It does not flake or crack but it has been my experience that the gold covering will wear quickly. I have had several. Wears off from contact with your hand.

 

yeah the gold will wear off. If you WANT it off, you can use something like a jewelers polish to get rid of it.

 

I think I still will go with gold covers. Does anybody know if brass covers are available? If they are solid brass they shouldnt wear off or anything, I think.

 

I would suggest against polishing them (screws with the magnetic elements of the pickup). both chrome and gold plating will come off eventually. I think it looks really good when it happens

 

I tried to sell a $3000 Paul Reed Smith for a guy last year that had gold hardware, the pickup covers were very well worn after only a year or two. Gold colored hardware doesn't appeal to me for this very reason. If it's going to wear so easily, I say why bother, why not chrome right from the start.

 

Guy I know had that happen on his black beauty but he eventually just took it off.

 

I actually like the patina of that worn gold hardware makes it look like you actually play the guitar as opposed to admiring it.