These photos show Howard Stevens, who lacquered instruments for Buescher. He taught me to lacquer many years ago, though he was much older than in these pictures. Click the image to view the gallery.
Services Available
Quality You Deserve
Metzler Brass provides top quality brasswind repair services at competitive prices. In addition to the listed repair services, we also provide guidance on how to maintain the working condition of your instrument. For professional repair solutions, customers all over the US and beyond trust Metzler Brass.
Complete Restoration
Attention to Detail
The restoration process attempts to take the instrument as close to original condition as possible. Dents are removed, solder joints are renewed as needed, parts fabricated if required, and new finish applied if applicable. Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what should be done, when working on your valuable vintage or antique instrument. Please contact me to discuss your project.
Internal Flush
Clean Instruments Perform Best
Basic maintenance of a brasswind in regular use should include a chem flush, generally once a year. The chem flush is also the starting point for most vintage restorations. The procedure consists of complete disassembly of the instrument, then removing grease and oils with solvent. The parts are then placed in mild chemicals designed to loosen and dissolve accumulated deposits. The instrument is then rinsed in a neutralizing solution, dried, and all tubing hand cleaned. Very dirty instruments may require additional treatment. Minor accessible dents are removed, and the instrument reassembled, lubricated, and valves and slides checked for proper alignment and action.
Additional charges may apply for soldering, dent removal, parts replacement, finish touch up, or exceptionally dirty instruments.
Valve Refitting
A New Lease on Life
A valve refit can restore the playing qualities of your vintage instrument. The process consists of stripping the pistons to the base metal (not applicable to Monel pistons), then honing the piston and casing straight and true. The pistons diameter is then built up with plating, and honed to size. The pistons are then lapped into the casings for smooth action. Guides and springs are replaced as needed, and valve ports are checked for proper match.
General Repairs
No Job Too Small
Dent removal, soft soldering, brazing, valve repair, buffing, finish touch up- these are just some of the basic services offered. Please contact me with your specific needs.