The modulation wavelength dependence of the surface‐wave velocity in Cu/Ni superlattices has been investigated using Brillouin scattering. It is the first compositionally modulated system to be studied by this technique and the first for which elastic properties have been determined by both ‘‘macroscopic’’ methods and Brillouin scattering. Contrary to the enhancements previously reported in the biaxial modulus and in the Young’s modulus, the modulus associated with the surface‐wave velocity shows no evidence of anomalous behavior.