Trumpet players ask the same questions over and over again: Does trumpet finish impact its playing characteristics, or is it just a myth, and what is the difference between lacquered and silver-plated instruments? In this article, we will try to provide answers to those burning questions.
Does Finish Really Change Trumpet Sound?
You may have heard this popular thought about gold trumpets being dark, silver-plated trumpets being bright, and brass trumpets being something else. Let’s sort out this mess a bit.
You can visit a music shop and explore a line of trumpets made by the same brand and even the same artisans, but they still have potential differences in how they resonate and produce tones.
According to searches, the lacquered finish on the instrument really affects its playing characteristics. However, the way people describe that effect varies between “a little bit” and “nothing at all”.
Lacquer is applied to the outside of the trumpet, making it possible to prevent the bell and the instrument from freely resonating. It adds a slight muffled effect. For this reason, musicians feel that such trumpets are less punchy and brighter compared to silver-plated instruments.
Typically, when you just take two instruments — one with a lacquered finish and the other with a silver-plated finish — you won’t get a clear idea of the differences until you try both of them. The differences may occur not only because of the coating itself, but also because of the variation of the instruments.
What Trumpet Players Say
Speaking about the comparison between silver-plated and lacquered trumpets, players often admit the following differences: silver-plated trumpets resonate more freely, and their sound appears to be brighter and more direct.
On the other hand, there are musicians who even test the finishes in the labs and come up with a confident answer — no, the plating makes no difference. Their proof is rooted in the physical properties of the instruments, which remain the same based on the tapers of the leadpipe, the bell size, and the mouthpiece.
Quick note: The taper of a trumpet refers to the gradual change in diameter of the leadpipe as it approaches the receiver.
These components remain the same, and nothing changes in sound as long as the thickness of the material stays the same. These skeptical players admit the silver-plated trumpets can’t play brighter until you make a difference in the smaller taper to the lead pipe and bell.
The same goes for gold trumpets: they play darker only if you make the taper larger. Even the trumpet featuring the raw brass doesn't make a difference unless the brass is the result of mechanical stripping of the gold or silver-plated finish. In this way, you make the metal thinner, transforming the instrument into a more fragile which breaks up at lower volumes and sounds brighter.
The effect of the lacquered finish also depends on the lacquer and especially its thickness. First, it improves the efficiency of the instrument, and for many players these trumpets tend to sound darker. And again, once you strip the lacquer, the instrument starts playing brighter.
Some amateur trumpet players admit that lacquered trumpets require longer warm up, however they provide more focus and pitch stability. They also feel these horns provide secure, high notes and stable harmonics once you warm up.
Lacquered or Silver-Plated Trumpet: Which One to Choose?
Given the information above, it’s obvious that it’s up to you to decide which specific option works for you. However, we provide you with a quick checking guide. Consider the following aspects when choosing an instrument:
- What aesthetic speaks to you more: For players who prefer shiny finishes, a silver-plated trumpet tends to be more appealing, while lacquered finishes work better for those who search for a more natural look. Moreover, a tinted lacquer finish provides instruments with a similar shine.
- How much you can invest in your caring process: Plated instruments require less maintenance so they are easier to care for. Lacquered trumpets wear faster as their finish can chip off. Once it happens, you start to notice dips and inconsistencies in the coating.
Quick tip: To protect the finish of your trumpet in vulnerable areas where your hands contact it, use specially designed leather valve guards. They not only reduce sweat and moisture impact on lacquered or silver-plated finishes but also improve your grip.
- What sound you’re looking for: Silver-plated trumpets can sound brighter, while lacquered instruments seem to be darker.
- How long you want your instrument to last: Lacquered finishes make trumpets more durable and less vulnerable to damage. On the other hand, silver-plated trumpets tarnish more slowly compared to raw brass instruments
- What is your budget: Silver-plated trumpets may be more expensive than lacquered instruments.
Final Word
Despite many speculations on trumpet finishes and their real impact on playing characteristics, the choice of specific models still depends on your individual preferences and feel. We hope our article has helped you have a clearer understanding of the key differences between the lacquered and silver-plated trumpet finishes, making it easier for you to choose the right horn next time.
If you want to learn more about how trumpet sound is shaped, feel free to check out our article on Understanding Bore Size and Its Impact on Trumpet Playability.
Sources:
Does finish matter? Silver plate vs Lacquer on trumpets
https://kgumusic.com/collections/trumpets-by-kgumusic