Re: Disconnected tuba bells


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Posted by Joe S. on November 18, 1999 at 09:20:48:

In Reply to: Disconnected tuba bells posted by Anon on November 18, 1999 at 08:41:32:

I cannot see any justification for dismantling the entire instrument and reassembling it when all that you know is wrong is that some slob forgot to solder one (admittedly big) solder joint when making your tuba.

If you bought it new, the dents surely are "yours" and the seller could even effectively fabricate an argument that he can't be responsible for loose solder joints unless there is no evidence of the tuba being banged around. (???)

HOWEVER, you could possibly negotiate REMOVAL of the bottom bow and ironing out of all of your little dents, since the manufacturer was careless enough to forget to solder a joint - one of the joints that has to be loose to remove the bottom bow, anyway.

Silver plating CANNOT be done correctly and durably in one "spot". The entire instrument has to be done, and this involves a great amount of expense, both in polishing, plating, and possibly valve fit touch-up. Since you have already banged up your tuba a little bit, I don't think the "put back to cosmetically perfect" argument would fly.

Probably the simplest solution is to have the solder joint fixed by someone who has a reputation for resoldering silver plated instruments without screwing up the silver too badly, and try to have the vendor reimburse you for the solder joint and maybe send you a nice mouthpiece to make up for the minor cosmetic damage that will be caused by having the joint soldered.

Good luck. With future tubas, you might want to think about weighing the trouble, responsibility, and expense of silver plating against its nice appearance.


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