Tonal difference in nickel vs chrome?

[L3stat]

Hi guys, ran a search on this subject but didn't get any answers, so I thought I'd start a new post.

Is there a real tonal difference between chrome and nickel pickup covers, and chrome vs nickel hardware? In my limited experience with both, nickel tarnishes a lot faster than chrome, that stays good. Have read on this forum that chrome does corrode, while nickel doesn't, but chrome stays shiny longer. Seems kinda contradictory. Also heard that chrome hardware is "harder", and thus changes your tone somewhat.

I'm considering if I should convert all the nickel hardware on my guitar to chrome. Shouldn't be hard finding tuners, bridge and stop piece in chrome, but the '57 pickup covers might present a problem (removal, repotting etc).

 

[L3stat]

Just to add, I'm not really a fan of the "aged" look, despite having a "classic" guitar. Anyway, there was this funny article on how Gibsons look totally "wrong" when beat-up, whereas the Fenders look totally cool likewise. :lol:

 

[Everdying]

if you're talking about hardware (apart from pickup covers and tailpiece), then tonally theres no real difference.

pickup covers, for gibsons, theirs are made from a high quality german nickel silver, and is thinner to prevent magnetic interference.
which is what's already on your '57 pickups.

for the tailpiece, some claim aluminium is better, as that is what the vintage gibson's had.
the tone apparently is more resonant with slightly more sustain, tho if you play with heavy distortion alot it wont really matter.
you'll definitely hear it more if you play clean alot.

and yea, chrome will forever stay shiny, unless the coating starts chipping.
then rust will most probably form underneath, thats what they meant by chrome corroding.
nickel will slowly tarnish, but it does look nicer (to me at least).

 

[L3stat]

Cool, thanks for the input. Sounds like it's almost completely cosmetic then.

 

[nosepicker]

chrome vs nickel, easy to compare. take chopstick knock knock and listen for yoursef la!!

 

[L3stat]

chrome vs nickel, easy to compare. take chopstick knock knock and listen for yoursef la!!

That's a regular part of your playing repertoire?

 

[Ratboy]

( If you believe in all the theory )

chrome is harder then nickel
so chrome will give a harder sound

nickel is better conductor of heat
so will conduct away the heat and your sound will be colder

 

[nosepicker]

lol Rat, liddat chrome makes u sound faster, cos like car bumper like that. nickel makes ur guitar more expensive cos like coin 8O

 

[Ratboy]

nickel more expensive
but not as expensive as gold plated !!!

Then got solid gold one .. but tat one heavy