What is Nickel Silver vs. Solid Silver?
Nickel Silver contains NO silver. It is an alloy of copper, zinc and brass. It is used in student flutes for the tube and keys. It is either plated with silver or nickel. Solid Silver flutes come in 3 general types. 1. Solid silver headjoint. The body & keys are plated nickel silver. 2. Solid silver headjoint, body & foot. Only the keys are plated nickel silver. 3. All silver. The headjoint, body, foot & keys are solid silver. Solid silver is normally sterling silver (92.5% pure silver). Other metals used, but not as often, in flute making include gold (5K to 14K), platinum, & even titanium is on the horizon. All have their unique sounds. There are also other alloys of silver used and combinations of gold fused on silver, etc.
