Re: [Harp-L] Nickle v Chrome mouthpiece

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ellis Brayham wrote:
> Have any harmonica players experienced a rash or skin problem 
> with either Chrome or Nickle mouthpieces? Does anyone know if 
> there is a simple way of telling which type of coating is used,
> and lastly, which do Hohner, Herring etc use?

As Winslow has already said, Hohner switched production from nickel to 
chrome plating around the turn of the century, though there were 
probably some older platings in the product pipeline for some time 
after than, particularly in less popular models/keys.  Nickel is 
certainly known as an alergen for many people.  

Observing nickel vs. chrome side-by-side, the difference is quite 
apparent.  Nickel is much more "yellow" in color, chrome being 
more "blue".  Over time and use, the nickel will blacken with tarnish 
more quickly, and the finish wears thin more quickly than chrome.  

-tim