Bis Key Bandit
Member
- 33
Hi, I just purchased a 1929 Buescher True Tone Alto (250xxx) off of Ebay.
It's in good condition, the lacquer is almost intact and it actually still plays across the the entire range of the horn with what are probably original pads. It looks like it's been in a closet for decades - the key system is totally gunked up with dirt causing a treacle-like action, and there is also a good deal of tarnish as well as verdigris or mold in the bell. The Bb key rod also looks slightly bent.
I think it has potential so I'd like to get it overhauled and back into working order.
To save money and for the sake of curiosity, I'm considering disassembling, cleaning and lubricating it myself before handing it over to a tech for proper adjustment, repadding, tone-hole levelling etc. I was going to follow a procedure like this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47756829@N03/sets/72157626931916866/ minus the repadding. Also some ideas here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47756829@N03/sets/72157626931916866/
Do you think this practical?
What would be a reasonable price for a full overhaul?
Any other general advice?
Thanks
It's in good condition, the lacquer is almost intact and it actually still plays across the the entire range of the horn with what are probably original pads. It looks like it's been in a closet for decades - the key system is totally gunked up with dirt causing a treacle-like action, and there is also a good deal of tarnish as well as verdigris or mold in the bell. The Bb key rod also looks slightly bent.
I think it has potential so I'd like to get it overhauled and back into working order.
To save money and for the sake of curiosity, I'm considering disassembling, cleaning and lubricating it myself before handing it over to a tech for proper adjustment, repadding, tone-hole levelling etc. I was going to follow a procedure like this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47756829@N03/sets/72157626931916866/ minus the repadding. Also some ideas here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47756829@N03/sets/72157626931916866/
Do you think this practical?
What would be a reasonable price for a full overhaul?
Any other general advice?
Thanks
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