Posted by David on November 29, 2001 at 10:40:40:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Silver plating......a Mel Culbertson 6/4 posted by Dennis Hale on November 29, 2001 at 08:31:48:
I just bought a silver plated instrument - not a choice for this model, Meinl Weston 2000. If you like the looks of a silver horn, then that is all that matters. How an instrument sounds before or after silver plating can, in all liklihood, not be determined by your ear.
Simply ask the buffer to just re-polish the instrument after the lacquer is stripped. Most instruments, when stripped, are dipped in a tank of chemical which softens the lacquer. Then about all that has to be done is to rinse it with cold water. The stripper and subsequent water does cause a residue on the brass. You can't just plate over that - it won't stay on.
I applaud you for asking for opinions as to the possible outcome of the plating of your horn.
The hard part is now deciding on what you really want. If wanting a silver plated horn outweighs the reluctance you feel (mostly concerning the stripping, buffing, degreasing, plating), then it will soon be a silver horn. If not, you will get the dents removed, and continue to play the horn the way it is now.