Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2019-12-29 14:13
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We all know and... err... "appreciate" Bundy instruments. Since I've kind of developed knack for them and cannot seem to not collect them (for whatever reasons), I thought I'd share some things I've noticed along the way.
1. They are GOOD. Whatever your basis of comparison is for low-level ebonite instruments: They almost always tune pretty well, they have a decent sound which you can easily improve with the right barrels, setup, mpc etc. . The lack of a dual-register mechanism is a letdown on the alto, BUT it outmatches the Vito in any category, imho.
2. They're set up cheaply, but not made cheapy. Many would describe them being build like a tank - I'd agree, although the keys, being cast, are somewhat easy to bend. Then again, that is pretty much ideal for school band instruments, where kids mess them up anyways - yet they don't seem to break! On one instrument, I've done some hefty "key bending acrobatics", but it all went well.
3. They deserve better quality pads. In particular, speaker keys and the ones with holes in them for alto/bass are made of some sort of disgusting foam that absorbs humidity and doesn't seal well at all. Why not use cork instead... (see pics attached)
4. Something is off with the cases used. They emit a terrible smell, and some people here have already suggested that nickel plating can tarnish because of the fumes from these. All the Bundys I was able to take a look at (and which where in their original cases) shared this problem
5. Tarnished nickel on these instruments does not behave like anything else I've seen. They develop a thick, greyish layer that is inviolable by normal buffing methods. I've tried everything, but it wouldn't go away!!
Ultimately, I've decided to grind the tarnish away, using 2000, then 3000 grit sanding paper. 5000 grit would make for a nicer finish, I guess, but I got some rubber buffing tools that should also be suitable for this kind of job. See the pictures attached. This was only a test, so far, I'm aware that this might not be the most gentle way to deal with tarnished keys.
All in all, they're fun to work with, because of their potential and low cost. The Eb I've recently aquired might be a hidden gem, given that its intonation is pretty fantastic and anything up to altissimo g can be played, which is pretty insane compared to anything I've had so far. Really looking forward to when I'm done with this one.
How do you guys feel about these horns? Would you rather have someone play on an old, restored Bundy or should they just buy a new plastic Buffet/Yamaha? And why the heck does nobody produce affordable altos and eefers nowadays? The chinese ones don't count.
Best regards
Christian
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The Clarinet BBoard
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