TromboneChat

Looking for suggestions on a permanant repair for my Selmer Bolero slide, it works as-is but I am not happy with the aesthetics at all. The problem started with a small leak where the outer slide tube is stretched to fit over the slide crook. I took it to Dillon's, Freddy found a thin crack and filled it in with a small amount of solder. Unfortunately it didn't hold, so I took it to another repairman (who will remain unnamed) and this is the result. No, it does not leak any longer, but the horn is in otherwise great shape and I just can't un-see the big blob of solder.
I would like to have Ferrules wrapped around where the slide meets the crook, like most pro horns have. I realize they will add a bit of weight, but that's OK. The 2nd repairman discouraged that idea, but I think he just may not wanted to do it.
Hoping some of the highly respected repair guys here can weigh in on whether adding ferrules is a practical solution, and, if not, what else can be done.
The one Pic shows approx. how far the inner slide goes down into the outer.

It's "ferrules" and it looks to me like that would be the way to go.

Doug Elliott wrote: Fri Jan 30, 2026 7:46 pm It's "ferrules" and it looks to me like that would be the way to go.

Thanks Doug - fixed the spelling.

Yes, replacing that wider edge of the crook with ferrules would probably fix all of the issues. I don’t think you would notice any additional weight.

The wide edge of the crook needs to be removed and there is plenty of straight tubing remaining on the crook for ferrules the be installed. A good tech should have hundreds of spare pieces of tubing to choose from and might need to turn the tubing on a lathe for an exact fit. If you ask nicely, the tech will probably add a couple of trim lines on the ferrules to make it look pleasing to the eye.

I’m not doing any more repairs in my home shop (too darn busy with arranging and conducting). Real shame….I enjoy doing custom work like that. PM me and I can send you the name of a person who can do excellent work on a small project like that.

Thanks Brian, PM sent.

Mamaposaune wrote: Sat Jan 31, 2026 10:41 am Thanks Brian, PM sent.

And make sure to replace the rubber slide bumper cap. You don't want to risk denting the slide bow of your truly beautiful Bolero!


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Mamaposaune,

Finally got around to responding. Please check your PM file.

Crazy4Tbone86 wrote: Sat Jan 31, 2026 6:47 am

The wide edge of the crook needs to be removed and there is plenty of straight tubing remaining on the crook for ferrules the be installed.

If I'm not mistaken, Selmer did things backwards. The flare is on the slide tube, and the crook is not flared. Either way, removing the flare and putting on a ferrule would be the best solution.

Yes, I think you are correct. Not the normal design. If you enlarge one of the photos from the original post, you will see the solder edge pretty clearly.

I can’t say that I have disassembled a slide with that design. I have worked on many slides that had a flare on both ends of the crook. It was a popular construction design with many student models.