Posted by Rick Denney on November 06, 2003 at 18:12:05:
In Reply to: Re: Silver or laquer posted by tj on November 06, 2003 at 17:55:11:
Some say yes, and others say no. It seems likely to me that the difference from one example to the next resulting from normal production variability will be much greater than any effects imparted by the finish. The engineer in me can find no physical reason why the thin wash of silver should affect the sounds in the frequency range of a tuba, but that doesn't mean a given silver tuba isn't a better (or worse) instrument than a given lacquered tuba. Nor does it mean a silver tuba that is better for other reasons won't be thought better because of the silver. Understanding cause and effect is not easy with musical instruments (and I'll leave it at that).
The only possible exception is the effect of thickly applied epoxy lacquer, but even for that finish I'm unconvinced it is relevant for a tuba.
So, for me it comes down to looks. If you like the looks of silver, and have the money, go for it.
Rick "whose ears can't hear the difference" Denney