A UK based brass and woodwind repairing company has told 4BR that new research into the use of the metal palladium in mouthpiece replating has brought substantive benefits for performers.
Ron and Tania Moonesinghe of The British Music Service based in Sleaford in Lincolnshire has pioneered the use of the noble, ultra-dense metal from the platinum group.
Improved techniques
Speaking to 4BR Ron said: "We both have over 50 years of industry and brass playing experience and that dual perspective means when players talk to us, we hear them as both technicians and fellow players.
We recently expanded our workshop facilities and also explored the new techniques and improved processes that are now being pioneered with mouthpiece plating. Moisture, acidity, cleaning abrasion and simple age all contribute to the finish becoming dull, patchy or worn through to the brass beneath.
Research has shown though that the underlying problem that came with replating though wasn't poor workmanship, care or bad usage by the player- it was basic metallurgy."
Palladium
He added: "Over time, silver ions naturally migrate upward into gold plating, breaking it down from underneath. This usually prevented by applying a sub-layer of nickel as a barrier, but because nickel allergies are so widespread, modern safety regulations rightly phased it out. Plating gold directly onto silver without a barrier simply leaves the gold vulnerable."
Determined to find a permanent solution, the duo explored the use of palladium — a noble, ultra-dense metal from the platinum group that is completely hypoallergenic. They developed a plating process using palladium as the isolating barrier and started to undertake extensive testing.
The findings Ron explained have been startling.
Feedback
"We expected a brilliant, long-lasting finish that wouldn't wear down. What caught us completely off guard though was the reports and feedback on how the mouthpieces performed.
Players told us that notes seemed to slot into pitch with cleaner definition, and the air column felt distinctly more focused. Looking into the acoustic science backed up what players were experiencing. Palladium's high mass density acts like a tight acoustic jacket, sealing the microscopic surface porosity of the metal and reducing energy loss at the exact point sound is created."
That initial feedback has now been backed by a growing list of customers.
Palladium's high mass density acts like a tight acoustic jacket, sealing the microscopic surface porosity of the metal and reducing energy loss at the exact point sound is createdThe British Music Service
Strong positive
"That has become a hugely strong positive for what we now do,"Ron added. "We're always quick to point out that replating with a palladium barrier won't magically add an octave to your range or replace hours of practice, but there is no doubt it does gives an extra dimension to playing. This isn't a gimmick, but evidence based on research and testing.
For players of every standard, that subtle improvement in focus and response makes making music just a little bit more effortless. And of course, giving your mouthpiece a premium new finish restores a smooth, comfortable rim that is both durable and hypoallergenic while preserving its exact geometry — all at a lower cost than buying a new mouthpiece."
