I have an old Valve/Rotor contra bugle that's been sitting in a shed for a while, it's absolutely filthy and I want to clean it up for an exhibit on Saturday (it doesn't need to be fancy, just not grungy. Nickel plate finish, there's a bit of surface corrosion around the back of the bell I'd like to knock off if possible.
Eventually I may send it in for a full overhaul to playability, but that's a someday thing.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Ken
Strictly superficial here
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TriStateFans
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Strictly superficial here
Dillon 995 (King 1140 copy) BBb
Wessex Tornister "Mighty Midget" BBb
1960's Reynolds fiberglass sousaphone BBb
1904 Holton, Chicago Eb
1960s valve/rotor Imperial contra bugle G
1976 2-valve Getzen baritone bugle G
Much other stuff.
Wessex Tornister "Mighty Midget" BBb
1960's Reynolds fiberglass sousaphone BBb
1904 Holton, Chicago Eb
1960s valve/rotor Imperial contra bugle G
1976 2-valve Getzen baritone bugle G
Much other stuff.
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arpthark
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bloke
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Re: Strictly superficial here
It's probably chrome plated OVER nickel plating OVER brass.
You can be pretty aggressive with chrome without scratching it.
You should know that a mixture of a couple of strong acids will dissolve chrome and even a really strong alkaline - such as stuff similar to paint strippers (oddly) well dissolve chrome as well.
... so I think I would avoid super alkaline cleansers such as Purple Power or Super Clean on chrome, as well as really strong acids.
I know you don't want to scratch it, but I think I might be tempted to use Comet - with a sponge or rag and some hot water.
You can be pretty aggressive with chrome without scratching it.
You should know that a mixture of a couple of strong acids will dissolve chrome and even a really strong alkaline - such as stuff similar to paint strippers (oddly) well dissolve chrome as well.
... so I think I would avoid super alkaline cleansers such as Purple Power or Super Clean on chrome, as well as really strong acids.
I know you don't want to scratch it, but I think I might be tempted to use Comet - with a sponge or rag and some hot water.
Last edited by bloke on Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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gocsick
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Re: Strictly superficial here
Barkeepers Friend works great on slightly grungy and corroded chrome.
As amateur as they come...I know just enough to be dangerous.
Meinl-Weston 20
Holton Medium Eb 3+1
Holton Collegiate Sousas in Eb and BBb
Conn 20J
and whole bunch of other "Stuff"
Meinl-Weston 20
Holton Medium Eb 3+1
Holton Collegiate Sousas in Eb and BBb
Conn 20J
and whole bunch of other "Stuff"