At one time in my life I owned 101 band instruments including 2 sousaphones and 2 tubas. I'd collected these assorted, sometimes weird (like an ophecleid) instruments from all sorts of areas including church bazaars, yard sales, estate sales and second hand stores. For the community, the fire department and a private school, 3 of us from the fire department voluntarily worked with the children of the private school (ages 9 to 18) to create a marching band using these instruments. Whenever I had something bent, broken or trashed, I sent it to Elkhart, Indiana. They charged us almost "cost" for the repairs and we must have sent them 35 to 40 instruments over the years including repeat repairs. Unfortunately, the company didn't repair Tubas. (we had this impressive, huge 40 inch Bell Martin sousaphone) It was so impressive we marched with it any way, dents and all. The band lasted 14 years. I went into retirement and no one else wanted to take over. So, I donated all these instruments to a budget restricted High school in upstate New York that didn't have the means to buy or create a Band program. Within one year, they had a High school band, A Jr. high school band and a Football drum corps. My work was complete.

Life lesson “Sometimes that’s what it takes. A bigger hammer.” This is the second episode I’ve watched but I’m hooked. Keep up the good work.

As a retired band director, I have stories of children abusing their instruments. Never intentionally, but a cavalier entitlement as if the repair would simply happen magically. I would have loved to have a video like this to show the effort and craftsmanship required to do this labor. Frankly, it would have also been a nice way of having them lose precious free time in order to develop some empathy for the labor required to make the instrument whole again. Consequences for actions have to be part of education. That's how humans learn.

When talent, meets grunt work, meets artwork, you get an incredible repair! WOW! Great work!

I never realized that a brass instrument had so many soldered joints. That is another talent you have mastered. I’m learning a lot from just watching your videos. I’m actually a wood turner by choice, but I’m attempting to use some metal on some of my projects to enhance the overall look of the finished piece.

I am retired auto mechanic. My hands have paid a price over the years of working. I developed a feel and dexterity with my hands that allowed me to work magic. I was expecting for you to throw in the towel on this one. You are truly a gifted artist when it comes to fixing things. I thank you for sharing your videos with us.

As a former tuba player, I'm appalled at the thought of how those dents were made. On the other hand, you did an incredible job of restoring this tuba. Makes me want to play again!

I saw many instruments damaged like this back in my band/drum corps days. I never thought repair to the level you achieve was possible. Incredible! Thanks for posting.

This HAS to be a talent, that if isn't passed along ....most certainly will be forgotten.

It's a pleasure and a relief to see you bring these crippled instruments back to life.

There is a satisfaction in me, seeing these repairs. It is pleasing to see dents get gradually smoothed and pushed, especially around curves and places seemingly impossible to reach. Thanks!

Never played an instrument but I remember seeing my high schools beat up tuba and wishing I could fix it the way you are. Makes me happy watching you fix these

I played French Horn in middle school, and cannot imagine the abuse this poor tuba has endured. But I am also now an engineer, and I fully appreciate the craftsmanship that you put into repairing this tuba, and returning it to service. I am impressed by just how well you were able to remove those dents, including the out of round solder joint. Beautiful work!

I ❤️ to see craftsmen at work. it doesn’t matter whether it’s a car rebuild or restoration or shoe repair or a locomotive refurbishment it’s fascinating to watch the skill of the craftsman 😊👍

Amazing restoration! That tuba looked like it had been thrown under a school bus. I Once saw a tuba thrown bell first into a fountain from a height of maybe ten feet and it came out with the bell totally crushed. To see such damage repaired to almost new condition is amazing. I didn't know brass instruments damaged so badly could be repaired at all.

Very impressive. I always thought they just replaced those parts. It brings a smile to my face watching you restore and repair the instruments.

My god your an instrument wizard. My family has a long line of craftsmen. What I see watching you work is the education your hands have. Reminds me of watching my grandpa, my dad and my brother.. we did plastering and I could stand and watch those men putting mud on the wall all day.

Working with sheetmetal of all kinds for close to 20 years, respect to the time and work it takes to do this repair. Not to forget the skill and experienc.

The most counter-intuitive metalwork I've ever seen. Amazing...

