Warwick just announced their latest innovation, a method to add a chrome plated finish over wood. Dubbed “Chrome Tone”, the invention, which was developed in house takes over 60 steps and uses real silver. The finish also meets all environmental standards as well.
It’s certainly a stunning look. There was no mention as to how much this finish would add to the cost of a bass.
From the Warwick site:
Our Chrome Tone finish is ideal proof of the fact that extraordinary results make even the highest investments of time and effort worthwhile. It requires no less than 60 individual operational steps, all of which must be performed with surgical precision. Furthermore, we are the only manufacturer in the music industry that not only succeeded in bringing the lacquering technique employed for the Chrome Tone finish to perfection in-house, but is also capable of performing it in its own production facility, while adhering to the highest environmental standards required for a lacquering process of its kind. And as a result, we have every reason to be proud. The highly reflective surface of our Chrome Tone instruments is composed of an ultra-thin layer consisting of pure silver. As a preparatory measure, the wood must first be treated with a perfectly applied base coating. Subsequently, the body is hermetically sealed and isolated in order to keep the finish from seeping into the wood.
Next, a second layer is applied, which forms the gorgeous, glossy undercoating of the Chrome Tone finish and must be applied perfectly even and dust-free, as the ultra-thin surface of the finish highlights even the smallest imperfections. Both the skills of a seasoned lacquering professional and the employment of a cleanroom which allows for an atmosphere with the lowest possible particle content, are prerequisites for this step. After applying the ultra-thin silver layer, we offer a wide variety of color tints to further enhance the stunning one-of-a-kind look. As the final step, a special protective coating is added which prevents oxidation. Without a shadow of doubt, our amazing Chrome Tone lacquer, which is applied to every single Chrome Tone instrument individually, is the most labor-expensive finish we have to offer, and – no questions asked – also the most spectacular!
