In the first set of photos, Martin started with a 3-valve, top-action BBb 6/4 tuba and a damaged bell. He transformed it into a 5-valve, side-action horn with entirely removable valve section.

Damaged bell before Martin repaired it (image 1 of 2)
Damaged bell before Martin repaired it (image 2 of 2)
Leadpipe made to be removable (image 1 of 2)
Leadpipe made to be removable (image 2 of 2)
Elaborate brace work maintains integrity of valve section when lifted out of horn (image 1 of 2)
Elaborate brace work maintains integrity of valve section when lifted out of horn (image 2 of 2)
Additional fifth valve, also removable
Horn without valve section or leadpipe
Horn fully assembled with perfectly restored bell (image 1 of 2)
Horn fully assembled with perfectly restored bell (image 2 of 2)
Another satisfied customer!
  
Damaged bell before Martin repaired it
Leadpipe made to be removable
Elaborate brace work on valve section
Integrity of valve section maintained when lifted out of horn
Additional fifth valve, also removable
Horn without valve section or leadpipe
Horn fully assembled with perfectly restored bell
Martin tests the transformed tuba

In the next set of photos, Martin started with a Buescher BBb helicon. He overhauled the horn and made the valve section and bell removable for cleaning and portability.

Body
Valve section
Decorative bottom bow cap and removable brace
Overhauled horn, fully assembled
Body
Valve section
Decorative bottom bow cap and removable brace
Overhauled horn, fully assembled

Martin started with a Benge cornet bell, and made a custom tunable Bb bugle with a red paua shell medallion.

A Tale of Two Taylor Trumpets

 

One: Add a tuning slide brace in the style of the horn.

Two: Overhaul a Taylor Trumpet.

Tuning slide brace (image 1 of 2)
Tuning slide brace (image 2 of 2)
    
Tuning slide brace
Brace allows slide movement
Before
After

For these parts that were too far gone, Martin fabricated new parts and patches.

Before
After
    
Horribly damaged Hirsbrunner bottom bow guard
Custom replacement bottom bow guard
Decorative wear patches on knuckles of Keefer EEb helicon
Custom ornamental guard with scratch-brush finish

Martin creates a wide range of clever and beautiful solutions.

Custom thumb ring fashioned from a straight rod
Custom brace curves around tubing in an otherwise impossible bracing configuration
Custom extended tuning slide
Branches of a Conn BBb tuba ready to assemble
MAW Valve prototypes
      
Custom thumb ring fashioned from a straight rod
A gently curved brace solves a difficult bracing configuration
Custom extended tuning slide
Of course, MAW Valve prototypes