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 Silver or Nickle?
Author: Meg 
Date:   1999-03-03 21:53

I'm thinking about buying a new clarinet soon and I was wondering, what is the difference (ups, downs, duarbility) between silver plated keys and nickle plated keys. Aside from the looks. Also, should I really buy a new clarinet?

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Andy 
Date:   1999-03-03 22:02

Silver will ware down after a while, it'll get really dull, but is shinnier to start out with. Nickle will last longer (shinnyness wise) but it's not <i>AS</i> Shinny

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Evan 
Date:   1999-03-03 22:36

you should buy a clarinet if you think a new one and you do not like the one you have or if you have money to burn a clarinet that is very different from your currnet one just to be able to get different tones

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: paul 
Date:   1999-03-03 22:43

Silver looks really nice. Silver requires more care. With proper care, silver is supposed to last longer than nickel, but that's highly debatable. If you are looking at a new horn, the silver plating will cost you more than nickel plating. Will silver make your horn easier to play or make it play better? Not really.

As for the open ended question of buying a new horn, the answer is totally up to you. It's your money, it's your choice. You can find a decent used horn at a good price if you are willing to do your homework and shop around. Ditto for new horn, but at a typically much higher price. If you find a horn that you are happy with and that works properly with good tone, temporarily ignore the fact that it's new or used. Try it out and play it. Only after you feel you would be happy with it should you consider the price and its age. For the most part, you are better off sticking with the big four brands of clarinet on the market today, either as new or used. They are Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Good luck and have fun shopping!



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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Dee 
Date:   1999-03-04 00:00

What brand and model clarinet are you playing now? If you already have one of the intermediate or pro models, a complete overhaul could be the way to go. However, it is my guess that you are playing a standard student model horn. The basic thing in buying a better horn is to become familiar via catalogs and asking knowledgeable people about the different models out. As someone as remarked already, try both new and used horns. Pick the one that plays best for you. However, just be sure that it is a quality brand so that the construction is sound and that it is a step up from where you are now.

For most people, the silver versus nickel is not a major issue. There are a few people who are allergic to nickel so prolonged contact with it could be a problem for them. In general silver is not as durable as nickel but it may be more resistant to the natural acidity of your skin (again only a problem for some people). Silver also tarnishes more easily so requires more care. The "feel" is a little different and some people prefer one over another.

Basically get what suits you if you can afford it. With used instruments though, your chances of finding a silver plated one are slim.

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: mickey 
Date:   1999-03-04 04:30

Originaly... clarinet keys were left in thie plain nikle state.. then the manufacturers had to make a bright and shiny instrument.. and nickle plated them... making the key work harder and more slipery... silver plated instruments.. soften the feel of the clarinet and make it more like a none plated instrument... wow... what a round about way to get back to the feel of none plated key work!! LOL

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: paul 
Date:   1999-03-04 15:26

I have a horn with silver plated keys. I also have acidic skin. Having silver plated keys isn't a 100 percent answer to my problem. I must wipe down the entire clarinet, especially the keys, with a soft clean cloth every time I end a practice session.

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Joris van den Berg 
Date:   1999-03-04 17:08

If you wipe off the fingerprints after playing, silver will last for at least 15 years

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Donn 
Date:   1999-03-05 14:37

Some LeBlanc horns cost more with nickel plated keys than silver. Nickel doesn't tarnish as much as silver, and is just as shiny when new, and stays that way provided you aren't allergic or your chemistry allows.

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 RE:Acid problem
Author: Mickey 
Date:   1999-03-06 03:49

Paul.. I have seen friends of mine with the same problem.. and the went for gold plating to solve their problem.. as for being costly .. add about $400.00 to the price of a new horn. Good luck ..
Mickey

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 RE: Silver or Nickle?
Author: Hiroshi 
Date:   1999-03-12 07:22

Silver rust can be removed by a magic:
In lukewarm water place aluminum foil and pour baking soda.Just put the keys after removing pad.Everyone will surprized at the result!

cf.
1.This method uses differences of ionization inclinations.
2.Silver rust is made of zinc or sulfur oxide.Refrain from eating eggs just before playing instruments with silver materials.

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