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I have a Monette gold mouthpiece that I've had for 16 years. It has suddenly become significantly discolored on/around the rim and in the cup. I assume it is a chemical reaction to my body and saliva, but am not aware of any corresponding significant change in diet/health/habits. The discoloration does not wipe or clean off, and I'm not about to use anything remotely abrasive on it. Except for the occasional drop over the years, I've tried to be very careful with it, never setting it down on the rim.

Has anyone else experienced something like this with a gold plated mouthpiece?

Yes I have a MPC I had gold plated by Anderson's years ago. It looks terribly tarnished now. Who knows why.

Since gold doesn't tarnish, and since the MP is 16 years old, I wonder if the plating has worn off the rim and what you see is brass?

Michael Bush wrote:Since gold doesn't tarnish, and since the MP is 16 years old, I wonder if the plating has worn off the rim and what you see is brass?

This would make the most sense to me. Plating isn't forever and, if your mouthpiece has been used often throughout those 16 years, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that you've finally made your way through it. You should be able to get it replated, but getting it replated with the 24K gold that Monette uses certainly won't be cheap!

Might it be the strike layer tarnishing?
Some of my gold-plated mouthpieces have become discolored with dark, splotchy areas. It doesn't bug me, and it's all on the exterior bowl, so it's only a curiosity, not a functional issue.

Gold is relatively soft compared to silver and other metals. Likely, it has had its day and has worn down to the silver, which as we know will tarnish to a blackish/blue. Dang!!! ... and that is a pricey fix, but still cheaper than a new Monette.