Bach 42BOF Slide Mess

[jabice]

I just purchased a "demo" 42BOF. Described as having only "minor surface scratches", in reality there was a very obvious (and very poor) repair done to the crook of the slide. The slide action is not good and the water key isn't water tight (a very desirable feature of water keys, I'm told).

Returning it isn't really an option because reasons, and honestly I can tell there's a pretty good horn to be had on the bell side of things if I can just get the slide side sorted. Has anyone had any luck reaching out to Conn Selmer in such a situation? Perhaps describing the circumstances and negotiating an at-cost slide replacement? I'm told this was a demo horn obtained directly from Bach, and I appreciate that the steep discount I received is because it's not a new horn. I want to be reasonable, but a working slide would be pretty neat.

[Blabberbucket]

Where are you located? Replacing the crook, having the tubes repaired, and the span reset by a decent or excellent tech will likely result in a much better slide than what you would get from the Bach factory.

I wouldn't expect much response from Conn-Selmer. You would probably be better off trying to rectify the situation with the store where you purchased the instrument.

[WGWTR180]

Agree with Blabberbucket. Someone has to held accountable no matter how cheap you say you paid.

[jabice]

Where are you located? Replacing the crook, having the tubes repaired, and the span reset by a decent or excellent tech will likely result in a much better slide than what you would get from the Bach factory.

I wouldn't expect much response from Conn-Selmer. You would probably be better off trying to rectify the situation with the store where you purchased the instrument.

I'm pretty close to Buckeye Brass and Rob has worked on several horns with great results. I'm tempted to take it to him.

Agree with Blabberbucket. Someone has to held accountable no matter how cheap you say you paid.

Yeah, I'm REALLY torn on this one. I don't want to dish on anyone, but this ... is not okay. However, overall the dealer has given me some grace and patience. Were it not for that, it'd already be back in the mail.

[Burgerbob]

A certain dealer starting with a q?

[WGWTR180]

Where are you located? Replacing the crook, having the tubes repaired, and the span reset by a decent or excellent tech will likely result in a much better slide than what you would get from the Bach factory.

I wouldn't expect much response from Conn-Selmer. You would probably be better off trying to rectify the situation with the store where you purchased the instrument.

I'm pretty close to Buckeye Brass and Rob has worked on several horns with great results. I'm tempted to take it to him.

Agree with Blabberbucket. Someone has to held accountable no matter how cheap you say you paid.

Yeah, I'm REALLY torn on this one. I don't want to dish on anyone, but this ... is not okay. However, overall the dealer has given me some grace and patience. Were it not for that, it'd already be back in the mail.

Getting any amount of $$ back is probably the best you can hope for if not a full refund or exchange. But if you think the bell section is worth saving go with option 1 and have your slide fixed. Holding someone accountable privately is okay UNLESS you get nowhere and then the trombone community should be made aware to avoid further mistakes.

[jabice]

A certain dealer starting with a q?

No, for what it's worth I've actually done business with them and have no complaints.

[jabice]

Here are some photos - not sure how well these come across. I tried my best to find a way to contact Conn Selmer, but their website makes it impossible to actually get to a phone number, email, or even a general submission form... clearly by design.

But yes, this "demo" horn was purported to be in excellent condition, save for "minor surface scratches". It doesn't come across in the pics well, but that crook has almost certainly been reassembled or replaced; and the water key is a mess.

[hornbuilder]

Yes, the crook has been remounted at some point. Have a tech check the alignment to see how straight/parallel/screwed it may be.
As to the water key, that looks like a factory water key install to me.

[ZacharyThornton]

Don’t accept mediocrity. It encourages more. And these are the problems you see out of the box. Imagine what else is wrong with it that you don’t notice now?
Return it, find a place that you can try out horns and pick one you love.

[ZacharyThornton]

And!! Shame on any dealer that ships trash.

[brassmedic]

Here are some photos - not sure how well these come across. I tried my best to find a way to contact Conn Selmer, but their website makes it impossible to actually get to a phone number, email, or even a general submission form... clearly by design.

In my opinion that's a waste of time. If the crook was "poorly repaired", as you said, then clearly the work wasn't done by Conn Selmer. Their warranty isn't going to apply to replacing a part that was altered by a third party. You should be dealing with the person who sold you the instrument.