Aluminum vs. Copper for a chassis?

[Fretts]

Old TV/Radio guys swear the last word in chassis material is straight copper. Guitar amp guys say Aluminum is the ticket. If I'm going to build a one-off, the difference in metal cost isn't going to make or break it. Neither of these metals are magnetic, so what is the verdict? Or who would know, so I can go ask them?

I've tried 2 bassmans from the same year/circuit/tubes/ect, on a fender chassis and the other aluminum, the aluminum won out. In a word, it sounded smoother.

[Fuchsaudio]

To my knowledge, Fender never made anything in an Aluminum chassis. I guess you heard a "clone" in an aluminum chassis, or a Fender who's guts were moved to another chassis ?

Most Fenders are steel, which is then plated. The plating techniques changed over the years, but the base material did not (to my knowledge). Steel requires a coat of copper, then a nickle or chrome overcoat to protect it.

Perhaps these amps had circuit, tube type or transformer differences.

IMHO Aluminum sounds best over steel as it is totally non-magnetic and this can play a big factor in tone, especially when using tubes. Aluminum must be painted or anodized to protect it from corrosion.

I would imagine copper could offer similar sonic benefits (being non ferrous), and possibly having a little more strength/weight ratio than the same thickness of aluminum. It would also require plating or painting to protect it. I don't know how available copper stock is, but a web-search of metal suppliers should provide an answer.

I know Alessandro builds from both materials, maybe a shout-out to George could add some insight.

The "other" chassis was aluminum and not a fender, but had the same setup for comparison. Perhaps there was a difference other than the chassis material,there's always that chance, they were bassman's from the same year and one was changed over to an aluminum chassis. They sounded similar prior to the switch.

[Nathan Sanford]

I would tend to think that copper and ali are pretty simmilar in tone,seeing as they are pretty close on the periodic tables.Copper is a better conductor if that makes diference.