Posted by Chuck on January 26, 2000 at 13:53:37:
In Reply to: Mouthpieces posted by Seven on January 26, 2000 at 12:01:09:
You don't see chrome plated mouthpieces for the same reason that you don't see chrome-plated tubas--chromium is very hard and somewhat brittle and doesn't really hold up well over a softer metal like brass. I hope you opted for "triple" plating (copper/nickel/chromium). If you happen to accidently drop that mouthpiece, inspect it carefully for peeling plating (razor-sharp) before putting your face on it!
I think surgical stainless would be great for mouthpieces, but it's a bear to machine because it work-hardens and dulls tools very quickly.
But can anyone tell me why mouthpieces aren't coated with Titanium Nitride via PVD? Seems that it would be the end-all for durability.