How much would it cost to lacquer a double french horn?
I currently have an alexander brand double french horn. The original lacquer was removed to improve the sound quality because that was important to me, but now that my playing abilities have improved, I would like to re-lacquer it. I really don’t want to get a brand new french horn because i really like my own. If you happen to know how much it would cost to lacquer my french horn it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
The cost isn’t really in the lacquer, that is just a spray that takes 5 minutes to apply. The cost is in taking the horn apart and buffing every inch of it to a bright shine before the spray. This buffing process will also take off a good deal of metal if you want a "like new" look. It is none of my business, but I would never do this to a stripped Alex. It might change the horn and also make it respond a little differently, as in heavy response. I am guessing the job would be in the 600 to 1000 range if you want a real pro to do it, money better spent on lessons.
I have to agree with PapaXmas here. I was interested in having a horn relaquered but Ken Pope advised against it for the same reason PapaXmas just said. He’s also right that if you like it now, don’t change it. If taking the lacquer off before makes it play better, why deliberately do something to make your horn play worse? are looks THAT important? However if you still decide to do it, Dennis Houghton in Texas will lacquer it for $495 (http://www.houghtoncustomhorns.com/dennis/Horn.html) , maybe cheaper since it doesn’t have to be stripped, and told me he has a top notch lacquer guy who used to work for Conn. So there’s a price and my advice.