Then there are “monel” valves. My Kanstul has those. They don’t look plated to me, the silver-colored part seems rather thick. Would this be some kind of sleeve over brass, or is the whole thing solid monel? My research tells me that monel is an alloy of nickel and copper with some other other trace metals included. Something like 60/40 nickel/copper? And it’s supposedly harder than stainless steel. How is that possible with such a high percentage of soft metal like copper? And do these valves ever need to be re-plated, or can they be?
Then there are “stainless steel” valves. The VMI euphonium I used to have had these. Solid stainless steel, or some kind of sleeve over brass? And same questions about wear. Do they ever need re-plated? Or can they be?
Thank you for your answers, and please excuse my ignorance. This is stuff I think I should have learned by now but just haven’t yet.
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