Cagey
Mythical Status
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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.