Joe wrote in two separate messages: "I have a 2006 eastlake conn 8DS. Since day one, every time I pull a = slide out of my horn, theres always some kind of black residue on the slides. = I've given my horn multiple baths and have snaked it frequently, and i always snake out the slide tubes and clean the slides befor applying new = grease. .... I've been looking at other peoples Eastlake Conn 8Ds lately, and i couldn't= help but notice that a few had a=A0small C.G.Conn signature engraved on th= e bell up near the pinky hook. What does this mean?=A0Does it mean there is= something special about the horn, or is it just a little something extra t= o make it look nice? "
Based on my experience with new Conn horns, this black residue is not a normal condition, even with the lubricants you're using. Have it cleaned ultrasonically by a competent repair tech, and the problem should go away. Even if this is a factory-made problem, your horn is out of warranty and you will likely get no satisfaction from Conn-Selmer, no matter what the problem. As for the nice engraving, it's a standard ornamentation on C.G. Conn horns since the mid- or late- 1990's (not sure of exact date). The engraving is done with a laser. I don't think there's anything special associate with this engraving. -- Regards, Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org