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 My Olds trumpet in very good shape but the valve seems compression seems to be lacking. When I pull the 3rd valve slide out (without pressing the valve down the "hiss" sound lasts only about 5 to 6 seconds. It would cost about $500 to have the valves reworked. other than that the horn is in very good shape. Should I have the valves re-plated?
Answer Don, This is a good question! There are a lot of variables when you are doing a refit on valves. One thing to look at is if you are looking to resell the horn as original in the future. If you are then you should spend the money to have it done. A new horn that plays as well as the Olds will be around $1200 and probably not built as well. If not, then the easy way to do it is find another horn with good valves and exchange them. It does take longer to find one but usually has very good results. You can have the replacement valves lapped and it should be a good player again. There are other factors like the casing inner condition or if the casings are nicked or dented in any way. If you might have any problems with the casings then don't go this route. Over the last year I have seen countless valves and parts horns go through Ebay for less than $100. Ask the seller to take close up pictures of the valves to show the wear on them. It takes time but you can find a much better deal than the rebuild route. I would estimate that you could change them and have them lapped in for less than $200. I know, as a repair shop, I can still order piston bodies for all three valves for less than $200 new. So that is another option to have a shop order a new set for you and change it out. There is more work involved but it would still be around $300 versus the $500 you are looking at now.
