Author Topic: Nickel Plating (Read 211 times)

applejuice · « **on:** November 08, 2006, 11:59:39 AM »

Would it be possible for Alembic to plate the hardware on my new Orion? Also, would it be expensive? I love the look of nickel on walnut.

george_wright · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2006, 12:48:49 PM »

Two comments on nickel plating....

First, some people experience contact dermatitis from nickel plating. What a drag it would be to find that touching the tuners or tailpiece irritates your skin! You might make sure you're not one of the unfortunate few who are nickel-sensitive.

Second, in my experience with nickel-plated saxophones, the plating tends to cloud over time. I have in mind a sax I bought just before I got married, 37 years ago. It doesn't happen fast, but it does happen.

When I ordered a custom Rogue, I specified chrome-plated hardware. This was because of the clouding issue.

As for cost, well, being a wealthy college professor, I didn't notice :-).

applejuice · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2006, 12:57:52 PM »

Never heard of being irritated by nickel, I should check that out. As for being wealthy, not this soldier.

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2006, 05:37:12 PM »

Possible yes, but expensive. Just because the bass is new, it still means the hardware has to be replaced since it wasn't originally made for plating. While we could spend several hours preparing your existing hardware for plating, the price would start to approach that of a new set of hardware, and at least you'd have a spare set for this bass or another project. We will need to have the instrument here to fit the new set of hardware.

If you'd like to discuss it, please feel free to call either Valentino or myself.