Posted by John Swensen on April 08, 1999 at 13:52:24:
In Reply to: Re: Gold vs. Silver posted by Bryan on April 07, 1999 at 19:23:36:
Be aware that there are different thicknesses of gold plating. I have been told by platers that one micron of gold will show a gold color (for a while), but that up to .0005" of gold is necessary to hold up as a wear surface. I have some 20-year-old gold plated mouthpieces that show no sign of wear (except for the shank), but the gold on a 6-month-old Conn Helleberg has worn through.
If you are getting a gold plated mouthpiece, get the supplier or plater to quote the thickness of gold you are getting.