You know, you could have just left it alone, rather than posting an insulting "good for you" with insulting head-smack emoji.
I was saying what I would try. If it didn't work, I made very clear that I would be prepared to do the full job.
There isn't any finish to speak of already - it looks like someone went after the thing with a wire brush and a can of Krylon clear.
I have resoldered a bunch of stuff on brass. Sometimes it works to just reheat and get the solder that's there to flow, much of the time you have to take the whole thing down to bright metal.
Anyway, I'm done with this particular discussion. I'll think about whether to put you on ignore or not. I like most of what you have to say, but I don't take kindly to insult.
Bless ya.
I make it clear in my article that aside from the bodges there are no short cuts. Yep, it might work on a key guard or a pillar - but with no finish to worry about you ought to go straight in with the proper job. Every time - because having to dive in and fixed a bodged tonehole is waaaay more expensive than an individual pillar. As I said - been there, done that...and the customer always pays.
Now, I don't mind at all if some amazing repair guru comes up with a revolutionary fix for soldered-on toneholes without having to take them off and resolder them....because I, and many other techs, figured out a very long time ago that there are no shortcuts.
Do I appear brusque? Good - because I'm sick and tired of 'internet experts' who lack the nous to take hard-earned advice. I could be doing many other things...but I choose to be here in a (vain) effort to pass on at least some of what I've learned in the hope that it will improve people's understanding of best and proven techniques.
But if you can come up with an alternative method that really works - be my guest. I'm all ears - the floor is yours. We will hail you as a hero. I can wait.
But what have you come up with thus far? "Sometimes it works".
Honestly - I despair.
"Hey! Try this! It 'might' work!" On a vintage Martin. Y'know, thanks...but no thanks.
Honestly...would you be impressed with such advice in your field of expertise? No - no you wouldn't...you'd consult a professional. So get a grip.
I care what happens to these horns - so do it right or go home. Barely takes any longer.
I don't do American hissy fits - so you go right ahead and press that ignore button - but I will pitch my years of graft and experience against supposition and folklore any day of the week. It's what this forum deserves. And if that bothers you, you know where to go. I would hope you at least have the commonsense to realise you're out of your depth on this one - and that's no shame. But having a wobbly is.
If any of the above makes no sense to you then you go right ahead and hit that button. I will not lose sleep over it.