Gold Hardware

[Cagey]

There isn't enough gold on a Floyd to change its price due to raw material cost. You'll see some less scrupulous suppliers taking advantage of people by raising the price of gold plated parts - StewMac, for instance, is a glaring example - but there's no basis for it. Black and gold finished parts have only ever cost more because it's a two-step process. They have to nickel-plate the parts first, then run them through a second process for the different finish. But, the amount of gold used to plate is next to nothing. It's a unique element in that it can be deposited only microns thick and still be a cohesive surface. That's why it's so easy to wear off. There's practically nothing there to begin with. That may be where some people are seeing tarnish, too. Gold doesn't tarnish, but the surface its plated on may once the gold is rubbed off.

 

[JCizzle]

Kind of like my titanium Ray Bans that are painted with white gold.  :headbang1:

 

[Patrick from Davis]

There isn't enough gold on a Floyd to change its price due to raw material cost. You'll see some less scrupulous suppliers taking advantage of people by raising the price of gold plated parts - StewMac, for instance, is a glaring example - but there's no basis for it. Black and gold finished parts have only ever cost more because it's a two-step process. They have to nickel-plate the parts first, then run them through a second process for the different finish. But, the amount of gold used to plate is next to nothing. It's a unique element in that it can be deposited only microns thick and still be a cohesive surface. That's why it's so easy to wear off. There's practically nothing there to begin with. That may be where some people are seeing tarnish, too. Gold doesn't tarnish, but the surface its plated on may once the gold is rubbed off.

Gold as an element doesn't tarnish, but 24 carat gold isn't used for much.  Anything less than that does tarnish, it is a gold alloy, and they do tarnish in the presence of acids and sulfur.  As far as how much is put on a surface, it is exceedingly small as noted.
Patrick

 

[SustainerPlayer]

There isn't enough gold on a Floyd to change its price due to raw material cost. ...

I didn't say that.

I think we got another Cagey evasive action here.

But never mind ...  :dontknow:

 

[AutoBat]

price notwithstanding, it's far too soft a metal to be used alone in nearly any application

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Right, which is why the US 1$ gold coins have no gold in them.  It is also why coin collectors look for patina on "Gold" coins for other periods of history.  Since it is less than pure, it should have it.  And finally, gold is odd stuff and can migrate with time.  I would not have guessed that, but we had a very expensive gas phase IR analyzer have to have new mirrors because they made them incorrectly.  The gold migrated and then they wouldn't reflect.  I have a picture somewhere.  Service call and repair was fee, that was nice.  But back to the point, because there is gold in it does not mean it will not tarnish.
Patrick