Does anybody know where I might be able to buy custom parts such as valve caps for a Holton Horn? Not exactly sure what I may be looking for, but I just like the look of horns with engraved valve covers.

There is a lady who used to do the engrving on the old Conn trumpets etc. A friend recently sent her some plain valve caps that she engraved for him. I'll see if I can get the contact info for her, for you.

That sounds just crazy enough to work!

I would appreciate it though. I'm not into having the "tricked out" horn, but hey, why do the trumpet players get to have all the flashy accessories, right?

Bad news - - - she is retired and no longer doing engraving.
Check your area for a good reputable jeweler engraver. If you can't find anything let me know there is a place in San Diego that will do it.

ENGRAVING PROS
www.engravingpros.com

So this would just be regular engraving? Would there not be issues with the lacquer? I suppose these questions might be better asked of an engraver...

Well, I don't know that I would call it 'regular' engraving.
Yes, engraving will affect the lacquer. You can always lacquer them again while they're off the instrument. There is some pretty good stuff out there right now in aerosol type cans. The engraving shop might be abel to do it also.

Some places use machines to do 'regular' work. To engrave your valve caps the engraver will need to make a pattern and be sure the curlycues meet up exactly as they go around the cap. They will also need to have a good feel for the metal they are cutting into so they don't cut too deep. It's a skill to be sure.

Craig,
You might also contact Ion Balu. He is now doing enamel coverings for valve caps. He's got some that look like mother of pearl, etc.

http://www.ionbalu.com/

Oooooo... I like the sound of mother of pearl!

Val

I actually had already come across Ion Balu. He does some awesome stuff, but not exactly what I'm looking for.