This page will show a variety of projects that we have completed in the past. Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what we can do here.
No, not all instruments are complete restorations. This late model B&S PT-4 CC tuba was subject to a mishap with an automobile and some how wound up under the vehicles wheels in a soft carrying bag. The bell, mouth-pipe and large branches were all badly damaged. Though it took a good deal of time to correct, all of the original parts were repaired allowing considerable savings for its owner.
Another WOW! project. A 1930s York Band Instrument Company BBb tuba. Reconfigured from a standard three top action valve design (Left) to a four front action (Right). The tuba was converted to be more comfortable to play and with the forth valve and adjustable slides will have greater facility for the player. The instrument, following the modfication, was completely restored, glass-bead-blasted and silver plated. The same finish it had when it was new. A very coplicated and involved project to be sure.
The Besson "Standard" compensating model euphoniums have been a favorite of high school band directors for decades. Shown here are a number of such horns at the completion of there restoration. If cared for, they should last another forty years.
Seen above is a (Model 33?) J.W.York BBb Tuba before and after Dan performed his magic. The instrument was manufactured around 1912. It required a considerable amount of work including the fabrication of a new replacement sixth branch, third slide crook, all four top valve caps and buttons along with numerous replacement braces and other other assorted bits and pieces. The bell was re-engraved by Dan as well. The instrument was then glass bead blasted and silver plated in order to have the original look it had when it was new. Turned out to be a real nice playing horn with that distinctive York sound.
There has been a great deal of interest in double bell euphoniums in recent years. Because they have not been manufactured for more then half a century those desiring such instruments are rescuing the old horns and having them restored. Seen here is Daniel Oberloh with a couple made by C. G. Conn. The pair shown have been completely restored along with a 1907 King valve trombone and a rare Conn 56-B built in 1929. The Double bells shown are a 1921 New Wonder model(right) and a 1945 Short Action 30-I (left). All of these instruments shown were carefully rebuilt by Dan and plated by the craftsmen at Anderson Silver Plating Co. Inc. of Elkhart Ind. They are all satin silver with bright silver highlights and gold plated bell interiors.
Above are a few closeups of the idouble bells in the same order as the first image.
Though out of production for some time, the Olds "Super" cornets, trumpets and trombones are to this day very popular and in such demand that we see quite a few coming in for restoration. This Olds cornet was not only rebuilt but the owner requested that we fabricate the needed parts and install a first valve trigger. We have done this on a number of occasions (even on the student Ambassador model) and prefer to pattern the mechanism after that used on the original Olds "Mendez' model. The cornet was severely damaged and worn but once repaired and refinished in a brilliant clear lacquer finish it turned out to be a real beautiful instrument.
This is a Distin Superior cornet made in the late 1800's. Wow, where do we begin? This instrument had extensive acid etch, a split bell and bell rim and split slide tube seams. Also the motuhpipe had to be replaced. Dan went to great lengths to restore the beauty of the original design and engraving. The cornet was finished in a satin gold plate.
Here is a Lyon & Healy cornet that was brought in to us. The cornet was in very poor condition, lots of dents, lots of scars from other's previous repairs, split tubes, weak spots in the metal... another resurrection! This instrument turned out to be one heckuva player, great tone and great intonation. And a beaut to boot! The cornet received a satin silver finish with a bright gold bell interior.
This is a Conn Wonder cornet made at the end of the 19th century! Looks pretty good for well over one hundred years old! We finished this in October 2004 for a local professional player and teacher. The cornet was originally purchased by his great grandfather. Click on the above picture for more details and photos.
This is a Lyon and Healy pocket cornet, recently completed in a satin silver finish with a gold bell interior. Though not the best built horn we've seen, once the factory flaws were corrected in addition to the extensive damage it received over the past 115 years, it is a surprisingly fine playing cornet. The job also required manufacturing a replacement mouthpipe and Bb bit as the originals were missing or not salvageable. The horn was manufactured by Jaubert and sold under the Lyon and Healy brand.
This is a Lyon & Healy Inspiration cornet. When it came in, the bell was crunched and the second valve slide was completely missing amongst other signs of the ravages of time. We restored this in a satin silver finish and gold plated bell interior. We will be bringing more pictures of this soon.
Wow!! Finished in the end of August 2004, this major task took several years to complete. Originally this 6/4 Martin BBb tuba had three upright piston valves. Dan converted this to four front action pistons which necessitated reversing the tubing of the body and replacing the valve cluster. For more on this beauty click on the above picture.
Click here for the archives showing more completed projects!