I have no musical talent and I do not play an instrument. I have watched this guys videos because what this guy does is truly amazing so if a person who does not play an instrument and has no interest in these instruments watching these videos it just goes to show you the skill that this guy has. It's truly amazing,wow

I'm surprised the metal doesn't rip, thats a lot of deformation. I'm in the steel industry, been welding for 16 years as a journeyman welder, I've never worked with brass, but almost every other metal, mild steel, stainless, inconel, aluminum etc. I have so much appreciation for this type of work, it takes years of experience, and a trained eye, terrific job!

You sir are a magician, with the way you took that damaged tuba and brought it back to a useful life again. You do fantastic work.

Mystifies me how an instrument can actually be damaged to this extent. Superly loving this series.

Deep respect for craftsman working with hands to restore the beauty of these instruments!

WOW!!! Your patience with the two crushed elbows were nothing short of amazing!!!

It's always heartbreaking to see those damaged instruments. I've never thought a repair like that would ever be possible. Incredible job, I've really enjoyed watching it

Armed with your masterful tips and a lot of patience, I made a good job of repairing a vintage motorcycle horn. Thank you

Former tuba player here and this is oddly satisfying watching you restore that rubs. Tubas look like they are a royal pain to manhandle around restore though

I could watch the dent machine all day. Fascinating! You are a true artist and I love seeing this tuba come back to life. Thank you sir.

This is an amazing repair series! About every question that popped in mind actually got answered, the craftsmanship is admirable and the whole presentation is clean. Keep up the great work!

I’m a metal worker and occasionally blacksmith i love seeing stuff like this it’s nice to see how others deal with things

As a lower brass player and having to repair the affordable horns I have bought I have had some success in their repair and maintenance. I am fascinated by your methods and expertise and very much enjoy watching you work.

Thanks for these videos. I restore Classic and Vintage motorcycles. Some of the tools and repair processes you use are helpful in my line of work. Patience and methodical work are a winning combination. Thanks again Wes.

You sir are amazing! Taking a musical instrument that looks like it’s destined for the scrap pile and turning it into a beautiful musical instrument again. Thank you for posting these wonderful videos

INCREDIBIL !!! Numai când iubești așa ceva, poate să îți iasă din mână un astfel de lucru ! Altfel e un simplu tinichigiu . Complimente !

You sir are a true artisan! I have watched you straighten a few instruments and am truly impressed by your skills and abilities! The best of luck to you and your helping instruments make more music!

I am a carpenter of 40 yrs, i have no interest in band instruments but i cannot stop watching your vidios wes, great work from one master to another

Sousaphones most cost a lot. Cause for all of the Man hours put into this repair I’d think it would be called a total loss. Wonderful work and it makes me reconsider buying used. Used instruments can be around for a long time and can look and sound wonderful.

Wes is a magician with thin brass. The instrument looks there was nothing wrong with it when he gets done . I'm hooked.

This chap is an absolute craftsman. What a pleasure to watch and listen to.

As a Euphonium player, we had marching instruments, Bessons and Yamahas, that we had around for years that took a beating. Those were the days when we used actual, full sized euphoniums rather than marching specific instruments on the field. I've seen some dents, some tarnished brass, but never anything like that to a tuba of that quality. I commend you for getting it back into shape. I now own a King Euphonium that the previous (and, I believe original) owner took really good care of even though she marched with it in college. I just don't play it often enough.

A master at work, so great to see you bring that tuba back from the dead.

I was a euphonium player for many years. I played it in high school and then the Montgomery County (MD) Symphonic Band for many years. I owned my own Yamaha euphonium (that my parents bought for me in the twelfth grade), but I've seen a lot school or institution owned, beat up tubas and baratone horns in my life, but I think that this one is a clear winner in the beat up contest. Great job, the tuba turned out very nicely. I have always wondered how the dents in the tubing around the corners were removed, now I know. Whodathunk, it's magnets! I love your channel, I found it serendipitously, and I immediately subscribed. I love watching musical instruments being repaired, and I subscribe to several Luthiery channels that build and repair stringed instruments ie guitars, mandolins, and violins etc. This is the first time that found a KZfaq'er who is repairing band instruments. I'm here, and I'm digging it!

Thos is quite amazing that people still try to repair things... We live in a disposable society where everything can be thrown away.

Great work! It is amazing to see how you brought that Tuba back to life! Cheers bud!

