Fixing Dents in Brass Instruments
Removing dents is fun, until it's not
Removing dents is one of my favorite parts of instrument repair. No one likes seeing any dents on their horn, so it's incredibly satisfying to restore an instrument to its former glory. However, like many things, this task can present significant challenges, particularly when dealing with deep dents that have sharp edges.
There are various tools and techniques available for dent removal, and often a combination of them is necessary to achieve the best results. The most effective and least damaging method involves using dent balls with specialized tools to push the dent out from inside the instrument. This technique minimizes the risk of marring the exterior finish, but it requires careful handling to avoid overextending the metal and causing additional issues. For particularly deep dents, simply pushing them out won’t suffice; a selection of hammers is typically used to manipulate the metal, facilitating more effective dent ball work. Burnishers and rollers may also be needed to refine the surface and smooth out the area.
Unfortunately, using hammers and burnishers can sometimes lead to minor surface damage to the lacquer on the horn. I work to minimize this by applying lanolin-based greases to the instrument and tools, which help reduce friction and metal-on-metal contact. However, even with this precaution, some lacquer may still be sacrificed if the area demands more aggressive dent removal techniques.
It's also important to remember that metal has a memory. Even after a dent has been successfully removed, particularly deep ones may leave behind 'ripples' in the metal. The dent itself is gone, but the memory remains.
As a customer recently remarked after I completed some dent work, "These are just memories of my musical journey." I thought that was a great way to look at it.
If your horn has some dents that you'd like me to take a look at, don't hesitate to reach out.
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