black nickle sound

[studsoccer06]

I've started looking for a professional sax and for some reason have taking a likeing for black nickel sax's. What are the Pro's and Con's. Is it high maintance like the silver and how's the sound. Any other suggestions would be helpful. If you know of any great black nickel sax's can you write it down to. Thanks

[Paul Coats]

Black Nickel (aka "black chrome") is probably the most durable, most low maintenance finish you can have on a saxophone.

I am not one that ascribes certain sounds to finishes. The player, mouthpiece and reed, resonators, all have a far greater affect on tone than the finish. Scientific blind tests have also shown that finish and material of a wind instrument to be practically undetectable. Yet there are players that insist that silver has a bright tone, gold (which is a thin layer over silver plate) has a warm tone, black nickle has a dark tone. I just don't hear it. Two seemingly identical saxophones that have identical finishes will play differently.

If you like the appearance of the black nickle, get it. I think silver is pretty on a sax, but do find the tarnishing an irritation. Modern lacquers are very tough, and do not wear off as rapidly as in years past. But nickle is certainly the most durable.