Who does custom engraving?

[Sara Hood]

All the talk about where to find compensated euphoniums cheaply has me flirting with the idea of getting a new horn and sending it off to be custom engraved. So I am playing with the idea. Who actually does this kind of work? How much does it cost (ball park estimate)? What do I need to be aware of before pulling the trigger on such a project?

Help me dream here :-) !
- Sara

[iMav]

Cool idea. I think a satin lacquer engraved would look really cool.

[John Morgan]

When I had my horn built, I had the entire bell section engraved. I am told this cost $1,000. Here is a link to part one of my review of the horn along with pictures:

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...w#.Y2L63GnMLo8

My horn was engraved by a person in the former Czechoslovakia.

[Sara Hood]

Cool idea. I think a satin lacquer engraved would look really cool.

Unfortunately, The Music Store in Germany (https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD...BLAS-BLAEUPKOM) seems to think that adding an engraving is modifying their horn enough to invalidate the warranty. I emailed them and specifically asked about that. That is a bummer because they have one of the best warranties I have seen on euphoniums. So now I have to decide whether to go ahead with my scheme anyway or not. Still looking for a place closer to California than eastern Europe that would do the engraving.

And no, they do not offer the brushed/satin finish either. And yes, the pictures of an engraved brushed/satin finish I have seen look REALY COOL. ;-)

- Sara

[iMav]

Unfortunately, The Music Store in Germany (https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD...BLAS-BLAEUPKOM) seems to think that adding an engraving is modifying their horn enough to invalidate the warranty. I emailed them and specifically asked about that. That is a bummer because they have one of the best warranties I have seen on euphoniums. So now I have to decide whether to go ahead with my scheme anyway or not. Still looking for a place closer to California than eastern Europe that would do the engraving.

Given the low pricing on their euphoniums...it might be worth just not worrying about the warranty. (perhaps, taking delivery of it first, to ensure it is good to go first before shipping it off to be engraved.)

[Sara Hood]

Given the low pricing on their euphoniums...it might be worth just not worrying about the warranty. (perhaps, taking delivery of it first, to ensure it is good to go first before shipping it off to be engraved.)

But then I am paying to ship the horn a number of times. From Germany to California, From California to engraver, from engraver back to me, and so on. I imagine that adds up when dealing with a package the size of a euphonium. I am still exploring to see if I can even pull it off. The I will decide if my pockets are deep enough to afford it.

- Sara

[iMav]

But then I am paying to ship the horn a number of times. From Germany to California, From California to engraver, from engraver back to me, and so on. I imagine that adds up when dealing with a package the size of a euphonium. I am still exploring to see if I can even pull it off. The I will decide if my pockets are deep enough to afford it.

Have you reached out to these guys? (I’ve seen them mentioned on Reddit and a trombone forum.)

https://www.veritasmachiningllc.com/...truments-c1pl4

[davewerden]

I assume that the laser would cut through lacquer. If so, then at some point the engraving will stop being shiny gold and will get dull from tarnish. I assume a production engraved lacquer horn would have engraving done first, then the coating applied.

For silver plating, it MIGHT be the same thing. Silver plate is not very thick, and I would want to know if the laser can be set to only "scratch the surface" so to speak.

[iMav]

I would think it is definitely worth reaching out to them...since they, specifically, have an instrument engraving service.

[Sara Hood]

I would think it is definitely worth reaching out to them...since they, specifically, have an instrument engraving service.

Yes, I have emailed Veritas Machinining to ask. I am still waiting for an answer. I have also emailed a couple other places and am waiting for their replies. News flash when I have something to report (tease/smile/joke). Unfortunately, it seems that some of the big names in instrument engraving in the US retired roughly ten years ago. So finding who is taking their place in the market is a bit of a treasure hunt.

- Sara

[Sara Hood]

Update

Looks like Veritas Machining is a no go. They only do laser engraving, and euphoniums (and tubas by extension) are too big to fit in their machine. They were also not able to refer me to anyone who could take a hand engraving job. They did respond in a timely manner. So off to the next possibility.

I did get a nibble from a hand engraver I found online. I am still corresponding with him to see if he can do the work within what I can afford. I am also waiting on responses from a couple others I found online.

I may have to look up the guy in the Czech Republic. Does anyone have his contact info or even know if he is still taking engraving work?

- Sara

[iMav]

What sort of design do you have in mind, Sara?

[Sara Hood]

Some traditional flowers and scroll work, a bird, a melody line from a hymn I love, the names or initials of family, maybe some other personal symbology. Still trying to figure what all I would want and whether it would fit together and not look like a mish-mash. Basically, it should be a statement of the things I love and that move me. I am open to some artistic interpretation/freedom. And I am not picky about technique as long as it looks classy and traditional.

- Sara

[aroberts781]

Sara, reading your description it sounds like a really cool idea, I hope you are able to find someone! Also, it sounds a lot like you are giving your euphonium a tattoo, which I guess in many ways you are

[Shawn]

You might want to contact this couple:
https://meisterinstrumente-kroning.de/?lang=en

Very good customer service, but I can't comment on the engraving per se.