]

Never imagined this was even a thing. Thought you were just gonna replace the beat up parts but you are a true craftsman

[@j81851]

I have watched several of these amazing videos and am almost speechless! This is amazing! A fellow like Wes that can see an instrument whole when it is beat to ever-loving heck like this one was is nothing less than visionary! His hands are swift, his mind quick and skills that defy explanation! I am such a fan of saving things, healing them and putting them back being used for their purpose. These videos make me very happy. I just enjoy them so much. When Wes picks up an instrument and plays it that he has lovingly snatched from the jaws of death and the scrap yard, I literally feel a tear well up. Maybe I'm crazy but in a world where one scratch and throw it away this is a phenomenal feat that must be appreciated. Wes thank you we appreciate you, your skill and your cool demeanor!

[@andrewfyakim525]

I'm new to your channel. (I think KZbin linked me; thank you, KZbin!)...This is all about thanking YOU, for your love of musical instruments; we are brothers, from a different mother... I am a musician. I started piano at age-5 in 1958. I added sax in 1962. I added guitars in 1968 (thank you Greg!).... I became a college music-major in 1972 and added flute, and a dozen other 'required' instruments at that time... I have the highest respect for you and your love and caring for musical instruments. I had a successful career, but I wish I had followed my passion, and stayed with music. I would have loved to had learned your trade.... By the way, I have known many instrument repair people in my 69 years.... you are exceptional!...

[@freethinkradio]

This is the most insanely satisfying thing i think ive ever watched somebody do. Well done, sir!

[@Toblies]

You sir, are a master craftsman. My son plays tuba in an extremely active marching band, an I always shudder at the wear and tear the instruments take. See you breath new life into them is great.

[@biscuitbum1482]

Wow what a craftsman. You can only guess at the satisfaction he must get every time he completes a repair.

[@beru58]

It's incredible how much you can get done by just "massaging" the metal. I guess that when the surface is close to perfect and you hit it with a mallet you're risking to make the metal ever so little thinner with each blow. But when the metal is really deformed that energy from the hit with the mallet will restore the shape rather than thin the metal. A nice example of conservation of energy.

[@davidebucci8498]

Un lavoro da Meccanico specializzato, o da orafo. Che pazienza e precisione per riparare un danno così!!

[@prillewitz]

A pleasure to see you do this. I am no musician but I have got a electrical/mechanical background and love to fix things. Due to illness not able to work anymore with my hands. These video’s make me happy! 😊

[@w2dmw]

I can' t get over it, Wes, you are unbelievable...What talent you have in those hands....!!!

[@scottgoodrich5825]

My great grandfather from the Netherlands was an ornamental blacksmith so I can appreciate what kind of talent this man has.

[@mrfester42]

This is just so satisfying to watch it's got to be ten times as satisfying to actually do it.

[@Horus9339]

This must be one of the least known trades, and one of the most satisfying. Thank you for sharing your Instrument Recovery videos.

[@ThePyramidone]

I am in awe of such exquisite craftmanship. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@jharuldsmythe]

between these and the blade forging videos, I've never slept better

[@nonyabusiness2703]

ive had my tuba de-dented more than once! now i understand why it cost so much. i would have loved ddoing this work. respect to your skills

[@turnupthesun81]

What’s the cost to remove a dent?

[@bradleyhenady2032]

@@turnupthesun81 99% of the time it’s paid by the shop hour. The shops hourly rate will vary as well. Some dents are easier, some are troublesome. Just depends on how long it takes the tech to remove the dent.

[@MikeKobb]

Kind of cool how the pitch of the sounds of the outer branch rolling on the dent machine changed as you rolled it back and forth. Very musical, even as it was being repaired.

[@tigerCola]

Repairmen are one of the reasons for good musicians. We gotta give ‘em more love they really deal with this yall. It’s a shame how ppl can treat their instruments sometimes 😒

[@bobwatson957]

I saw a TV programme on uk TV the day before yesterday, was called shed and buried. It is programme about folk who look old vintage mechanical stuff to repair and sell. One of the presenters found a 1923 Lucas light enclosure for a headlight for a motorbike. It was really bashed in. He stated to Henry Cole, it would be suprised how easy it was the brass to come into back in shape. I didn't see the work, he presented his headlight enclosure all perfect. Now I see it being done here, I see how its done now, its amazing. Great vlog.

[@samuelb6404]

This is incredible. I would drop everything to apprentice in this trade. Your craft is amazing!

[@sodorflubbs5000]

I look at things like this and think how could this have happened? I’m glad there are people like you to fix them.

[@xCr00k3Dx]

Maybe it was damaged in shipping/travel. Maybe their ex/partner harmed the instrument. Maybe a dog gallumphed into it. Maybe the owner just tripped. Shit happens 🤷‍♀️

[@jeffyoung6967]

It is a great pleasure to see an artist at work

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

String player here but this is absolutely fascinating!! Thank you for sharing. So satisfying and relaxing to watch. Beautiful to see a musical instrument taking shape once again after being in such a sad shape.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Yup. Bet you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner way more than me! Superb. My Father and his Father, both did body work their entire lives. Shoulders like an ox, hands and eyes of a surgeon, artists all.

