Selling strad- how to fix/clean

[syclone1635]

Hey guys, I'm trying to sell my Bach strad, but it's got a few problems. It was my marching horn, and no gloves during practice made the sweat eat away at the lacquer, so around the valves it has been worn away. It also has a possible bent valve/valve casing. it really doesnt move slow but if you push it down all the way it will stick at the very bottom, and is pretty hard to pull back up. like i've almost considered using pliers a few times. Any Ideas on what I should do? I'd like to do it myself if it's possible, cause straight music isn't too cheap or quick with their cleaning or repairs. FYI it is a model 43 Bach Strad with the "light weight" star on the bell. Thanks.

Edited November 15, 2007 by syclone1635

[Dynasty]

If the lacquer is gone, it's gone.

 

The valve may be dirty, not necessarily bent. You can try to take some soapy water (use like dish soap... make sure you dilute it though!) and run a cloth through the valve. Better yet, get a valve brush (5 dollars?).

 

If you do plan on reselling it though, it would probably be expected that you at least pay for a professional chem clean.

[MthsTrumpetsDOItBetter]

Yeah, I agree with dynasty. If the lacquer is gone there is no use selling it. Unless you are selling it to someone who wants to use it as a marching horn. Because my King is like that too. It turns my fingers funny colors [but that is beside the point].

 

And yeah, if you are selling it I would get it professionally cleaned. And keep the recipt when you are selling it to show the buyer that you just got it cleaned.

My advice on the cheapest way getting it cleaned is go to not a chain music store [brook mayes, mr. e's, ect.] becuase they will charge you more for the cleaning. Take it to a little hole-in-the-wall music store that you can trust. Becauase $40 is ALOT better than $65. Learned that the hard way!

[gavinrh]

i think you can get it relacquered, but i think it's really expensive....