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Phosphorus Bronze Instruments...
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 7:41 am
by Dylan King
So... What's an instrument like this going to sound like?
http://carolbrass.com/product_post.php?i=118
It sure looks pretty, but I wonder...
Re: Phosphorus Bronze Instruments...
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:42 am
by Rick Denney
Depending on the specific product, it's just another alloy of copper. Usually has a high copper content of 85-95%, with a pretty good amount of tin (5-10%) and maybe some zinc. But tin is the primary "silver" metal in the alloy. It has a trace of phosphorus, which strengths the metallic bond and makes it possible for the alloy to be tempered to pretty high strength. That's why it might be used for springs.
It's density and stiffness characteristics are very similar to brass. If there was a difference for a tuba, it would be because of its workability issues rather than because of its material properties. But then I think a lot of the differences people note in instruments of different copper alloys are misattributed as to cause, normal sample variation, or a result of the placebo effect.
One strong advantage--because of the lack of zinc, it's quite resistant to corrosion.
Rick "not seeing any magic bullet" Denney