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York-aholic wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 6:09 am I’m sure it ‘could’ be repaired, but that kranz certainly will complicate things.

I didn't remove the kranz when I fixed up that 186 that Bill/Doc now owns...
The bell was just as bad, but (in a way) worse, because the creases were close and "hard", rather than large and "open".
It also originally featured one of those "custom" bottom bows - customized so as the instrument can be rested - bell-up - on the bottom bow.

bloke wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 7:52 am

York-aholic wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 6:09 am I’m sure it ‘could’ be repaired, but that kranz certainly will complicate things.

I didn't remove the kranz when I fixed up that 186 that Bill/Doc now owns...
The bell was just as bad, but (in a way) worse, because the creases were close and "hard", rather than large and "open".
It also originally featured one of those "custom" bottom bows - customized so as the instrument can be rested - bell-up - on the bottom bow.

I have no idea how much or how little work was done, but the work was done well. NO kranz issues whatsoever. I do know it plays great and is VERY resonant. A really good example of the highly sought-after vintage 186 sound. And it's purdy. If it was all beaten to hell, you can't tell by looking at it or by playing it.

Joe expressed some mild concern about consequences of shipping it, especially being a unique tuba, and I concurred. Concern was not over the packing job (that would be top notch), but with the possible poor handling by any shipper. So... we went to blokeplace and fetched it home. Gas cost about as much as GPX shipping, and we had a really nice visit. As a bonus, he tested my Symphonie, and I got the blokeblessing on it (well, it was more like a nod, a smile, and "That's a pretty good tuba. I think you did good getting that.")

Doc (who has more confidence in his own handling, transportation, and auto insurance than any shipping service)

I completely re-soldered your kranz - all the way around, Bill.

When I repair smashed-up school-owned 16-1/2" bell 186's, I never re-solder those...because they're going to smash the bells again (days/weeks), and additional solder - between the layers, prints through when being ironed out.

bloke wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 8:07 am I completely re-soldered your kranz - all the way around, Bill.

When I repair smashed-up school-owned 16-1/2" bell 186's, I never re-solder those...because they're going to smash the bells again (days/weeks), and additional solder - between the layers, prints through when being ironed out.

Well, I'm a satisfied customer all the way around. And I'm quite a ways around.

Doc wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 8:13 am

bloke wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 8:07 am I completely re-soldered your kranz - all the way around, Bill.

When I repair smashed-up school-owned 16-1/2" bell 186's, I never re-solder those...because they're going to smash the bells again (days/weeks), and additional solder - between the layers, prints through when being ironed out.

Well, I'm a satisfied customer all the way around. And I'm quite a ways around.

Heard back from the seller this morning and received a partial refund (which should cover the cost of the damages if the bell is repairable). He claims that he paid a FedEx store to ship it - that was information I was unaware of yesterday. If that's true...wow, someone needs to be reprimanded for that job! Offered to write a statement or any other documentation he needs to go after them for reimbursement.

Price was great...even if the bell needs to be replaced I'm sure I'll come out ahead. I've seen a number of Miraphone 186's out there with replacement bells. What company manufactures those??? @Dan Schultz I'm thinking that may be worth consideration.

^ Chinese bells

I don't see anything about that bell that would cause it to be unrepairable.

Do you have anyone local that is known for high quality repairs?

I don't see anything about that bell that would cause it to be unrepairable.

Do you have anyone local that is known for high quality repairs?

Thanks! I've never had an instrument in this condition before, so this is new territory for me. Good to know it should be repairable. There's a guy about an hour away from me (only person I trust with my trombone slides or piston/rotor issues) that I will be contacting.

Oh my... That's my nightmare.

I will say - more recent experiences with PayPal disputes haven't been as buyer friendly as they once were. About two years ago I purchased a horn from a seller and it was completely not as advertised (think the seller used old pics from before he damaged it because the damage was definitely not recent). When I received it he wouldn't refund my money so I got it fixed. I had to go round and round with PayPal and they ultimately denied my claim - even though I sent in all of the pics he used to advertise it, how it was received, copies of the receipt, etc. Eventually I initiated a chargeback with Amex and they quickly made things right on my end.

Moral of the story: always use your Amex via PayPal for anything of any real value as an added layer of protection as they're very buyer friendly if something goes wrong.

If you look at the picture of the bell I posted earlier, and the finished product, you'll see it can be done, in the right hands.

Your bell isn't even as bad as mine was (also damaged in shipping).

Badger State Repair & Supply is located in Elkhorn. They have a complete shop set-up and should be able to handle most anything. Phone:262 723 4062

Lee Stofer would probably be within reasonable driving distance and a very good choice.