BOTCHED!- Besson Trumpet Bell, Repairing Hack Work, band instrument repair

[@mattm8077]

I’m a new person in this trade. I had someone give me a trumpet that had an object stuck inside. I gave them a quote and they had mentioned they brought it to a shop about a month before, and declined the dent work I quoted them because “the other shop said it played fine with the dents”… long story short, it was a sax dent ball that was stuck deep in the mangled bell, and I don’t see how it could have played with something that big blocking the airflow let alone how a dent ball would have gotten stuck in a child’s hands? Needless to say, they agreed to the dent work and the customer was happy with my work… not so happy with the other shop. I now have the rusted dent all on my bench as a trophy and a reminder 😂

[@65charliemopic]

It's always satisfying watching a Master Tradesman preform his work.

[@KerryLorah]

As a trumpet player, seeing that horn at the beginning broke my heart. Absolutely soul crushing.

[@ricoludovici2825]

Right? A bad looking horn makes it hard to like playing.

[@KerryLorah]

@@ricoludovici2825 Or in this case a twisted bell.

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@KerryLorah Yes. Looking down that wandering bell while you read your music. Mmm.

[@KerryLorah]

@@ricoludovici2825 Actually, it affects playing.

[@KerryLorah]

@@ricoludovici2825 Des Moines, IA. Mmmm

[@marchaller548]

We still consider that you are a phenomenal technician, my dear Wes !!!!

[@iciclewing137]

As a fellow repair tech who prides themselves on quality work, I’m equally horrified to see the previous job called “work” and thrilled to see Wes call it out. This trade isn’t and shouldn’t be treated as a hobby; this is a serious skill and a lifestyle that requires dedication and attention to detail. Bravo Wes!

[@guataco]

Your rant is just responsability and accountability. God bless you both. You deserve so many more subscribers.

[@57Banjoman]

In a shop where I worked, there was a sign that said, "if we have to finish a job you started, the price will be double"-well done as always!

[@Eupher72120]

Whoa. Probably the first time I've ever seen Wes visibly angry at a shoddy job. I'm quite sure he'll amplify all this to the client.

[@BruceBoschek]

The important thing is that it got to the right man in time to be rescued. Thanks for the video.

[@mikezimmermann89]

I’m always amazed at your videos. I just can’t believe the things you accomplish with the tools you use. “I’m gonna bring that light line back to…” and tap tap tap with a little hammer that I think can’t do anything. Shows how little I know and how much a good technician needs to lean. You are a wizard and your transformations are a joy to watch.

[@cynful_666]

I love the pride you have in your work and in your trade. It's a joy and treat to watch your videos.

[@johnvanhal4573]

Your camera person does a great job.

[@jackhans4510]

Thank you, Wes. So professional and compliments to the photographer too. You're a great team.

[@rogerhodges7656]

Incredible work. It is much harder to repair a botch job than to start fresh.

[@excavatoree]

How does that chart go? Repair: 100 dollars per hour If you watch: 150 If you help: 200 If you tried to do it yourself and messed it up: 500

[@1978garfield]

@@excavatoree Sadly as you can see here taking something to a "pro" and paying money is no guarantee the job will be done right. They had to pay the first shop to make it worse and now have to pay Wes more to fix the damage done by the other shop and then to fix the original problem.

[@courier11sec]

Working brass is definitely metal shaping on the the hardest difficulty setting. I so enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@allthingspiano3346]

Wes, you do amazing work. As a piano technician, I see all kinds of “repairs”, too. I feel your pain. Keep up the good work!

[@phazonclash]

I don't play wind instruments, I don't play any instruments, I'm not a musician at all, but I watch this channel religiously anyway! It's always fascinating to see a skilled craftsman do his or her thing.

[@ScratchySlide]

Never to late to start.....

[@jeremyfertig4187]

always learning something new from this channel... honestly I will probably never work on instruments but a lot of the metal working techniques I can apply to several projects I am working on. At the very least I really enjoy learning something new just for the sake of knowledge. Well done sir

[@silpo4164]

Dear, I always give my musician friends photographic follow-up of all the work I am doing on their instrument. You are right to point this out and your opinion is totally authoritative given your vast experience. Congratulations! Silverio from Argentina.

