[lhoffman]

A clarinet I'm rebuilding had one key who's silver plating was very thin. I wore through it in a few spots when I buffed it. Does anybody have access to a tank plating system? I wish I could try a plating wand, but it's worn right on a touch piece, and I don't think the new plating would last long.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Most local plating shops (that mostly do motorcycle and car parts) will do silver, gold etc and don't have a problem with small items, so it's worth ringing around.

 

[Bari Sax Guy]

Hello, I am having a Bass Clarinet overhauled. It's an old Pedler, and some of the keys have the silver worn off of them. I am considering having the keys re-plated. A check online of plating shops in the area shows companies that work for industry doing plating for the electronics industry.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a shop that would do this work on a BC in Massachusetts/ Southern NH? Has anyone had any experience with having keys replated? Is htere a certain amount of plating that is optimal? (thickness of silver). Do I need to be concerned about delicate keys being damaged in the process?

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

Ask for a durable thickness rather than a decorative one.

The info from http://easyelectroplating.co.uk/silver-plating-services/ may be useful:

"The classification for the thickness of silver plating relating to the solutions that we use is as follows:

The minimum thickness for silver plating is equal to 0.5 microns. This is used mainly for a decorative finish on items with minimal handling.
Heavy silver plate is classed as 2.5+ microns. The normal thickness we apply would be between 2.5 - 6 microns dependent upon the item and its intended use. This provides a long lasting finish on high wear items such as; watches, buckles, trophies and jewellery.

Our specially developed silver plating solutions are tarnish resistant, hard wearing and extremely durable. A silver plating of just 5 microns is often more than adequate for the long term durability of high wear items if cared for properly. A general rule is to allow 1 micron in silver thickness for every year of intended use."

 

[Bari Sax Guy]

Thanks Gordon. I'm finding that there are in general two types of replating companies:

1. Industrial mostly for the electronics industry
2. Household/ Antiques replating silver plates, pitchers, etc.

I spoke to my auto body guy. He told me that shops that do replating of auto parts (bumpers, etc.) are few and far between due to EPA regs.

I'm going to get some pricing information.

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

They can also be divided into two sorts:

1: Those used to doing good work for musical instruments and the jewellery trade, without damaging the parts involved (eg by excessive buffing)
2. Those who are not.

Those specializing in auto work or zinc plating are less likely to be the former. I suggest you talk to your local silversmith or manufacturing jeweller, or local brass instrument repairer.

 

[Bari Sax Guy]

They can also be divided into two sorts:

1: Those used to doing good work for musical instruments and the jewellery trade, without damaging the parts involved (eg by excessive buffing)
2. Those who are not.

Those specializing in auto work or zinc plating are less likely to be the former. I suggest you talk to your local silversmith or manufacturing jeweller, or local brass instrument repairer.

Yes I agree. I found this: http://www.reliableelectroplating.com/
They are located about one hour from me and mention musical instruments on their web page.

My tech didn't have any suggestions. I sent Reliable some photos and I am awaiting pricing information.

 

[Doc Frazier]

wwwJandJWoodwinds.com