Protecting a Flugelhorn

[jjcousin]

OK, so I have done some searching here and found some really old threads with pictures I can't see. and I know there's the usual debate about using a "valve guard" or not. I don't care about debating the effect on sound, etc.

SO, how about a new beautiful flugelhorn?
How can this thing be protected?

I believe I do have acidic sweat, and I pretty much ruined my high school silver Bach 43*'s valve block.

I bought a black matte Phaeton flugelhorn which looked great at first, and I used a valve guard. But, too much life happened to it and there's much wear on it...especially where the right hand reaches over the bell pipe pipe and the second valve slide...things like this where typical protectors don't cover.

SO - what's a fella to do to protect the next new flugelhorn from all this wear when I get a new beautiful one (that won't be black matte or silver)??? Say...satin, or antique...or maybe something else probably.

Thanks in advance,
John

[Uberopa]

Try Leather Specialties Company. I used one of their valve casing protectors for my Benge. I also got a bell protector as well because the silver plating as very thin.

[zaferis]

I'll start by saying I'm not a fan of guards - I think they trap moisture and grit that ultimately cause as many issues, and there is the affect on how hands fit on the instrument / finger & hand position. Arguably tone of the instrument is affected too.

I fully understand that some have this issue - check your diet, wash your hands just before playing, maybe try some working hand protective cream(s), and wipe the horn off after use with a soft non-abrasive cloth (microfibre cloths are excellent).

Then, I recently had an old trumpet refurbished, it's raw brass, and the company put a polish on the horn to keep the shine and protect the brass. Which gave me the idea of getting a high quality carnauba wax to keep up the protective coating. A "hard drying paste wax"
_________________
Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman

[Halflip]

Perhaps you need to come at this from a different angle.

Some flugelhorns sold on eBay feature a care kit that includes gloves . . .
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"

[trpthrld]

Personally, I do not like valve guards. I actually like to feel a horn vibrate in my hand, and my experience is a valve guard dampens that vibration.

Although my body has changed as it has become more "vintage," I used to have what I believed to be a very high degree of body skin "acid" (for lack of a better term). I was known to eat through the plating on horns in a very short amount of time.

Although that has changed through the years (it has lessened), there's something that I still do with all of my horns, whether they're silver or lacquered. This is something that Joe Marcinkiewicz showed me and it works wonderfully.

Wherever there will be skin contact on my horns, I apply a good layer of clear nail polish. It's basically lacquer, and it does a terrific job of protecting the horn. So around the valve casing, under the lead pipe where my thumb goes, any finger hooks or rings - they all get a regular application of clear nail polish.

Eventually I do wear through it and I simply reapply.

HINT!: If you're going to do this, let the nail polish dry completely before you put it back in any case. And especially a case that has a furry or fuzzy case lining.

It's worth a try. I know there are others with differing opinions but for me it works. Give it a try to see if it gives you the results you're looking for.
_________________
Tim Wendt

www.trumpetherald.com/marketplace.php?task=detail&id=147567&s=The-Best-Trumpet-Lead-Pipe-Swab-EVER-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWAJqghk24&feature=youtu.be

[trpthrld]

[zaferis]

[trickg]