Home Repairs & Modifications

Repairs & Modifications

Notes on all sorts of horn equipment problems and fixing them

Ask Dave: Where Should I Go to get a Mouthpiece Re-plated?

A curious reader asks: I have several mouthpieces and rims that need to be re-plated. Should I trust local sources such as jewelers to...

On Slide Inserts

One topic that comes up occasionally talking to other hornists is that of slide inserts on the horn. Slide inserts are made from cut off...

Ask Dave: Why you should NEVER try to fix a bent...

It is very easy to crease the large part your bell flare. The rim is very large and exposed in comparison to the rest...

Ask Dave: How Do I Shop for a Reliable Horn Cleaning?

Rachel asks: I am located in Europe and looking for someone to do a routine clean on my horn. What kind of cleaning do you recommend...

Getting Back to Nuts and Bolts

Today's video theme is Nuts and Bolts. * * * How to oil valves. * * * How to string valves. * * * How to take your valves out. *...

Ask Dave: How much will it cost to fix my horn?

It never fails. One week into school I get a call from an over-wrought parent. "My daughter's French horn isn't working. She has class...

Ask Dave: The Positive Benefits of Oil Ports

You've seen them in the top bearing plates once the valve caps are removed: tiny holes. They are known as "oil ports" or "oil...

Ask Dave: Why Do My Valves Get Stuck?

I've fielded so many questions recently about stuck valves that is occurred to me that most players do not understand why their valves get...

Ask Dave: How do I KNOW my horn is in good...

You know your horn well - better than anyone, in fact.  If anyone should know that something is wrong with it, you should. And yet... So...

Ask Dave: How Frequently Should I Lubricate My Slides and Valves?

Ed asks: The Hetman site is far from clear in the use/frequency of its oil range. Could you give us some indication of how often...