TromboneChat

Does anyone out there make custom rotor caps?

I recently picked up an independent Rotax valve section for my Rath R9 and most of the lacquer has come off the nickel rotor caps. I unfortunately have a nickel allergy lol.

I know I can just have the caps relacquered but I was wondering if anyone out there did custom caps. I’m a big fan of putting some personality on your horn. Something in Lexan, acrylic or brass would be cool.

Thanks!

2 custom made caps would be "expensive". Maybe consider having them plated? Silver plating, or chrome playing would work well

I see horn players with decorative caps...I imagine somebody enterprising has gone into that business, but making a new size will be an entirely custom job that will probably be pretty expensive, as Matthew suggests.

Are you going for an aesthetic change first or to get away from the nickel? Matt Frost, of frost custom brass, has made Delrin caps for individuals so that might be something to look into. Alternatively, you could just have them lacquered.

If you’re going for more of an aesthetic change, you could try reaching out to somebody like Ion Balu since he offers some options for his rotor caps.

Great suggestions everyone!

Gabe that’s a great idea to look into what the horn players are doing. I think I’d also be happy with inlays like some horn players do.

pfrancis wrote: Tue Oct 28, 2025 8:19 pm Are you going for an aesthetic change first or to get away from the nickel? Matt Frost, of frost custom brass, has made Delrin caps for individuals so that might be something to look into. Alternatively, you could just have them lacquered.

If you’re going for more of an aesthetic change, you could try reaching out to somebody like Ion Balu since he offers some options for his rotor caps.

My goal is to have something equally flashy and something that helps reduce the amount of nickel in contact with my neck. I’m buying the caps to bedazzle my dream Rath trombone. Cost isn’t too much of a concern if it looks cool enough!

If this project ends up fizzling out I’ll find someone to relacquer the caps. If I end up figuring out something cool I’ll definitely post photos!

I’ll check out Mark Frost too! I already sent an email to Long Island Brass and I’m waiting for a response.

You could also buy some nail polish in your most favourite colour and relacquer it yourself. This would be fast and cheap and quite individual. You can even use different colours on one cap or finish it up with some glitter. I can imagine though that some simple black could look quite nice. Nail polish should give a quite sturdy protection to protect your nickel, just apply a couple times and you can easily reapply if necessary. If you stop liking the colour just remove it with nail polish remover.

Scott Sweeney did these for me.

Matt Frost - https://www.frostcustombrass.net/

Someone here (Matt K?) had some in delrin I believe made by Frost.