Gold-plated HB cover vs Nickel

[lazyfinger]

So, does gold plated cover with gold plated screws differ in tone compared to its Nickel counterpart? How so? Which do you prefer? Thanks.

[Gearjoneser]

I don't think any tone difference would be audible.

I'm no metallurgy expert, but I believe the covers are nickel silver, then plated with copper, then plated with nickel, gold, or chrome. When you scuff an area to solder, you'll notice the copper color. I think that's a primer plating or something.

Maybe Evan or Frank will post on the subject.

[LtKojak]

My dog tells me there's a difference and I believe him.

[lazyfinger]

My dog tells me there's a difference and I believe him.

Your dog and I agree!

To me it's a non-issue. A guitar with gold hardware and open coil PU's isn't particularly attractive.

Well I do like me some bling bling. I think I'll put spinners on it.

[blueman335]

Any difference would be small, and something you could compensate for by adjusting your amp's EQ. To me it's a non-issue. A guitar with gold hardware and open coil PU's isn't particularly attractive.

[Zhangliqun]

There's actually quite a bit of difference, in most cases gold covers have so much copper in there to make the gold stick that it's definitely darker than a typical nickel cover. I wish it weren't true because I love gold...

[Boogie Bill]

To me, the difference, IF I could hear it, would be insignificant. There are a whole lot of other changes that could be made in the chain before I'd worry about plating.

Bill