FreelancerAlumni Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 The copper vs. zinc content of the horn can make a difference because it affects how the metal vibrates. Brass with a higher copper content (rose brass, gold brass, red brass) tends to have a darker, warmer tone to it. Most horns are typically made with yellow brass, which usually is around 70% copper/30% zinc. Silver plating adds weight to the horn, and it will add a little darkness to the sound, but I think arguably the reason most corps use silver horns is because silver plating has a longer lifespan where it still looks good if properly maintained, and can be recovered from tarnishing more easily. Lacquer will wear off relatively quickly especially in the harsh environments of outdoors in the summer, so a lacquer hornline will deteriorate more quickly, and you can't polish up a lacquer horn the same way you can polish a plated horn. Now if you're talking about something like matte finish vs. dark lacquer finish...no, I don't think that affects the sound, at least not significantly. That's just a question of cosmetics. Oh yes! Different metals WILL make a difference in sound out the bell. No Doubt there. Finish of the horn... Not so much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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