Not all brass instruments are made of brass, even though they are called "brass" instruments. The term "brass instrument" refers to the method of sound production, not just the material.
While many brass instruments are traditionally made of brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), they can also be constructed from other materials. For example:
- Nickel Silver: Some instruments, like certain models of trombones and trumpets, may use nickel silver, which is a different alloy that contains nickel and zinc, often for durability and cost considerations.
- Plastics and Composites: Some instruments are made from plastic or composite materials, particularly in beginner models to keep them lightweight and affordable.
- Other Metals: Occasionally, brass instruments may also incorporate materials like silver or gold for plating or specific parts to achieve different tonal qualities.
So while brass is the most common material used, there are variations based on design, purpose, and cost.
1 answer