Nickel Silver

Nickel silver, also known as German silver or neusilber, is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. A representative alloy mix contains 65% copper, 17% zinc and 18% nickel (compared to 80% copper and 20% zinc for yellow brass); despite its close appearance, there is no actual silver in nickel silver. Nickel silver has similar characteristics to brass, but is harder and stiffer, making it a durable alternative often used on high-wear areas of a horn, including valve casings, hand grips, tuning slides and trim.

In addition to high-wear contact points, Reynolds used nickel silver for the tone ring, or "kranz", on the Bronz-o-lyte bells of the Contempora trumpet, cornet and tenor trombone models and in the two-piece brass and nickel silver bell of the Emperor and Roth instruments. The stiffer material around the bell rim/flare allegedly reduces vibrations and centers the sound, allowing for great projection without the sound breaking up at higher volumes.

Instruments made of solid nickel silver tend to have a darker, clearer tone compared to standard brass alloys. Nickel silver emphasizes the lower and higher overtone series, resulting in a sound that resonates very clearly in the corresponding registers. Nickel silver horns also tend to project more dramatically than other brass alloys and can easily throw an ensemble section out of balance without care; they are often used where a homogeneous section balance isn't emphasized, e.g. as a soloist instrument or in a small mixed-instrument horn line. That said, many have found satisfaction using Argenta instruments within big band groups and other similar settings.

Photo Gallery