I don't believe the Fender American Special I had was anything but hand rubbed stain with a layer of nitro over the top. It had a great feel to it, and if it didn't sound different, it definitely felt like it sounded different, and I liked it. My roadworn jazz felt almost as good, but I might believe there was some plastic on there somewhere. Poly is ok too, but just because of the durability, which I do appreciate.
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Nitro or poly?
- Thread starter SJan3
- Start date
Nitro.
Having said that, the only Fender bass that I currently own is poly, but it sports a fairly uncommon finish so there's that. All my other (non-Fender) basses are nitro, as are the majority of my 6-stringers.
Having said that, the only Fender bass that I currently own is poly, but it sports a fairly uncommon finish so there's that. All my other (non-Fender) basses are nitro, as are the majority of my 6-stringers.
My #1 is poly, and it looks like its been through a war, and not in a good way.
I have two custom FSOs that are nitro, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they wear.
I've got a custom 5er that has an "eco-friendly" finish, so I'm not sure what that is.
I have two custom FSOs that are nitro, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they wear.
I've got a custom 5er that has an "eco-friendly" finish, so I'm not sure what that is.
Nitro, only because it will allow my bass to decompose quicker, alloying for the "next one" on the bucket list
Nitro, but only because every bass I've ever owned has been poly and I think basses that age over time in a tasteful way look great. Pretty silly reasons.
Not silly reasons. There is no right or wrong for what people like. Ice cream is scientifically better than potato chips, right? How would you even go about supporting such a thing? I think it's more silly for people to think you have to like the most durable finish. What if that's not the most important thing to me?
As a refinisher for over 20 years, I find nitro to wear and age poorly and honestly, it's become more or less obsolete. With all the new technology, even poly is becoming obsolete. I prefer acrylic urethanes and I'm looking forward to trying some of the new nano finishes.
Poly is a ploy, but let me give you an intro to nitro.
I have a MIA poly precision with a finish that is cracking off like an eggshell.
I love the nitro on my Gibsons. It gets all cloudy and dull.
I have a MIA poly precision with a finish that is cracking off like an eggshell.
I love the nitro on my Gibsons. It gets all cloudy and dull.
I like a hand rubbed oil too.
But then...
The lead in question would probably have to be do you like filler or no filler on your wood?
But then...
The lead in question would probably have to be do you like filler or no filler on your wood?
I mentioned the Fender thing earlier, but I didn't think they started with the polyester coat until 1962 or something like that?
Oh, it most certainly can and does. You've just been lucky enough to not see it.
I'd vote no finish at all. I base that on the fact that I have probably owned about 25 different Stratocasters in my life. One of them had been sanded down and all finish removed. It is the only guitar I will ever rate as a 10 and it is the one guitar I compare all others to. Leaned up against a Marshall amp it would sustain beautifully and endlessly without ever getting out of control. I believe the bare wood was a real factor for its amazing tone. Still not going to remove the finish from my poly Precision.
They always used the undersealer. They started using poly lacquer in 62 I think.
Nitro: I like the way it ages with use and time. I like the feel. I like that it doesn't
look like someone wrapped my guitar in clear plastic. It would be easier to strip and refinish if I ever wanted to do so. It's old school..... like me.
look like someone wrapped my guitar in clear plastic. It would be easier to strip and refinish if I ever wanted to do so. It's old school..... like me.
That's what I thought. I've just always thought it funny that people used to get so uptight about "nitro breathing". I remember an interview on NPR with Redd Volkaert saying these old teles are great because they breathe and are light. Redd was it really not a great instrument in 1952? I bet it sounded identical.
