Portfolio of Brass Musical Instrument Repairs

Here are some of the many custom restorations and repairs that Karl has done over the years. Please click on the thumbnails to view a larger version of the images.

J.W. Pepper Cornet

For: Jonathan L. Pleasant Hill, OR

This Cornet was built in the '20s. Great care had to be taken to preserve the elaborate engraving that covers the entire cornet.

Wurlitzer Trumpet

For: Kim H. Eugene, OR

Kim´s grandfather played this trumpet in the John Philip Sousa Band. The rotor on the main slide tube allows the instrument to play in both A and B flat.

King Trombone

For: Thurston High School

Student Line model, one of six trombones Karl changed from lacquer to silver plated.

Selmer Trumpet

For: Klamath Union High School

Converted from lacquer to silver.

Conn Cornet

Distorted after image makes bell look bent.

Olds Super Cornet

For: Jonathan Light

Holton cornet

Replacing of worn bottom casing threads.

Yam. dbl.hn.

Converting french horn bell to a screw bell. Cost starts at $575.00

Civil war "Backfire" tuba

For: Chuck B. of Portland.OR

This civil war era tuba was missing all levers, 1 rotor cap, 1 lever saddle, bell wreath, bow gaurd rest, as well as main tuning slide assembly. The valves were rebuilt. Total lenghth is 52.5", with an 11" bell.

King model 2350 Sousaphone

Klassen Repair

Satin silver BBb sousaphone w/gold wash
Original finish!
Rebuilt valves

Sousa-Birdbath

This might be the best use of an Eb sousa yet!

See the process

Karl takes many steps to ensure that all details of the instrument is functioning properly.

This King Super 20's bell-to- body brace has been weakened by multiple blows to the bell.

This is the weakened brace up close.

Here, Karl is making the rings to be added to the existing brace. This creates two triangles for lateral rigidity.

Braizing of the final ring. Yes, he is free-handing it, just like he first saw Chip O. of Fox Bassoon demonstrate years ago at a NAPBIRT conference.

Karl, looking to affirm proper clearance between added ring and posts for brace. This repair was made in 2007 and the modification has worked very well.

See more of Karl in action.