Posted by Lee Stofer on March 13, 2004 at 09:21:57:
In Reply to: Silver vs Lacquer posted by David Shriver on March 12, 2004 at 23:48:30:
A silver-plated instrument may be able to go longer before needing to be refinished, but when it does need refinishing, it will be a bit more expensive to restore than its lacquered counterpart.
Silver used to be considered the most durable finish available, but some industry experts now say that the modern (thinner) silver plating is not as durable as the most modern epoxy lacquer. At one time, top-of-the-line American silver-plated instruments were triple-silver-plated, which meant that they were in the plating tank for three times the normal minimum, and had a LOT of silver on them. That's why you can find some old relics that will still shine up well and are nearly completely covered in silver still. New silver-plated instruments do not have an abundance of silver on them, and must be carefully maintained if the silver finish is to remain intact for more than 5 years or so.
Of course, any instrument, regardless of finish, will respond well to careful maintenance from its owner, and it is a tossup as to whether lacquer or silver will last longer on a given model of instrument. If you can hear or feel a difference in sound and/or playability, go with what works best for you. If you cannot tell a difference, then it doesn't matter.
Lee Stofer