[@snidelywhiplash8923]

The hand work of a skilled craftsman is a pleasure to observe. Low tech, unmechanized work approached with profound knowledge and understanding of the materials involved and how to work with them. Thanks for sharing.

[@cannon440]

I don't know what amazes me more, your ability to perform magic or the willingness of the clients to pay for your magic. A true artisan makes it look easy.

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

It's so fascinating to watch a master work his trade.

[@markjohnson1814]

Wes I love seeing your work, it would be cool to see some of your customers reaction to getting their instrument's back...

[@1933essex]

I am an artist. I make sculptures using dead musical instruments. I try to straighten bells on some of these horns to make them look better in my art. That is why I watch your channel. You do unreal work, I do crappy backyard fixes to make things look better.....MY work is better than what you started with on that horn !!! Some people should leave some things alone. Thanks you for doing your normal fantastic job and saving that trumpet. Keep doing....I'll keep watching and learning

[@MarinMarinov-f9h]

Greetings from Bulgaria.Very good work.Thanks for your video.❤

[@sgsax]

So much crazy here, but that crease in the rim was something else. Glad they were able to get it into your hands and put it back to rights. Thanks for sharing!

[@pjchris90]

That was an impressive repair. Thank you for sharing.

[@ricoludovici2825]

I am always impressed at just how physical this job is. 85% of the work is hand and arm strength. But the difficult part is using that extreme strength just enough to not damage the object more. Wes Lee is a true master in a world where master is typically used to describe what a different age would call a 'competent workman'. But even more impressive is the fact that he often brings more respect to the instrument than the owner or the user. This man is going STRAIGHT heaven, my friends.

[@lordchiopet1630]

It's always a huge bummer to see the hack work of someone who's basically running a scam. But we love seeing a master set it right. Good luck on your future projects!

[@cmans79tr7]

Ha ha, I would consider starting at 8:01 as more of a "Fireside Chat" (see fireplace in the background at 3:43) than a "rant." You say you're not a phenomenon? Then tell us how you can be talking to us while still tapping on that horn😂😂 That was very clever.

[@paulsullivan6392]

Knowledge, skills and finesse. A wonderful job rescuing a major hack job. Well done sir...well done.

[@pushyred]

Great work as always. Re-working someone else's mistakes is always twice as hard as just fixing it right the first time.

[@thomasfadden3394]

I have a similar model trumpet stamped Accent. Kanstul used to make the Accent brass as well as the French Besson which was similar to their CCT900. When you commented that it was pretty soft material I was surprised. I thought Kanstul made their horns like tanks.

[@thomasbooth9079]

This is the work of a true (highly skilled and practiced) professional that takes pride in his work.

[@billpendergrass9466]

Thank you for your channel. I just found it and have watched a half dozen episodes so far. I am handy with metal bashing (not instruments) and I find it very fun to see good skill being applied. Cool tools and techniques especially the fabric hammers. Thanks!

[@most-best]

If that's wifey doing the camera work, give her a raise. Excellent camera work.

[@kristimiller-lee2338]

Thanks. Wes does all of the editing to make it appealing.

[@most-best]

He can’t make your shots better if they were poor. Credit where credit is due.

[@albertsystem1]

You do great work and I really appreciate the information and commentary you provide. Am I the only one who thinks dent removal is like pimple popping? Weirdly satisfying to watch!

[@markmccauley7597]

Wes, I've seen several of your videos now. I always thought of you as competent but after seeing you straighten out that amateurish repair, I'm truly impressed with your mad skills! Kudos!!

[@robertg7538]

I enjoy watching your craftsmanship. Maybe, I could do some apprentice work in a shop and learn more.

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I've just sent a besson 982 to mcqueens for a total refurbishment in Manchester, UK, they are magicians! 🙂

[@richardedwards3098]

I love watching your videos wes! Im not really into band instruments, but im very interested in the repair aspects. You’re doing the right thing by showing how it’s done! Much respect!

[@georgesaunders6362]

Wes, the way you work the brass is amazing. Working the dents, bends and bulges out was magical.

