To be clear, I did not ask for a Yankees logo, a heavy tuning slide plate, or to copper plate the bell. The copper plate also had a dark antique lacquer applied to it. The before picture shows that it doesn’t really look “satin” at all. The slide tubes also were given that lacquer to give the illusion of what looks like a carbon slide. The lacquer was thick and according to my tech was very weak, hence the multiple coatings. It started wearing rather quickly, though this is more common on modern horns these days.
I fervently believe in BAC’s passion for creating wonderful horns for their customers and creating innovative designs that reflect the player’s personality. Regretfully, this design seemed to be more of a projection of what BAC “thought” I liked, and a cool photo op (red has never been my color and the horn is literally Kansas City Chiefs colors), instead of actually consulting with me. Not every project can be a bullseye, but my lesson is that players should be way more hands on if they desire a serious custom project like this.
And to answer Harrison’s question, yes I paid more money to a reputable tech to “correct” the instrument as best as possible. Remove the copper plate (but I kept it on the inside of the bell to save money and it looked unique), remove the lacquer, and the plate. The horn played much better, but the horn played better as a straight horn. I shouldn’t have messed with it, learned my lesson the hard way.
I have played half a dozen BAC trombones I really liked. One with a nickel bell I LOVED! And I’ve seen and believe in the talented staff employed there now. Many of those employees were not there when I started commissioning projects there. Sadly, I was not able to rely on their company to build me something that works. Doesn’t mean they won’t work for someone else though!
These are my own personal opinions and experiences. Don’t take them as an endorsement or repudiation. Everyone should make up their own minds. I’m grateful that I’m even in the position of playing trombone for a living and being able to afford projects like this. But I am sharing so others can possibly learn from my experiences and equip themselves with knowledge that aids in a fruitful collaboration with the company.