Gold Hardware...

BigOldHarry · #1 06-01-2010, 01:54 PM

So I've been playing a fairly long time, so I've seen *lots* of gear come and go...

Back in the '70s, gold hardware was all the rage... until it started corroding and looking like caca...

Is "today's" gold hardware better? Does it hold up better than the old stuff that gets nasty after a few years, or is it the same thing? I've always liked the look of gold hardware, but like stuff that holds up even *better*!

thx

**ExaltBass** · #2 06-01-2010, 05:40 PM

I also like gold hardware and have some hardware from the 80's & early 90's that looks new or only slightly used. I have a set of Fullerton Gold Tuners and a bridge from '81 that are incredible. Not sure about the new stuff... but Fender sure had it right in the 80's and early 90's.

BigOldHarry · #3 06-01-2010, 06:19 PM

Hmmm.. I just have memories of all those black Les Pauls with nasty looking dull "gold" hardware (where the gold looked more like brown!)

**ExaltBass** · #4 06-01-2010, 07:03 PM

GIBSON vs FENDER

(want me to post pics?)

VinKreepo · #5 06-01-2010, 07:08 PM

new gold hardware is like gold over chrome... it wears away to a somewhat dull chrome

**ExaltBass** · #6 06-01-2010, 07:12 PM

The 80's Fender Gold does eventually wear away a bit with hard use, but the quality of the plating is MUCH different than today's. Current gold looks like a bright brass... NOT like a gold plating. (33+ years experience with plating)

BigOldHarry · #7 06-02-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExaltBass

The 80's Fender Gold does eventually wear away a bit with hard use, but the quality of the plating is MUCH different than today's. Current gold looks like a bright brass... NOT like a gold plating. (33+ years experience with plating)

"Much different than today's..." as in "Cheaper" or "Better" ?

**ExaltBass** · #8 06-19-2010, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

"Much different than today's..." as in "Cheaper" or "Better" ?

as in Cheaper, IMO of course

NecroticImbecil · #9 06-19-2010, 08:33 AM

I've had no problems with the Gotohs on my fretless from '04, but I only play it for 3 songs a set/practice. Same with the old Schaller parts on another bass. The new Schaller tuners (2/side) look like the old Schaller tuners (4/side) I had put on it; just replaced them so they would all turn the right way.

The cheap, no-name $4 gold volume knob has worn away to dull chrome. I may look for a higher quality replacement. The stacked EQ knob and switch are still good, different brand of cheap no-name parts.

Gold looks awesome on a black bass with Optima strings. I've seen the "gold coated" strings from DR I think it was that are phosphorescent yellow instead of gold, didn't like the look. Just replaced a 5 year old set of Optimas, no wear on the gold plating but they sounded like strings that needed to be changed. After 5 years that's not so bad.