Musical
Instrument
Enhancement
Audio resonance enhancement is a cryogenic stress relief process
applied to brass and other metal instruments. The purpose is to relieve the
stress that is built into instruments during the manufacturing process.
What causes stress and why is it harmful?
Stress is introduced into brass instruments in three
distinct ways. The forming processes used in
making and bending tubing, spinning bells, etc. lock a great deal of tension
into the metal. The assembly process, which involves wiring or clamping the
parts together for soldering also contribute stress. The soldering process
itself, with its wide temperature changes and associated expansion and
contraction of the soldered joint, adds further stress to the instrument. All of
these stresses prevent the instrument from vibrating freely and responding
optimally to player input.
Do all instruments need to have our Custom Thermal Cycled Process?
No. Benefits are most noticeable on new instruments. One of the primary effects of our
process is to simulate the aging process. Instruments over thirty years old
usually show less benefit than newer ones unless they have been damaged or
modified. Since any soldering or dent removal causes stress major repair work on
classic instruments should include Custom Thermal Cycling.
What are the benefits of Custom Thermal Cycling?
Cryogenically enhanced instruments "just feel better" and have a mellow and interesting tone quality. Any player who appreciates
the special qualities of older instruments will immediately feel at home on an
enhanced instrument. The differences are hard to describe but easy to feel.
Custom Thermal Cycling will not fix bad intonation or make you like a bad
instrument but it will make a good one appreciably better.
How do you do it? Could it hurt my horn?
The process involves a computer-controlled cooling of
the instrument to a very low temperature
(about -300 degrees). The instrument is held at that point for a specified
period and is then slowly returned to its normal temperature. This process
allows the instrument to settle in as if it had been played for thirty years
without the wear and tear and deterioration of an old horn. The process is
perfectly safe and does not affect the appearance of the instrument in any way.
How long does it take?
Generally, one week. Remember, any repair work should be done before processing.
What other instruments benefit
from the process?
Let's start with guitar
strings, cymbals, drum heads and drum sticks. If you have an item that you think
will benefit from our Custom Thermal Cycling process we will gladly work with
you.
Please take a moment to sign our