Good afternoon Wes greenings from Georgetown Guyana l will soon start charging you for my time which you always consume whenever l watch one of your videos because l always end up watching many.LOL .Keep up your great work people like you Matt Stohrer and others are a gift to mankind

Wow...I'm a horn player and I just love how you brought it back to life from tragic to magic. Awesome video

Such a dedicated, hard worker, bringing an instrument back to life! Amazing to watch! 😃

Mr. Lee... I have one word... excuse my "French". You sir, are the S**ts. It is absolutely a pleasure to watch your technique on working metal "cold". The finesse you have, the sheer delicacy is what true craftman's have, and you are indeed one. It is an honor to watch you work magic.

What a pleasure it is to see a master craftsmen working.

I failed recorder in school, can’t sing a note and love all types of music but can’t name the singers. But I hold an unbelievable appreciation for what you do!

What a lost Art kudos to you my freind As I played coronet in 1978 so many damaged brass instruments in music class

I have been a Paintless Dent Repair Tech since 1999 and I absolutely love watching your videos!

I came for the musical instruments, but I'm getting obsessed by the idea that the equipment you work with are as much instruments as they are. The equipment - the rods, the balls, the hammers and all the rest, are there for someone who really knows them and can get all kinds of use out of them, like the player of a musical instrument will do. Half the time I'm not sure which I like more!

Sir all I can say is you are a true master in your art of instrument rebuilding/restoration. I have tried to put the suitable words to my praise but I am sorry this is the limit of my vocabulary. It is an honour to watch you work.

It's always cool to watch a master at work

This is the second time I've watched this man at work, and it still amazes me how he can take a seemingly impossibly damaged instrument and restore it back to its former glory. I wonder if there's been an instrument that bested him!?

Bless you for saving this beautiful instrument.

A brass instrument repairman is one of very few craftsmen whose primary tolls do indeed consist of a whole tool box full of hammers! And a good repairman can work magic with them.

I'm new to your channel by way of the algorithm and my prior years of experience in performance art, as Yamaha YBB-321 Tuba was my primary INSTRUMENT. A KING sousaphone was my first experience, but I ramble, just a bit. It is artist/magicians who bring voice back to the old warriors of the battle that is instrumental music. For I feel that for every drop of sweat that is produced in your labors of re-birth spring forth gallons of love, joy and satisfaction. I've subscribed today and vicariously lived the rebirth of this thunder-god that sprang from your heart and manifest through your hands. Thank you for every single drop of sweat manifest itself in the rebirth of music while you are reshaping the future for some blessed musicians. Respectfully /s/ Tim

You sir are truly a master craftsman!!! I am amazed!! I never would have thought such a resurrection was possible!!👍👍👍👍🤯

I played an ancient Baritone in a marching band in 1959 that sounded great but looked like it had been in a car wreck. I wish it could have received the kind of treatment shown in the video. Thank you for sharing the loving attention given this horn.

Wes, you make working with the brass look so easy, its like the brass just flows when you touch it. I know its very hard work as I worked in a machine shop fabricating custom parts. The way you ffinesse these instruments back into shape is totaly amazing

Incredible craftsmanship , I'm blown away

What a lovely job you did there. Full of admiration!

so impressive! Thanks for posting this: I would have looked at that thing and thought it was garbage and could never be fixed. I'm inspired to see the beauty inside dirty and damaged objects just waiting to be brought out.

KZfaq can be a weird and wonderful place. I just watched a guy beat on some brass for 11 minutes, totally enthralled.

Very satisfying to watch a skilled craftsmen with a specialized skill set obviously developed over many years. Watching I think “ I could do that “ but I know from experience that pro’s make it look easy. 😎

Absolutely amazing! Having become a professional Cobbler in high school and being a Sousaphone and Tuba player from middle school through high school. I was always curious about how this kind of repair could be done! Band directors always said that the other instruments were costly enough to do but a tuba/sousa was too much and out of the question.. thank you for making these videos!!

It’s a pleasure to watch a master at work.

Amazing work. Stumbled upon your channel. Incredible to watch how well the magnetic technique works

The magnet tool always amazes me in effective it is. Excellent work!

I always enjoy seeing a true craftsman working. You make it look easy but I know that there have been many hours of practice to perfect the skills you perform. Brilliant!! I used to play low brass instruments and always handled them carefully but still caused some minor dents. How can people be so abusive as to damage instruments as severely as this tuba was I will never understand.

