Posted by Chuck(G) on December 10, 2000 at 13:07:03:
In Reply to: Altering a tuba... posted by Benjamin Schardt on December 09, 2000 at 20:23:06:
That guard plate on your Alex's bottom bow is not silver-plated brass, but rather solid nickel-silver (a type of brass containing a certain amount of nickel in addition to copper and zinc). It will likely have to be removed to take dents out of it and the bottom bow. Depending on the severity of the denting, it can be very difficult to put back once everything's been smoothed out. Best to get an estimate from your repair shop.
BBb and CC Alex 163's (with the 16" bell) were made from the same basic set of parts, so cutting yours (if that's what you've got) to CC may not be much of a problem. But the intonation will likely get worse that it was with BBb (BBb Alexes seem to have better intonation than CC versions) and may be unworkable on a 4-valve horn without the addition of a 5th valve (read: $$$$). I don't know of anyone who's successfully cut the larger Alex Kaiser BBb to CC.
Stripping old lacquer, on the other hand is easy and depending on the condition and age of the lacquer on your instrument might be accomplished with nothing more than very hot water.
You may be best off by selling the BBb and buying a new Alex CC if you like the Alex sound. Tony Clements now carries Alexes in his offerings (Tuba Woiks).