Complete new lacquer King 5b

N
Nobbi
Posts: 73
Joined: Nov 11, 2020

by Nobbi »

Hello community,

I am facing a desire to hand my King 5b from 1976 over to my professional brass instrument Workshop to get the 5b into a complete new lacquer dress. As original, of course ... gold laquer and the slide silver/clear ... as it was first sold in 1976. My eyes will be happy and the metal is fully protected again.

My only concern: hopefully the original beautiful warm sound will not be traded in.

Do you guys have experience with what I am planing? Do or don't do it?

Nobbi
B
BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

There are some relacquer guys who can do a good job and others who can ruin a perfectly good instrument.

I hope there are some here who can give suggestions. Approximately where are you? US? UK? Australia? EU?
N
Nobbi
Posts: 73
Joined: Nov 11, 2020

by Nobbi »

Germany.

The brass workshop I am talking about is an absolute pro for decades. Master of building brass instruments.
B
BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

There are a number of master builders who don't (or can't) do lacquer. Not being in EU I can't comment on any shop. I hope some of our EU members can make recommendations.

Note that the orange lacquer that King used back in the 1970s may not be available. Your new lacquer coating will be much lighter in color.
P
pedrombon
Posts: 417
Joined: Apr 11, 2018

by pedrombon »

Pleischl in Atting do a great job, and they can apply different color tones to their lacquers.
C
CharlieB
Posts: 434
Joined: Mar 29, 2018

by CharlieB »

To answer your question..................

No, refinishing the horn will not alter the beautiful, warm sound of the horn.

In skilled hands, the abrasive buffing process will remove only a very minute amount of metal.

You will have some loss of definition to any engravings on the bell.

A properly applied coat of new lacquer will not be so thick as to alter the sound of the horn.

So yes, find a good TROMBONE technician and go for it.

TROMBONE is important, as the outer slide tubes are subject to bending in inexperienced hands at the buffing wheel.
L
LBOne
Posts: 14
Joined: Jan 19, 2020

by LBOne »

Leopold Mueller in Baiersdorf is specialized in lacquering horns. www. mueller-lack.com