AboutMike Pawul Expertise I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in five bands and have several "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 350 with more than 230 on ebay
Experience I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done over 500 horns.
Organizations Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band,
River Cities Concert Band,
University of Louisville Community Band,
Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN),
Bugles Across America (BAA),
Education/Credentials I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College.
Awards and Honors Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.
Question I started playing again after a few years away and I noticed something strange. I've been playing a post-1981 Martin Committee. Wonderful horn, blue model, not engraved. On the brass tuning slides, there is some discoloration, rainbow color most, in spots, but some black as well. I've never seen anything like it, and I don't recall seeing it a few years ago when my son was playing the horn. I'd like to clean this off, whatever it is. Ideas?
Answer Richard, It sounds like residue from the slide grease that was used. Have the horn chem cleaned and it will be fine. If you don't want to do that then clean the slides with a metal polish. I don't suggest Brasso since it has grit in it that will actually wear the brass if you don't get it completely off after cleaning.
