But what I really want to tell you about is palladium.
The difference is appreciable from the first note. Cleaner attack, much more secure slotting. Palladium is much harder than silver or gold, and so more energy goes down the hole rather than into the mouthpiece. At least that's how understand it. What I do know is how they feel, and the difference it makes to me.
So here are my Raths:
L5MD - palladium, 24ct gold cup and rim, rose gold band accent
B1 1/2 - palladium, satin finish (my bass has a Rath brush #3 finish), rose gold band accent
Ron is a bass trombonist, ex army (Royal Artillery) and is based in Sleaford in Lincolnshire. Reasonable access from the A1, and I recommend him.