TubaForum.net

The top bow on my new "used" tuba is a little dented. Until I can get it straightened out I would like to wrap it with a black cover for appearance sake. I have seen the done in some pics in my YouTube tuba listening videos.

Any advice on what I can use to wrap it that won't discolor the tuba, draw unwanted moisture, or otherwise mark up my instrument?

One suggestion was tennis racket tape.... The word tape bothers mea little.

Normally, dents aren’t enough to warrant a wrap… They’re normally there to protect exposed brass under a worn finish, or someone’s arm from raw brass if allergic.

If you’re seriously concerned, leather wraps with some sort of t shirt or fabric stuck to the back is probably your best bet.

I don't think I've ever seen wrapped material removed from a brass instrument whereby there wasn't some negative consequence.

I used to use bicycle handlebar tape for that. You just have to secure it at both ends because it doesn't have glue on the back . I'm talking about the plastic kind. The cloth stuff has/had glue on the back and would absorb moisture. Best, Ed

I tried tennis racket tape and it transfers moisture -- I think it is designed to absorb moisture to help with the grip. So I would definitely not use that.