Posted by Tim Cary on May 18, 1999 at 12:02:39:
In Reply to: Re: silver laquer Vs. brass laqer posted by Sean Chisham on May 17, 1999 at 14:00:00:
I would have to agree with Sean. I haven't really ever been able to detect a difference between laquer and silver. The silver plating adds some serious cost to the horn, and most be kept clean (otherwise the "gunmetal grey" appearance of old school sousaphones), but it does last longer and add resale value to the horn. Laquer wears more quickly, and often darkens in color as the horn gets older. One thing about laquer to keep in mind, some horns have enamel laquer, some have epoxy laquer. Enamel laquer is baked onto the horn and lasts much longer. Epoxy laquer is sprayed onto the horn and allowed to dry (like spray paint), and sometimes an oven is used to expedite this process in the factory.
In buying my horn, I compared silver and laquer, and I could tell not difference. I liked the silver and spent the extra coin.