[@andyp8772]

i think i just found my new favourite channel, i was oddly into watch repairs, now it's your work, nice one!

[@mgrizzlybair]

Linkin Park said "once the paper's crumpled up it can't be perfect again" Wes: "hold my beer"

[@bdberg]

I have just discovered your channel. I will say it’s fascinating to watch you restore these instruments.

[@floridahuntsman7915]

This is mental working on another level ! Dang fine work ! I’m amazed at the skill and tooling. I love brazing and metal work and making beautiful working knives and more . This is special for sure.

[@ds1755]

You did an excellent job repairing that instrument. I sure wish you were closer to the Maryland area because I would definitely give you business since I have a 50’s vintage saxophone that requires deep maintenance & repair. No dents or dings. It was satisfying watching the repairs being done. Once again we’ll done. Thank you for sharing this.

[@JT-si6bl]

Having had a few months in the shop with a brethren of instrument repair, still think this is where art and engineering are fused by feel. Vastly underestimated and highly skilled. I especially love the process of the light as tool#1

[@tomriches9027]

I’m not a musician and couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket, but this channel is brilliant.

[@BTom16]

I just found your channel this afternoon. I love your channel. Thank you.

[@kennethconnors5316]

Incredible patience to do your work , great skills

[@brucesahroian1482]

Years and years ago I tried my hand at Instrument repair! I did a bunch of buffing, bright dipping, dent removal, pads for woodwinds, spraying laquor, even Gold laquor on Conn Brasses!

[@TKevinBlanc]

I've got three or four luthiers I like to watch, and now a brass instrument guy! This is fascinating to watch. Thanks for videoing it.

[@양승관색소폰]

He repairs instruments like new. He is the best technician. I enjoyed watching the wonderful video, friend.~~^^👍👍👍

[@alexmasters2531]

It's amazing to see what can be achieved with careful manipulation, tapping and stretching metal. Fantastic skills on show here - thank you for sharing that.

[@drewshef2345]

wow! wow! thank you for showing this, i will never take my local repair shop for granted again, this was art my friend

[@paulhenderson5995]

Very impressed with this kind of craftmanship

[@ATMAtim]

It's so good to see a master at work.

[@joeltapp7028]

Near and dear to my heart! Nice to see recovering a special instrument!!

[@jessejohnson159]

I 'LOVE' what I perceive are your custom-made dent removing-smoothing tools, including the delicate hammers! 😍😍

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Thank you again for another wonderful learning experience forever amazed with your skills an tools. Keep up the great work Happy New Years

[@brickshotted]

Best use of business cards I've ever seen. Good job

[@Sveske06]

Played the tuba in my younger days. makes me sad to see the disrespect this Tuba has encountered.. BUT gets me happy to see it back.. makes me want to get me a Tuba again.. the wife will hate me lol

[@ulrichroesch9114]

You are quite aware that you work wonders for those of us who appreciate and know the power, and value to instruments kept in operational and asthetic condition.....Sir.

[@ceilingunlimited2430]

Bought a Mirafone 3-valve tuba for $5 from a flea market guy many years ago. I was in an antique store, asked if they had any old cornets, they said this guy nearby might. They give me directions, I drive to this old barn on a lark and the guy is there. He doesn't sell out of the garage, he just keeps junk there that he's going to sell. The horn needs a little work, he offers it to me for $5, I buy it because I may not be the smartest guy in the world but come on. Spent $180 on repairs, sold it for $800. Most I ever made on a horn. If only it had been a four-valve horn.....but a family bought it for their young son who was just starting out, and I was happy to see him get it.

[@aaronribnicky9917]

I might only be a dumb guitar player, but I know fascinating when I see it!!! What an artisan 🤯 Your talent is something to behold, thank you for sharing it.

[@jasongarey8329]

That's hard work and a brilliant strategy. I hope you were well compensated. ❤

[@IceManTX69]

Wow! Basically building a new tuba from scratch almost. Incredible work.

[@squabok]

One thing I've found useful for getting the ferrules circular is tailpipe fitting tools for automotives. They work like expanders but the way they function means you can get a taper in them to match the work piece. Sometimes the 4/4 tubas are too big though, so ymmv.

[@Epulor1]

Informative video, and I learned something new. It is curious that although I intellectually understand what is happening there is a part of me that sees the transformation as ‘magic’. 😎

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Thanks for watching. My Mom said same thing, she calls it “Wes Magic”. Ha

[@overthetarget9401]

To watch someone do great dent work is almost like magic, the comparison between before and after is quite amazing.

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

@@overthetarget9401 it is almost like magic. I grew up watching my father do this to cars (he owned an auto body shop) and it still amazes me. He'd start tapping on some spot a mile from the dent, and then all of a sudden the dent starts going away. It's like he could see the stresses in the metal.

