Charlie Bernstein - Posted - 02/19/2025:  07:35:19

I just watched one of the video's by Martin of the duo Washboard Resonators. He was comparing types of roundneck resonator guitars and mentioned four common materials: wood, steel, brass, and nickel/silver.

I've never heard of a nickel/silver guitar. He didn't elaborate, and I don't know what he's talking about. Can you fill me in?

Thanks!

cb

wlgiii - Posted - 02/19/2025:  08:11:12

My understanding is that nickel/silver, or "German silver", was also brass but a different recipe. (Brass being an alloy). And, the plating was either nickel or chrome.


PS- The Washboard Resonators are a lot of fun. I've had a few email conversations trying to convince them to come tour the US.

Charlie Bernstein - Posted - 02/19/2025:  11:39:39

quote:

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Originally posted by wlgiii

My understanding is that nickel/silver, or "German silver", was also brass but a different recipe. (Brass being an alloy). And, the plating was either nickel or chrome.



PS- The Washboard Resonators are a lot of fun. I've had a few email conversations trying to convince them to come tour the US.

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Aha! Now I know. Thanks. Yup, I've seen a few of their videos and like their act a lot.

docslyd - Posted - 02/19/2025:  12:15:16

German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. Brass is copper and tin. In the case of Nationals, the brass is nickel plated. I have played both and there is a difference but I couldn't explain what it is.

Charlie Bernstein - Posted - 02/19/2025:  14:00:22

quote:

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Originally posted by docslyd

German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. Brass is copper and tin. In the case of Nationals, the brass is nickel plated. I have played both and there is a difference but I couldn't explain what it is.

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Whew. The more I know, the more I know I don't know! Thanks.

wlgiii - Posted - 02/20/2025:  07:55:46

And a second thank you- I had that half right (the copper part).

Bob Blair - Posted - 02/21/2025:  06:10:16

Grant Wickland on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia makes some great German silver instruments. wicklandinstruments.com

docslyd - Posted - 02/21/2025:  07:10:09

Correction....quote:

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Originally posted by docslyd

German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. Brass is copper and zinc In the case of Nationals, the brass is nickel plated. I have played both and there is a difference but I couldn't explain what it is.

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Edited by - docslyd on 02/21/2025 07:10:40

SamCy - Posted - 02/21/2025:  08:38:04

See the list of options for National Reso-Phonic tricones including German Silver.

nationalguitars.com/style-1