Thanks again Matt - for the info. I definitely want to pursue this. If I send you my original key guard when would you need it in order to get started? How long would you need to keep it? I would have to figure out some way to rig a temporary replaement while I am without it. It sounds like you are a real craftsman - being able to do all that stuff. I'll be waiting for those photos. Russ

If I don't get my guard back by the end of next week, I will not be able to post pictures until I get back from Maryland on August 7. Russ, if you are willing to send youroriginal guard, I will send a temporary one so that you can still play your horn. I'll send one with no holes in it that way you'll just have to drill it for your posts. Send me an e-mail with your address an I will ship it out after I get back from Maryland. You can send your guard after you get the temporary one. Matt

Matt, Thanks for the offer. I will e-mail my address. Russ

Well I finaly got the guard back from the engraver and I am pleased with the results. The pictures of the guard can be seen at the following : img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard.jpg img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard1.jpg img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard2.jpg img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard3.jpg img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard4 img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard5.jpg.jpg I will be honest and tell you that I have very little money into manufacturing the guard itself but the engraving bill was very large! I will discuss the costs of making more guards with those of you who are interested if you send an e-mail. If you are into function and not the decoration I can make a replacement pretty reasonably. Pretty will cost you extra...a lot extra. Sorry, I don't do the engraving. Matt

sorry, some of the links didn't work img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard4.jpg img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28mguard5.jpg

It turned out beautifully! Please email with cost for a plain one. The engraving is wonderful but I don't need it. I just need functional! Thanks, Cyndi J

For Russ and the others that have helped me out and inquired about the 28M Guard. I've got some made. Just to let Russ know, his guard will be sent on Monday, and Thank You for trusting me with your original. The first mold I made broke when I went to mold the plastic so I had to make another. I no-longer repair instruments full time, so I've been picking away at this project when I have time. If anyone would like a replacement, please e-mail me and I will send my address and the price. The replacement guard is a bit thicker than the original, and it is made from high impact acrylic. It is very durable compared to the original. You will need to drill the holes for the mounting screws, and you may need to grind the plastic in certain areas to fit it. Those of you not brave enough to fit your own should have your repairman do it, or you could send the horn to me, but that would cost a great deal in shipping. Please see the attached pictures. img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/slausonm/28MGuard 2.jpg

I just noticed my links didn't work. If any of you have questions or want pictures of my 28M replacement guard, please drop me a line and I will send pics of my replacement guard. I've made quite a number of them now, and people seem to be very pleased with them.

Hi, Matt, I have a 28M that my folks bought me in the mid fifties. I still play it. I have my original plastic guard relatively intact, but I'd like to have a spare. Can you email me the pricing, both with and without the engraving? Dutch

Hello,
I am still making this guard. It took a lot of effort, but they work very well. I currently sell a plain guard with no engraving for$85 and a laser engraved version for$125. The artwork on the laser guard is similar to the original guard. Some people are filling the engraving with gold crayon or paint to make them look more original. I ship in the USA for free and at my cost for over seas shippment. I accept checks and ship after they clear, paypal as a gift, or US postal money order. 

You will need to drill holes  in the guard to mount it and possibly grind away some plastic depending on yourkey configuration. If you live close enough to Auburn NY to bring your horn to me I will mount the guard for free.  If you are willing to ship the horn I will also mount it for free if you pay the shipping costs.

If you are inexperienced at doing this kind of stuff, I'd take it to a trusted repairman who should be able to mount the guard in less than 1 hour. Although my guard is much stronger than the original, you can still crack it! So it is important to know what you are doing.

[email protected]

Matt 

Hi  -  I just purchased a 28m but the lower keys are held in place by a rubber band stretched between the two posts.  So I'm definitely interested in getting one of your special made plastic key guards.  I hope you're still providing this service.

Thanks

Don Crawford

[email protected]

760 330 6684

 

I still make the guard. Please send me a message if you would like to get one. [email protected]

Just checking to see if you are still making the plastic key guard for the Conn 28M Alto. Mine is cracked and missing a couple hunks. I'd like to get a replacement with the stencil is that is possible. Please contact me at [email protected]