So, I'm really fond of raw brass horns, they just have this appealing quality to them, so I was thinking of having my old Elkhart stripped, buffed, and polished. The repairman told me that stripping would cost around $50, but he didn't know how much the buffing/polishing would cost. Does anyone know how much it would cost? Also, what are the pros/cons to the sound of a raw brass horn?

The last time I had a horn cleaned, buffed, and polished it was $700.

I'm assuming your Elkhart horn is lacquered brass, so you probably have a 6D or a 28D. If it is nickel then it won't be raw brass when you strip it, it will be raw nickel.

Difference?! Yes, there will be a difference in how the horn plays or responds. It might be better, it might be worse, it might be neither - it might just be a little different. Conn actually used a heavier lacquer on horns they made with thinner metals. This heavier lacquer helps the bell respond in certain ways. Removing the lacquer will change the way the bell vibrates and the way your articulations work with the instrument.

I have had a couple horns stripped. The most recent one (in nickel)I could never really adjust to the difference so it was cleaned and re-lacquered. Another one I have is still raw brass. If you like the look but don't like the effect you could also have a garland (or kranz)made for the bell, which would be similar to effects of a heavy lacquer.

Yes, it's a 6D. Now I'm kind of confused. The man at our local music store said it would cost $700 dollars to relaquer, and $800 to nickel plate. He didn't give me a price for the polish, but if I JUST get it relaquered, would they also polish it? Will they just relaquer over the scratches and scars?

A relacquer should include a strip off of all old lacquer, a neutralize stage to stop any chemicals from eating anymore, a cleaning to rid of any dirt, a buff and polish which removes any oxidation and gets everything shinny and even, and then the application of the new lacquer.

$700 could be a fair price for the entire job in your area. I doubt they will relacquer over the old stuff because it won't look good, the lacquers won't match. Also, lacquering over oxidized metal won't protect it - and that is in-fact the original reason for lacquer.

If your talking about a 6D and you like the raw brass look the steps above would be the same except the final spraying of new lacquer. The cost will be just a little bit less because all the work is in the prepping (the stripping, cleaning, and polishing). Raw brass will take on a very nice look over the years as it oxidizes. If you didn't like the response or tone after the work, the 6D looks really nice in raw brass with a silver plated bell kranz.