[@georgesaunders6362]

Wes, I love watching true craftsmen working. The way you seeming effortlessly make the metal flow back into place is absolutely beautiful

[@giannicarlo]

Very nice work, I really enjoyed watching the video

[@Cypher791]

Only recently discovered this channel… I am probably going to watch ever single video you do 🎷🔨😌

[@crryzcodessometimes]

As a tuba player this is amazing to see how you repair these

[@LoisWade42]

Wow. Watching the D become an O again... is amazing. Impressive. Fabulous. Fantastic....!!!

[@bigtim94122]

excellent metal work always wondered how brass instruments were repaired and dents removed this is really informative, from a Bass player

[@Craigo-xg5mc]

Amazing. I had no idea that could be done. Great craftsmanship.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

some nice work, looking forward to seeing it finished.

[@ALouisae]

nothing like our school tubas. we have 5, every single one of them are dented to hell. 2 of them work alright and the other 3 and what us tuba players call “The Beaters” and of course, out of our 6 sousaphones, only 1 of them works, the others are so dented and destroyed it would genuinely take a miracle to get them working again. at the state they’re in, it’d probably be easier to scrap them and buy whole new ones

[@jonas2431]

the roller looks like a modified english wheel. this is awesome work

[@JamesJones-mp6ie]

Bravo! This is skill learned over many years, I'm sure. As a trombonist for many tears, I'd trust you guys with my Getzen any time. I'm scared to ask for a quote for one dent through!

[@jbmusicschool]

Do you have to be careful with that torch? Does it burn hotter due to the Oxygen? Can you melt the brass at all? I am currently using a propane only torch. I am learning horn repair. Gotta watch and learn from the master.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Thanks for watching. Yes, this torch is more precise and focused than propane only. The O2 will help it generate 5,800F on the high end, which will put holes in brass. I have multiple tips that I use for different jobs. Because of using small super focus tips, my lacquer burn ratio has gone down a lot. Great question, thanks.

[@blackfeathers616]

I should be working on music right now but KZbin says Let's watch this particular video Love it

[@Sojourning_]

The Patience of JOB, a miracle worker.

[@ricardosantana8586]

Wow what a professional man, he got it back as the same as when I was new

[@Terrycrackcorn]

Amazing metal work! Really great stuff!

[@PagingDrSwiss]

I love your videos is an understatement. Can you also include facts like how much the pieces cost new, how much the repairs will be, esp info about what happened to the instrument. I would love some backstory and to increase my knowledge about instruments. 🙏🏻 ty!!

[@woifmachatch2101]

Good comments

[@matsuiflex]

Skillful work and fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

[@jaysonbackes9279]

I love your channel so freaking much. Next time I am in MS to visit family I want to get you to work on my Trumpet. Liked, subscribed, recommended, and shared!

[@Nacho-Mamma]

I grew up playing baritone, bass & French horn in the Salvation Army band. And, I’ve seen a lot of damaged horns over the years. But, the purposeful and malicious damage here broke my heart! Bless you and your skills! Professor Henry Hill has nothing on you, the real Music Man!

[@ІгорПриріз]

Мені цікаво дивитись вашу працю.Ви супер майстер👍

[@drobinson8158]

Lots of physical labor...wow! Great job!

[@derek7676]

Awesome Wes. That magnet trick sure is a good one.

[@philjungels7617]

You amaze me with your skills!

[@r3ministriesinc893]

that poor middle school band instrument... it's had a rough time! Great job with the restoration!

[@hatbpto5180]

At the end of a long day it is enjoyable watching dents being taken out of these old brass instruments.

[@DrunkenRhinoceros]

I would have thought that tuba was toast. Awesome skill to fix that.

[@markd.nightingale4266]

Beautiful work! A true craftsman!!

[@syedahmedmustafa2246]

Incredible craftsmanship!

[@paulcoulsonpauline.gcoulso7953]

very impressive work mate. well done .

[@matthewerspamer6274]

I love 2022, videos of people repairing band instruments are more popular than videos of people breaking them.

[@1963felonee]

Forgive my ignorance, as I'm used to working with steel, but would heating the material up a bit before working help the repair process be easier and a little less demanding

[@junulock]

You have the touch to do magic. That badly crushed area you reworked I thought was impossible and a goner.

[@johnkelly6942]

Your dent machine is a first cousin to the “English wheel” used by automotive (steel and aluminum) body panels. You do really nice work!

[@jordanluke8037]

How do you use the torch without burning the lacquer?

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

The quick, crotchety old man answer is “control the heat”. But in all seriousness, this new torch setup allows me to be so specific of where I am directing the heat, it’s saved me a lot of time in cleanup of lacquer burn.

[@Nigelrathbone1]

Hard work and craftsmenship combined

[@RobPollen]

glad to see its not just my industry that people miss-treat things

[@Pasovineyard]

When I was in intermediate and high school I played tuba. I always wanted a recording bass like this, but could not afford one. I would have never allowed this to happen to a great instrument like this.

[@bullhippo9023]

How does this damage happen ?