I investigated this topic quite a bit recently. I have an Elkhart 8D with very thin metal in the bell tail.
I assumed (bad idea!) that ultrasonic cleaning would be easier on this horn, since there would be no acid to eat away the metal. So I found a reasonably local shop with an ultrasonic tank and called them. They told me that ultrasonic cleaning often resulted in holes where the thin metal was. So I didn't take the horn to them, and certainly appreciate their candor. I later discussed this with Aaron Beck. He confirmed what they told me, and added that he thought acid was the way to go on a horn with thin metal. He also said that there are various kinds of acid that can be used to clean a horn. He said he uses something that has a strength similar to vinegar. He said some others use chromic acid. Walter Lawson told me he used hydrochloric acid. Walter Lawson cleaned one of my 8D's with acid many times, with no ill effect. Obviously, he knew what he was doing. Aaron, whose work is unutterably superb, is doing likewise with the 8D with the thin bell tail. The bottom line, as I understand it, amounts to this: 1. Ultrasonic cleaning is not necessarily easier on the horn or less likely to damage it than acid cleaning and 2. Acid cleaning, properly done, isn't something to avoid owing to concerns about the acid's effect on the metal. Usual disclaimers, YMMV, etc., etc. Howard Sanner [email protected] _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
