silver vs. nickel alto flute

Flute History and Instrument Purchase

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trilly
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:17 pm

silver vs. nickel alto flute

Post by trilly »

I'm looking to purchase my first alto flute. I've noticed several nickel plated altos recently. I've always enjoyed the sound of nickel plated flutes - they seem to have a little mellower sound. Does anyone have any experience with nickel alto flutes? I would appreciate any feedback anyone would like to share on this topic.
Thanks
Trilly

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flutepicc06
Posts: 1353
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm

Post by flutepicc06 »

Just as with gold plating or silver plating, nickel plating is really too thin to make a noticeable difference to sound. However, many people are allergic to nickel (which is why new nickel plated C flutes are pretty much nonexistent), so if you think you might ever want/need to sell this alto, I would advise you to go with a silver plated one. If you're allergic, obviously nickel plated instruments aren't for you.

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