Need help with Selmer Bolero, crack in slide

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Mamaposaune
Posts: 657
Joined: Sep 22, 2018

by Mamaposaune » (edited 2026-01-30 10:49 p.m.)

Looking for suggestions on a permanant repair for my Selmer Bolero slide, it works as-is but I am not happy with the aesthetics at all. The problem started with a small leak where the outer slide tube is stretched to fit over the slide crook. I took it to Dillon's, Freddy found a thin crack and filled it in with a small amount of solder. Unfortunately it didn't hold, so I took it to another repairman (who will remain unnamed) and this is the result. No, it does not leak any longer, but the horn is in otherwise great shape and I just can't un-see the big blob of solder.

I would like to have Ferrules wrapped around where the slide meets the crook, like most pro horns have. I realize they will add a bit of weight, but that's OK. The 2nd repairman discouraged that idea, but I think he just may not wanted to do it.

Hoping some of the highly respected repair guys here can weigh in on whether adding ferrules is a practical solution, and, if not, what else can be done.

The one Pic shows approx. how far the inner slide goes down into the outer.
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

It's "ferrules" and it looks to me like that would be the way to go.
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Mamaposaune
Posts: 657
Joined: Sep 22, 2018

by Mamaposaune »

[quote="Doug Elliott"]It's "ferrules" and it looks to me like that would be the way to go.[/quote]
Thanks Doug - fixed the spelling.
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Crazy4Tbone86
Posts: 1654
Joined: Jan 14, 2020

by Crazy4Tbone86 »

Yes, replacing that wider edge of the crook with ferrules would probably fix all of the issues. I don’t think you would notice any additional weight.

The wide edge of the crook needs to be removed and there is plenty of straight tubing remaining on the crook for ferrules the be installed. A good tech should have hundreds of spare pieces of tubing to choose from and might need to turn the tubing on a lathe for an exact fit. If you ask nicely, the tech will probably add a couple of trim lines on the ferrules to make it look pleasing to the eye.

I’m not doing any more repairs in my home shop (too darn busy with arranging and conducting). Real shame….I enjoy doing custom work like that. PM me and I can send you the name of a person who can do excellent work on a small project like that.
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Mamaposaune
Posts: 657
Joined: Sep 22, 2018

by Mamaposaune »

Thanks Brian, PM sent.