Prior to a certain year everything was nickel plated. Those drums are valuable. Then at that transition period when chrome was introduced as an option, those drums are more valuable.

Then when nickel was phased out and chrome was the standard plating process, those would be more valuable.

This of course takes the finish of the drum out of the equation which makes a big difference. A rare finish drum with nickel is worth more then a common finish drum with chrome.

Mind Blowi

David

Thanks ,

I ask because I have a Ludwig preserial Keystone snare in black oyster pearl with nickle hardware. Any guess to value, vs. one with chrome.

Would this be a 6 lug or 8 lug snare drum?

David

That would be a six lug with original heads. This was a concert snare with the case and stand included. There's also a practice pad with an original drum lesson manual by Wm. F. Ludwig.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]When chrome hardware came into use back in the day...it was considered the deluxe option.

Sets came in both...with the chrome being a bit more expensive (so I understand).

With time, however, and the rekindling of interest in old kits...it's hard to answer that Q.

Personally....I do not think there is any argument to be made that the value of a particular vintage kit should be LESS because it has all of its original nickel-plated hardware. That is a bit absurd.

However, the issue with nickel-outfitted kits is...over time, if they had some pieces replaced...they were likely replaced with chrome parts...and THAT does have an impact on the value....[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Black"]I have always liked the look of nickel on old drumsets. Very organic looking.[/COLOR]

The plating process goes:

1.Copper over base metal

2.Nickel over the copper

3.Chrome over the nickel

Chromium is harder than nickel so it is considered to be a "superior" finish in terms of wear-resistance.So, all hardware is nickel before the chromium is added. Since chroming was an extra step in the process, it was considered a more "deluxe" finish -and usually was the more expensive option of the two.

As far as looks go? I like them both.

Nickel has a beautiful, warm glow to it whereas chrome is "bluer".

Nickel will oxidize and become chalky -almost white unless it's maintained. Chrome is a much lower-maintenance finish. There's nothing like shiny chrome against a black cortex shell, in my opinion.:2Cents:

Heck, you learn something new every day. I had always thought that it was a choice of either chrome plating or nickel plating over brass.

Thanks for the info.

Sort of also depends on the color of the drums. Nickel doesn't look good with all wraps.