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DENT WORK

Professional dent work is performed to minimize work hardening and finish damage

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SOLDER WORK

Professional solder work is performed with parts fitting closely and under no tension. Much of the burnt lacquer and runs on silver plate can be avoided by using a well trained technician.

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CHEMICAL CLEANING

I use a chemical designed and purchased locally. It is very gentle on plating and lacquer while removing grease, oil, calcium and lime deposits effectively

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VALVE REPAIR

I always isolate what is causing valve problems before any work is done. This means no burnishing; lapping or straightening is done until I know exactly what I am repairing.

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MAGNEHELIC LEAK CHECK

Many brass instruments come from the factory leaking through the ferrule solder joints. Leaks can cause brass instruments to play weaker and notes may not center as easily. Never buy a musical instrument without the option of returning it and have it checked out at Agave Music while you can still return it. I often find leaks in instruments that have been played on by a quality player for decades. Once repaired there is a very noticeable difference in the power and response.

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VALVE ALIGNMENT

The up-stroke and down stroke align the different ports. The better these ports are aligned the more precise the trumpet will play. Fast runs will respond easier and high/low notes will center easier. A basic valve alignment is included in a chemical cleaning but for a more precise alignment very thin shims are used with mirrors and measuring tools to achieve a far more exact alignment. Sometimes solder work is necessary as well because the barrels are not aligned with the ports in the casings.