Raw Brass - Lead free brass of the quality suitable for carrying your drinking water in this modern Eco age. This is actually the substrate for all modern brass PHC mouthpieces. Raw brass is as near as we can offer to the original Nickel Silver rims - it will tarnish over time (if you allow it to) giving that Nickel silver 'grip' that many are still accustomed to, but minus the potential cold sores and other allergic reactions many have complained of in past times.
SP Brass - Silver Plated. 10-15 microns pure (99.999%) Silver Plated Lead free Brass. Our nearest comparison to the vast majority of other makers mouthpieces. The modern standard for many players. As the Silver oxydises naturally over time and through use; it provides a slight element of grip that many players favour.
Gold Plated Brass - As SP but with a 2 micron layer of Gold applied after the Silver plate. Aside from the beauty of Gold is the practicality of the resistance of Gold to oxydisation. This resistance offers a slippery surface which remains over time for those who prefer such a fluid feel.
Stainless Steel - EN 1.4404 grade 316L Low Carbon Stainless Steel is our preferred choice for the manufacture of rims. It is more difficult to machine than the 304 grade used for our cups but is chosen because it is the most commonly used 'medical' grade and thus is considered to be 'body-friendly'. The only grade considered safe for jewelry. As such the safest choice. 316L is a beautiful hard material and in polished form offers 'slip' similar to Gold Plate, left as machined it has slightly more grip - a little closer to silver plate. Acoustically many players have reported the response is more defined and the projection improved, articulation tightened up. A very fine combination with the Bronze cups, although a Stainless Steel rim will enhance any cup.
'White plastic' PETE - (Polyethylene terephthalate) (Formally we referred to this plastic as PETP but this name is now apparently obsolete.) This is a hard plastic (one trade name was 'Arnite') that, when carefully machined and polished gives a smooth feel, as near as we can achieve with plastic to Gold Plate. Many players have found this the toughest plastic - not to be confused with the Delrin and Acetal used by other manufacturers. PETE is often used within the food industry - look at the PET and PETE markings in your kitchen and on your spring water bottle!
'Black Plastic' Acetal - (Polyoxymethylene) (Delrin is a popular tradename). Again a hard plastic (not as hard as PETE) - more traditionally used for plastic rims. Again there are food uses although not as many as PETE. The finish when highly polished is very smooth but retains a little more 'stickyness' when compare to PETE so may be prefered by Silver Plate users.
'Clear Plastic' Acrylic - (Poly(methyl methacrylate)) 'Clear Plastic' (sometimes referred to by tradenames such as 'Plexiglass' or 'Perspex') has been used for some years and is popular with those who prefer something a little stickier still. Beautiful in appearance Acrylic does have to be treated carefully - it is a little brittle.
