Conversions & Other Custom Repairs
2I began customizing Yamaha 667 horns in 1988. In 2002, I began installing the same bell and leadpipe that I use on my custom horn. The result is a fine horn that, in many ways, is basically a custom horn for less money. Customers often purchase a 667 that is in need of a lot of repairs for a low price, and I install a one piece hand hammered bell, first branch if needed, and my leadpipe. I also perform my Resonance Rehab. In addition to the "YamaHatch", I have also done conversions on all Holton models, Conn 10D and 11D models, YHR863 and YHR667V, King Fidelio, Lewis Horns, and Hoyer G10.
Why a "Conversion" ?
Having a horn customized, converted, or Hatchified is not an inexpensive investment. If a person were to buy a brand new 667 for close to $5,000.00 then invest another $3250 the investment starts getting into the price range of the many fine German horns that are available used.
But, for someone who already has a 667, or any of the other well made horns, the purchase was made long ago. The customization for $3050.00 then becomes a very affordable option. For much less than the price of even a new factory horn, your horn can be turned into something very special. Many German horn makers, as well as many of the custom horn makers, use bells made by Bernd Sandner. The addition of a complete one piece, hand hammered bell ( the entire bell, not just the flare ) can produce basically the same sound, resonance, and response of a much finer horn for a fraction of the price. The addition of a custom leadpipe suited to the needs of the player also makes a very positive improvement. My Resonance Rehab makes the "converted" horn play even better, having had the stress relieved.
For someone who is less than wealthy, a "conversion" makes good sense. As far as a return investment, the horn can be sold for a very good profit, providing little or nothing was paid for the horn to be "converted". I've known people to have purchased a 667 that was in need of a lot of repairs for as little as $1200.00. After a $3050.00 Hatchification, the horn has been sold for just under $7000.00.
I have done over 200 full conversions.
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Unless specified differently, the bell that I install is a one piece, hand hammered bell made by Bernd Sandner.
Customer choice of bell ring set.
The Process:
* Disassemble and strip lacquer
* Remove bell, leadpipe, branches and braces
* Inspect for gaps and jagged edges
* Repair minor dents. Any major dents to be repaired are billed extra at the shop rate of $90.00 per hour.
* Install new Sandner bell tail, and #88 one piece hand hammered detachable bell flare. Install new, matching first branch if necessary (additional cost. Holton H190 series is an example. Small end is too small).
* Remount and solder branches and braces, making certain that there are no gaps or tension
* Install Hatch leadpipe
* Buff, polish and clean ultrasonically
* Oil and fit rotors and bearings
* Fit new neoprene bumpers and align rotors
* Adjust and restring levers
* Grease and fit slides, realigning as necessary
Please note that the entire bell is replaced, not just the flare.
Price: $3250.00 ($2750.00 with spun bell).
Why a "Conversion" ?
Having a horn customized, converted, or Hatchified is not an inexpensive investment. If a person were to buy a brand new 667 for close to $5,000.00 then invest another $3250 the investment starts getting into the price range of the many fine German horns that are available used.
But, for someone who already has a 667, or any of the other well made horns, the purchase was made long ago. The customization for $3050.00 then becomes a very affordable option. For much less than the price of even a new factory horn, your horn can be turned into something very special. Many German horn makers, as well as many of the custom horn makers, use bells made by Bernd Sandner. The addition of a complete one piece, hand hammered bell ( the entire bell, not just the flare ) can produce basically the same sound, resonance, and response of a much finer horn for a fraction of the price. The addition of a custom leadpipe suited to the needs of the player also makes a very positive improvement. My Resonance Rehab makes the "converted" horn play even better, having had the stress relieved.
For someone who is less than wealthy, a "conversion" makes good sense. As far as a return investment, the horn can be sold for a very good profit, providing little or nothing was paid for the horn to be "converted". I've known people to have purchased a 667 that was in need of a lot of repairs for as little as $1200.00. After a $3050.00 Hatchification, the horn has been sold for just under $7000.00.
I have done over 200 full conversions.
\
Unless specified differently, the bell that I install is a one piece, hand hammered bell made by Bernd Sandner.
Customer choice of bell ring set.
The Process:
* Disassemble and strip lacquer
* Remove bell, leadpipe, branches and braces
* Inspect for gaps and jagged edges
* Repair minor dents. Any major dents to be repaired are billed extra at the shop rate of $90.00 per hour.
* Install new Sandner bell tail, and #88 one piece hand hammered detachable bell flare. Install new, matching first branch if necessary (additional cost. Holton H190 series is an example. Small end is too small).
* Remount and solder branches and braces, making certain that there are no gaps or tension
* Install Hatch leadpipe
* Buff, polish and clean ultrasonically
* Oil and fit rotors and bearings
* Fit new neoprene bumpers and align rotors
* Adjust and restring levers
* Grease and fit slides, realigning as necessary
Please note that the entire bell is replaced, not just the flare.
Price: $3250.00 ($2750.00 with spun bell).
