Where to get serial number stamping done?

[TexasTBone]

I recently bought a Meister Hans Stauffer alto from Steve at the Horn Guys and was surprised to discover Jinbao does not stamp serial numbers on horns. When I added it to my insurance they strongly recommended I create something to serve as a serial number and have it stamped or engraved on the instrument. To my horror, every place that said they could do it wanted anywhere from $150 to $300 to do it.

Any suggestions on a more cost-effective solution? Also, is it worth it to have parts like spare bells for my Getzen stamped/engraved with a unique identifier?

[BGuttman]

I've used an engraver (hand-held vibrating metal tip) to etch identifying information in my instruments. You need to provide something that can uniquely identify your instrument -- your name, SSN, etc. You can even call it "001" since no other instrument is going to have a serial number.

[ZacharyThornton]

You are insuring a JinBao? Like the little $300ish alto?

[TexasTBone]

You are insuring a JinBao? Like the little $300ish alto?

It's the alto made under the Horn Guys' personal label with a reworked slide and Kanstul leadpipe. I insure all my instruments, regardless of value.

[Kingfan]

I would recommend against using your SSN as a serial number due to possibility of identity theft. Maybe your initials plus letters and numbers like "BGJB0001" (if you were Bruce).

[TexasTBone]

I would recommend against using your SSN as a serial number due to possibility of identity theft. Maybe your initials plus letters and numbers like "BGJB0001" (if you were Bruce).

I'm looking for where to get it done, not what to put on it.

[Crazy4Tbone86]

Are you absolutely sure the instrument does not have a serial number? Al the altos made by Jinbao that I have seen (branded as Jinbao, Selman, Durant, etc…) have a serial number laser etched on the bell.

If you do need a serial number, I recommend that you have it stamped on by a tech. Nothing high tech. A stamp set can be bought from Harbor Freight for cheap and it takes a little know-how so the instrument isn’t damaged. It should be about a $20-25 job.

[LeTromboniste]

Your cheapest option will be to buy a tool to do it yourself of course (a stamp, graver or electric engraving tool, all of which are available for cheap). Probably won't look good, but if you want it to look good you'll have to go to a tech to stamp it (which will probably look marginally better) or shell out for someone with actual engraving skills. For a 400$ instrument probably not worth doing the last option, as you've discovered.

I'm also curious as I've never had a franchise so low that it made sense to insure instruments worth less than 500$.

[TexasTBone]

I'm also curious as I've never had a franchise so low that it made sense to insure instruments worth less than 500$.

I insure my instruments as a rule, but since I already have five figures' worth of instruments insured, my carrier strongly preferred I add it to my musical instruments binder instead of including it in my standard "contents" provision of my homeowners policy. It costs me literally $1.00 per year to insure this horn.

[afugate]

I'm also curious as I've never had a franchise so low that it made sense to insure instruments worth less than 500$.

I insure my instruments as a rule, but since I already have five figures' worth of instruments insured, my carrier strongly preferred I add it to my musical instruments binder instead of including it in my standard "contents" provision of my homeowners policy. It costs me literally $1.00 per year to insure this horn.

Does each horn have an individual deductible or is the deductible encompass an entire incident?

For example, assume a $500 deductible. If it applies to each horn, you are wasting your dollar on this horn since replacement value is less than the deductible.

I'm not an insurance guy, so I may be asking a goofy question. (I play the trombone, so that increases the likelihood I'm asking a goofy question... )

--Andy in OKC

[TexasTBone]

Does each horn have an individual deductible or is the deductible encompass an entire incident?

My insurance is full replacement value (new), no deductible.