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Just a random observation after visiting TE yesterday and seeing the Cory band last night. It seems like every euphonium you see has a silver plated finish. Although you can buy most models in silver or lacquer, silver seems way more popular, even though it is typically several hundred dollars more expensive. Is it just tradition? The only non silver instruments in the Cory band were the 3 Rath trombones.

Just wondering.

Because the Limeys silver plate everything they can get their damn dirty hands on!!

First, you see, it was the silver cornet bands.
Now everyone want silver euphonium bands.
Next thing you know it will be rhodium mouthpiece bands...

I do think they look nice. And over the life of a horn, a few hundred bucks is not that much.

Also a good number of silver tubas out there, and always have been.

Maybe it's spreading from the trumpets? I would say 90% of the trumpet players I know have silver trumpets. In Region and All state band, ALL silver trumpets.

My Euphonium? Silver. My Tuba? Silver. Everything else? Lacquer.

bloke wrote:I’ve noticed that the vast majority of trombonists – in spite of decades having passed – have avoided being roped into this gimmick.

Most offer it as an option, but you just never see it, except in marching bands, drum corps, etc. I don't think Rath or Shires offer it as a standard option. Edwards does, but I have never seen one in the flesh.

Eh, I've always thought silver plate holds up better over time, and looks better when worn, versus a non-epoxy lacquer finish. When I buy a horn I plan to keep forever, usually it's silver. My cornet, trumpet, euph, and Holton tuba are all in silver plate.

That said, the epoxy lacquer finish on modern Yamahas seems to hold up extremely well in the care of a responsible owner. Though my Yamaha euphonium is in silver, I wouldn't think twice about buying a Yamaha tuba in lacquer.*

...and I wouldn't get a "French" horn in silver plate. While nickel finishes are seen on horns, silver looks even more wrong on a horn than it does on a trombone.

*if they ever build one that I find compelling enough to buy.

I don't think I've ever seen a Silver-plated French horn. Lots of Nickel-Silver ones in lacquer and unfinished, and unfinished and lacquered yellow brass.

On the other hand, the vast majority of ALL brass mouthpieces are silver plated.

mikebmiller wrote:The only non silver instruments in the Cory band were the 3 Rath trombones.

Ailsa Russell plays a lacquered Besson tenor horn in Cory. (Although I notice the Besson advertisements she appears in picture her with a silver plated one!)

I do think silver is more durable if you take care of it, even over an epoxy lacquer finish. And a nice clean silver finish feels so nice on your hands. But it's more work to maintain. I've heard it said that it didn't catch on with trombones because a lacquered finish darkens the sound a bit which is useful with trombones, more so than with other instruments. Not sure how true that actually is, but it's often repeated.

bbocaner wrote:a lacquered finish darkens the sound a bit which is useful with trombones, more so than with other instruments.

I'm sure we all know a few trombone players who could use a double or triple dose of heavy lacquer then

"Whoo! Shiny!"

bbocaner wrote:I do think silver is more durable if you take care of it, even over an epoxy lacquer finish. And a nice clean silver finish feels so nice on your hands.

Agreed. A satin silver finish also affords a very commanding grip on an instrument. Lacquer, on the other hand, can get quite slippery.

tbonesullivan wrote:I don't think I've ever seen a Silver-plated French horn. Lots of Nickel-Silver ones in lacquer and unfinished, and unfinished and lacquered yellow brass.

Don't get out much, do you? (No,it's not nickle silver.)

pgym wrote:Don't get out much, do you? (No,it's not nickle silver.)

I guess I should have said, "in the flesh". Even going to Dillon Music tons of times, never seen a Silver Plated french horn there. Silver Trombones? Definitely.

I think if you like silver because of the feel, the tonal quality, the high maintenance/low maintenance paradox (easier to care for, but more work), or just the way it catches the stage lights, I say follow your bliss.

However, I suspect that for many people, it's because silver is what the "cool kids" have. There are probably players who believe they won't be regarded as serious euphoniumists unless the have the doctrinaire hue.

I chose gold brass for its alleged warmer sound. I am also a bit of a rebel.

...and because Mack Brass only sells them in silver.

Because they are used in brass bands and military bands... And appearance (i.e., "shiny") matters.

bloke wrote:The last time bright silver plated euphoniums and tubas are actually as shiny as lacquer finish ones is when they are packed in their shipping cartons at the factory.

A woman in the concert band I am in has a Yamaha 4v top loader euphonium (not sure of model). I've been in the band five years and I have never seen it when it wasn't impeccable,fingerprint free and shiny. She is quite a good player.

Because that's what I bought used, both tuba and euph.

MaryAnn wrote:Because that's what I bought used, both tuba and euph.

Same... I wanted a Euph that took large shank, and they only had one, and it was Silver. And if you want a 3+1 compensating tuba made in the past 20 years, silver is almost always the only option.