[@matthewharlowehrscyclespor668]

I enjoy your work and your ethics revolving around appropriate repair work. I am in the business of restoration. The term "restoration" seems to be a very loose interpretation of a standard of work. Like you, I believe their should be a certification process for work provided. There are some mechanical certifications offered in our business. Some of those standards have become lax. I often witness poor or substandard work often. I witness and repair previous work done by those technicians who should not be in the business. Some of the work performed puts clients in danger. I am passionate about my work. I enjoyed your visceral reaction to the poor work you found in your initial inspection. You have a special talent and mindset to provide a high standard of work. GREAT job, Wes. Be good. Remain safe. Go out and have a Deluxe day.

[@grahammorgan9635]

Thanks Wes you demonstrating your skill and technique have been really useful to me when applying your techniques when I am repairing damaged exhaust mufflers on motor cycles. You just have to get the metal back where it was, thanks very much

[@djasge3893]

Thank you for this, I’m beginning and not so happy with some of my work ( on my own instruments I would add) as I learn. It’s inspiring to see the results you get and motivates me to work more at it.

[@michaelimbesi2314]

At the beginning of the video, Wes almost looks like he's traumatized by seeing the "repair" that was inflicted on this poor horn.

[@ricoludovici2825]

In one vid, he repaired a mangled school tuba. His work brought tears to my eyes. Not kidding. I played tuba in junior high, high school and college. These instruments are treated and mistreated so badly that some are almost unplayable. But they are not clown trumpets; they are instruments like any other. If you price a new concert tuba, you can see how floridly expensive they are. The use of a school tuba is a privilege and an opportunity. Bad repairs are an insult to the instrument and the player.

[@sharryjones5200]

You are a master! Excellent! 😊

[@IkesVintageTech]

I have an old Holton trumpet from circa 1929 and would love to have it repaired. It’s in rough shape but I’ve held onto it since 1992 when I got it at a flea market.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

Great work Wes! I could see the wavy light lines watching the video, it makes me wonder how the horn was before being worked on! But seeing the after, I know you do great work!

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Beautiful work! You are a true master of your craft!

[@flash7355]

Man.. I saved a trumpet that had been sat on badly with my limited equipment at home and straightened it out, it is now my favourite player. I think I could have done a much better job even without proshop- training, without a repairshop full of tools just handtools and a vice and a dentball. That work there must have been someone not looking into how to repair Trumpets, hating the work, hating the trumpet as an instrument and using the wrong tools and even then botched the job badly. Fine work saving that Besson.

[@MattTech-o4b]

Great work, Lee. Where is your trumpet repair shop? -Matt Tech.

[@kristimiller-lee2338]

We are in Petal,Mississippi.

[@Mmmyess]

What became of the Adolphe Saxhorn Cornet? I thought we had a few more parts to its journey ahead of us.....

[@erniearruda8861]

I had my fair share of bad repairs from not so good techs that I had to redo or tell the customer that I can’t repair that repair, many times over the thirty four years of my trade. I hear and feel your pain Wes.🇨🇦

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Yea man. I know you have. We seem to see a lot of similarities in the repairs. Good to hear from you. Hope things are well

[@pmfmpls]

Great to watch the best

[@crabmansteve6844]

I've never touched an instrument, but I feel like I could do better work than the hack that got to it before it made its way to you, simply on the basis that I have functional eyes. My automotive body work and PDR skills from a previous career would come in quite handy for once.

[@mulliedog1]

Great job!!

[@mactech44]

I was rewatching your clarinet read videos this morning and would like information on the leak light you used. The link in the description did not work. As always I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for posting them!

[@philbudne2095]

A non-tech here, just enjoy watching you work.... Is there a video where it's clear what you mean by "light lines"? Thanks!

[@meistudiony]

The reflection of the light off the brass reveals all sorts of things. The reflection should be straight and smooth. If the light bends or disappears that means that things are not straight.

[@davidwood351]

Whoever did that previous work wanted to help, but didn’t have the skills or proper tools to do it properly, let’s hope they grow up to be a real tech some day.

[@amauicelticconnectionandot2674]

you are a good repairman, Wes...but get over the fact that most folks aren't....i am semi over trash talking the trash...trash happens....don't forget, your cool tools cost a small fortune...some of us repair guys have to make do with much less....i can buy a really cool old horn for less than a friggin mandrel....but yea, i got a few mandrels anyway.

