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Trumpet/gold vs. silver plated

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 7/19/2008


Question
i have only ever played a silver plated trumpet and a regular lacquered trumpet.the silver has a great sound, intonation, and all that jazz, but i am looking to buy a trumpet online right now with actual gold plating, as in 24k gold. what is the difference in quality, sound, and eventual wearing between the silver and gold finishes. p.s. my silver trumpet is a bach strad, and so is the gold one i am looking at.

Answer
Rosa, The difference in sound is minimal between silver and gold. The horn must be silver plated for the gold to stick so you actually have two platings on the horn. Silver tends to be brighter than lacquer because lacquer is a thicker finish and doesn't transmit sound waves as well as silver. Gold is very soft and you will have to take very good care of the horn so the plating doesn't wear back to the silver. If you are going to play the horn daily I don't suggest you get a gold finish.

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Mike Pawul

Expertise

I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in several bands and have many "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 600 with more than 400 on ebay

Experience

I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done work on over 900 horns.

Organizations
Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band, River Cities Concert Band, Derby City Brass Band, University of Louisville Community Band, Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN), Bugles Across America (BAA), Member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT)

Education/Credentials
I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College. Of course, I am still learning from all my friends that play and work on trumpets around the world.

Awards and Honors
Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.

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