This Buescher “Big B” Bari may not look pretty now, but after an Uberhaul and silver-plating it will shine better than new! Aside from minor water damage, this late-1940s bari has held up nicely, providing the Sax ProShop with a suitable canvas for creating a true masterpiece. To add to this horn’s rigidity, we will repair or replace the bow and crook guards, key guards, and add a bell-to-body X-brace. A satin silver finish with smooth highlights and a gold-wash in the bell will take this horn from drab to FAB! A little TLC is all this bari was craving and when we’re done, it’s sure to be one of the best Big B’s…EVER?!
The bow has been removed, so we could get the dents out.
Clean-er.
Soldering the original bell to body brace back on. See the X brace we added?
New low Eb guard installed.
Setting the aim.
Key fitting is going on.
Dry fitting complete. Next mission: Re-engraving.
All prepped for sandblasting! The engraving and everything else that will remain smooth is masked off.
Sandblasting is all finished! Now we level the tone holes and send it to the plater.
What a transformation! Matt is visibly excited about getting this instrument back from the plater. Next we’ll put new materials on all of the keys and install RooPads. This Bari will be up and running again soon!
Crescents going in signifies that this bari is nearing completion.
And the bari is finished! What a transformation!!! It sounds fantastic, too.
Beautiful new side key contacts with TechCork and Ultra Suede.