[@cmorales5]

I have a BTR301 Bach Trumpet... excellent condition, but apparently a previous owner tried to repair the pistons 1 and 3. I suppose you perform that kind of repair. Valve block looks fine.

[@dimension2788]

😂Can you smooth out my King Legend? Got a couple of knuckle dents and the case kinda dented the bell pipe... Thanks Wes This is a real special horn kinda magic....

[@OnlyTheEd]

I bought a trombone from a "thrift store" maybe 40+ years ago (Yeah, I'm old).....it was so corroded, the brass had holes in the bell....the inner slide too....😞 I forget what I did with that piece of metal....I was in Junior high school then....in the early '70's....

[@thesoundmechanic1]

What is the clear cream substance you keep applying to your mandrels during this repair? Where do you purchase it?

[@vitorioberlusconi2815]

советую снимать реакции клиентов после ремонта)

[@ToothMolar]

You mentioned before and after pictures. You ever try before and after playing, for sound changes?

[@richardhoffman9729]

I enjoy your channel, but am not in the trade. I make sculptures with copper or brass and have been using full size torches. After watching your show I kicked myself in the behind and ordered a set of micro/jewelers torches. I need your help. Do you use an oxygen generator or oxy concentrator and if so which one and what size? And for most of your work on horns etc. what size tip do you use? I appreciate your help. Thanks

[@Meister1551]

I'm with you Wes, I think a Guild should be in place, that has standards that instrument repair persons must be able to measure up to. In all my years in and around the music business, I've seen great work and a lot of not so good work too. Your channel brings light to this in so many ways and gives people a true measure of what Great work looks like. Thank you for what you are accomplishing with your channel. L. "Bush" T . Trombone, The Gringos

[@jeffyoung6967]

Always a pleasure and privilege to watch any master perform magic whether metal, wood or other medium. Especially when I'm known as 3 thumbed Bob.

[@dgberry01]

The association of repair technicians can through the association established standards of qualifications and workmanship for various levels of technicians. Apprentice, journeyman and master technician for trees of instruments

[@CDaisy-tp7hw]

You're always referring to "light lines." Do you have your lights arranged in any particular way, or are your work areas configured in any particular way to give you the best light lines?

[@ShainAndrews]

All industries have notes of incompetence wafting through them. Some just feel more personal than others.

[@Napoleonwasright]

I would also like to see a certification and exam for this sort of work. It's a trade. It needs a guild

[@1978garfield]

It used to be that being a professional implied at the bare minimum competence in the field you advertised. Now it just means you charge money. I think the other place beat it with a bag of walnuts and then wrote up the bill.

[@BeastOfSoda]

Just curious, what is the white paste he's using before rubbing the brass?

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Grease

[@leslieq958]

How long did this repair take?

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

All day

[@jstep4146]

Ever had to deal with someones epoxy fixes? Those are a pain, having to grind all that off. Crazy glue is really toxic when it gets hot and can really wreck your lungs. Amateur repairs can be a mess to fix. I got one last month that I swear was "fixed" on an anvil with a ball-peen hammer.

[@irakozak1]

Where are you located?

[@kristimiller-lee2338]

Petal, Mississippi

[@lwilton]

How many days did that take?

[@jstep4146]

LOL if it took days, it wouldn't be worth fixin. The last thing that took me "days", was an overhaul/repair on a $3000 bass clarinet, and that had 10 hours of time on the fix. Time = $$$, and Wes works pretty fast. Recording takes a lot of time so it looks like it takes longer than it would normally.

[@TubaHero37]

Another comment asked specifically "How long did this repair take?" Wes answered "All day."

[@AB8Y_radio]

Are you sure this wasn't DIY disaster? Who would have the customer come pick up the instrument and call that bell repaired.

[@blackjackjoe7]

I'm always impressed with the work of masters like this gentleman, but is it too much to ask that the person who is speaking actually wear a wireless microphone throughout the video? This would seem to be lesson #1 for content creators. I realize that close work like hammer tapping can be loud but simple work during the editing process can turn down that volume. Please don't use ambient microphones built into cameras to pick up the person's voice. Otherwise, this video is SO impressive and how it shows the work of this master craftsman!

