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Questions about restoring a Buescher 731 True Tone Metal Clarinet

Author: Ransome Fan
Date: 2022-03-31 08:46

I’ve ordered a Buescher 731 True Tone metal clarinet that was made in 1929. When I receive it I’ll have to recondition it, and I’ve got a number of considerations that I’d enjoy getting advice upon.

I’ve seen recommendations for using leather pads on metal clarinets. What is the reason for that? Where do you order them from? What measurements does one need to get the correct sizes?

Due to thumb injuries, and maybe an unusual shaped hand, I like my thumb rest to be 5/16” above the center of the tone hole that lies beneath the right forefinger. I won’t play a horn that hasn’t had the thumb rest moved to that spot. This particular horn (I presume) is silver plated, and an antique. I’m concerned that when the thumb rest is unbrazed, that there will be a scar there in the plating. I hate to be the guy that damages the finish on an antique horn, but I don’t see that there is much choice if I want to enjoy playing the horn. Also, is there much danger of my repairman accidentally unbrazing the nearby tone hole while he is working?

Do you have advice on getting the tuning mechanism on the neck unstuck? From past experience I’ve discovered that a 50% mixture of acetone and hydraulic oil is a more effective penetrant than any commercial variety. I thought that I might give the neck a lengthy soak—like a month—and then pass the horn the repairman to see if he can unstick it.

One of the latches on the case is broken. Is there a source for these?

What are people doing regarding the finish on these old horns? Do people polish them as well as they can, and call it good, or do some people actually have the horns re-plated? If so, who does it well?

Is red rot a concern with these horns? What do you do if you have some, and what do you do to keep from getting it if you don’t have some?

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