Finish preference: Nitro or Poly/Urethane

[MattF007]

Just wondering if anyone has a finish preference if given the choice. My preference is Nitro, I like how it ages and shows wear. I know Poly/Urethane is more the current standard for most guitars. Say you…

 

[Watchootognbout]

Oil finish/satin.
Doesn't show smudges and scratches.

 

[nonohmic]

Fender - nitro
Everything else satin finish

Poly makes for bad tone

 

[2saddleslab]

Nitro.

 

[jd56hawk]

Oil finish/satin.
Doesn't show smudges and scratches.

Not to mention, the more you play, the better it sounds.

 

[Billy Bob Bass]

To my ears it does nothing for the sound, but I'm no connoisseur, just a hobbyist. A modern poly finish is much stronger and wear resistant. Very practical, (often) shiny and it has a longer lasting new-look. I prefer the look and feel of nitro though. I like how it ages. It adds some character/personality to what often is a generic instrument. To me, nitro doesn't look and feel like plastic like a poly finish does. It feels more natural, organic. Especially if the wood comes through here and there. Again, just a personal preference and not important at all for making music.

 

[Bikeguy57]

Nitro all the way!

 

[rushgenesis2112]

Nitro is the standard answer but I’ll be bold and say it’s only due to the biases of the group here and bass/guitar culture generally. Of course we all like how it ages… it’s the only thing we’re used to seeing age if you’re a fan of F-shaped objects.

I don’t have a real preference between the two. It certainly has no effect on tone, that’s nonsense, and having had jazzes with both finishes I can’t say I like the feel of one much more than any other.

I will second oil and satin finishes.

 

[Ibycan]

For me depends on the vibe for the gig. I have a Nate M. P bass and AVII Jazz 66 with Nitro, I do enjoy the way the Nate is checkering, looking forward to the Jazz bass doing the same. They give the old school vibe. My Troy S. P bass has Poly, and I dig it maybe cause the the silverburst more modern type color. and I like my Warwick Covertte Natural finish too lol...I can't choice so I have them all.