[@cheeto4493]

This video is great as it is. Easily heard and understood. I totally disagree with your comment.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Upper left corner of apron, wireless. Probably would have helped in sections if I took the sharpie marker top out of my mouth while talking! Ha

[@mikerichards6311]

🙀👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉

[@wendawg121]

Dear Sir can you fix the horn on my 1998 Dodge van? Thanks, Wendell da Bassman😅😂

[@B0rd3l3au]

GUYS I NEED HELP!!! The G key on my Bb flute is playing a F# and I have a concert in a week and a half. I have no idea why it is doing that and no tutorial is helping me. I have no time to take it to the repair shop because it takes about 3 weeks since where I live theres only one music store in the whole territory. SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASEEE😭😭😭😭

[@LtKernelPanic]

I hope the owner takes that beautiful horn back to the first "tech" and says "THIS is how it's done!" Shoddy workmanship like that makes all repair techs look bad. I don't blame you for being angry with that original piss poor "repair."

[@chrisstephens6673]

Does make you wonder how bad it was before the first "repair "!

[@aususer]

You want it good, cheap or working… choose any two

[@lucidmoses]

I can't help but wounder if you have your own mouth pieces or do you share with all the clients.

[@cheeto4493]

I've pondered this myself. One for a tuba, trumpet or trombone would be pretty easy to clean and disinfect or swap out with a personal one, while flutes are built in. But reeded instruments like sax's and clarinets, I dunno.

[@Ti_Ti_ta]

Techs have a full set of mouthpieces and reeds for every instrument. Shouldn't ever play a clients mouthpiece unless you are doing work on it.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

I play all my own mouthpieces and have multiple sizes/styles for each because there are so many different players and styles

[@lucidmoses]

@@wesleemusicrepair9820 Well, that's good to hear. You must have quite the collection by now.

[@jun1977i]

for a instrument that is really bend is a lot of technicians that don't want to even touch them.

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

Most of the same bozos would do the same work with or without a certification. I get your sentiment from a professional standpoint, but without lifetime continued retesting requirements (that often end up scams, looking at you CompTIA) and actual oversight of the professional community (which is often just as bad as the testing - look at the legal community), it will change nothing for the customer or the professional. At least beyond annoyance and expense for the latter, anyway. ASE certs have been around a long time, but there's still TONS of bad mechanics that proudly have that cert. At the end of the day it's just a thing for you to be proud of that doesn't actually mean anything.

[@spillingvoid1]

You can always try and start something like the American Blacksmith Society has.

[@willieshaw2522]

This might not be a popular opinion, but here goes. A horn is a MUSICAL instrument that may also be visually pretty. If, after the first repairs, the horn performed to an average musician's ability, and sounded good to the average listener - was it really a "hack repair"? You hear music, sometimes feel it, but I've never been able to see it, so if the horn still played well, I'd call it a reasonably successful repair, even with the visual flaws. At that point you can debate on what visual level the owner had asked for (and paid for) the horn to be brought to. I learned a long time ago not to assume the direction of conversations that I didn't personally witness. IMO that conversation - between the owner and repair tech - determines the success level of the repair more than anyone else's opinion as to what visual level it should be finished at.

[@ydonl]

My guess would be that you don't play. If you care about your music, you most likely care about your instrument, and it affects the way you feel and play. Or you can lower your standards, probably both for your music and your instrument, and call it "good enough." I know everybody's different and I'm making sweeping generalizations, and I don't mean to offend, but I think that mostly, the two things go together.

[@willieshaw2522]

@@ydonl I do not play personally, but several friends do. All of them have "bar" instruments that they know will see wear and tear from the nonsense that happens in bars. Then they have their babys that are only played whenever there is little chance of damage and want to leave a good impression.

[@ydonl]

@@willieshaw2522 I think that's kinda what I was saying! Let's harmonize our perspectives, eh? 🙂

[@tpledger100]

l warranty cover it? Ha, ha! You're a miricle worker!

[@OnlyTheEd]

That has more curve than Highway 2 in SE Iowa!➿ I'm not a repair technician, but I would not attempt to massage that brass....I would probably cause the metal to rip....