Posted by Lew on March 08, 2001 at 10:27:33:
In Reply to: laquering... cost, and effects on horn. posted by enthusiast on March 07, 2001 at 23:46:07:
I have seen retail prices for silver plating a full size tuba range from $500 to $1200. Satin silver would be more because the horn has to be sand blasted first to get the surface finish. Once you go satin finish it is for life. Most manufacturers will silver plate a horn as a special order even if it isn't generally available that way. This may cost less than having it done on the aftermarket. Check with your friendly local tuba dealer and ask them about the specific horn you are interested in.
Anthing you do to a horn could change the way it plays. There are those who swear by raw brass because they say that lacquer deadens the sound. I have no empirical evidence of this, but I take the word of those who have first hand experience. I don't think that silver plating would worsen the horn.