These behind the scene craftsman are miracle workers.

Tragic Tuba can hold its bell up once more! Excellent. It’s very true: Sometimes you just need a bigger hammer!

WOW considering what it looked like before, you are a true artist of your trade, amazing

This dude has balls of steel. Literally.

Wes, like I left a comment in your first video I’m even more impressed by your skills. It is amazing hou that brass is ‘listening’ to your voice and your magical hands, yet again an amazing job and yet again thanks for sharing this beautiful video with me ❤️👍👍🇳🇱

I'm very impressed with his skill and dedication, zand these videos are so satisfying to watch, I could imagine myself doing this job myself totally theoputical, wonderful.

Astonishing work!! I have never seen something like it, but that's what youtube makes rearly great. I an pharmacologist, if I would be a musician, I would immediately subscribe to this channle. Roland from good old Germany, and thank you I learned something great indeed.

Excellent work Les, enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for posting. Shout out from New York!!

A true craftsman..He can be very proud of his accomplishment

Very enjoyable to watch such a skilled craftsman.

The place of the instrument is to play. It brings joy to hear a musical instrument play. Music is a gift from God. Alas Trumpets tubas and other powerful wind instruments have soft metal. Easy to bend and easier to repair than the saxs. Depending of course of the damage.

Back in 1969 in 6th grade, I chose the Tuba to play. The band director brought it last. It was a Bb Besson and was in good shape. Considering that it belonged to the school district, I took good care of it. It is unfathomable to me how instruments that haven't been in a plane or car wreck can have been so abused as what you're working on. In 1971, I bought a Wurlitzer Eb tuba for $10 that I found derelict in the instrument room. It needed work so I was fortunate that my mother indulged me and took it to a repair fellow, Mr. Adamcek, in San Antonio. The repair cost $200 back then. The instrument was always iffy in tone because one of the pistons had a flat spot down one side and leaked air. Years later, I found a fellow that could fix it. I have 6 tubas now but most are in as bad a shape as the example you've refurbished. I even have a Bb Couesnon that looks nice, but someone tried to free a stuck valve with a hammer and punch and demolished the valve innards. Lots of project instruments I'd like to contact you about Wes including a very beautiful silver plated valve trombone from the early 1900's that needs a tuning slide (missing) from the valve body.

Artisan at work! From write off to wow. Thanks for posting.

Brought back from the dead. Incredible! 🎶📯🎵📯🎶📯🎵

Outstanding work Wes, I like to see someone who is a Master of the craft

Wes this is awesome. I played tuba for 6 years (7th - 12th grade). I loved my horn, but not everyone cared for their instruments like I did. Would love to get a tuba of my own someday.

Nice job Wes. Been here many times. It's a great craft we have!

Wow! A masterpiece by a master. Congratulations!

Probably sounds a hundred times better (obviously now that the valves function) then it did all banged up. Awsome work.

Absolutely brilliant, your skills are truly amazing. Great video thank you.

Well done....enjoy the craftsmanship!

Hard to believe that most of those dents were "accidental." Very nice work.

Quite apiece of work. Very interesting tools and methods. End result is amazing compared to where you started.👍🏽👍🏽

I wonder, what people must have done to their instruments to be able to get them damaged so badly. Were the instruments thrown in front of a train or lorry? Incredible work of restoration!

That’s pretty amazing. I wouldn’t have thought that was repairable.

"Sometimes that’s what it takes. A bigger hammer." Seems like whoever beat this poor horn up in the first place used a good-sized hammer! Very impressive repair.

Beautiful work my man . Would love to see customers reactions. Was a metal worker myself till RA took the use of my hands and fingers. I made an entire suit of armor that fits me from 14ga steal . I took 4" round stock and put 2 different shapes on each end welded a piece on to hold in the vice. 6 hammers and 2 sand bags . Kinda primitive but effective. Connected it all with bought chain mail. Didn't have the tools to make it. Paint main parts with a black centary lacquer auto paint . Made a sweet contrast to bright chain mail and the stainless ISO fitting on the helmet. Glued silver and black long wig hair in the fitting . Looked amazing. Super heavy though. Could only wear it for about 10 mins . Got to tired of holding and moving with the extra weight on me