why Epiphone can make a better sunburst finish than a 2k$ Gibson?
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Thunderbird Club
- Thread starter TBird1958
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- club thunderbird
- Mar 8, 2011
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- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
‘Better’ is certainly a matter of opinion, don’t you think?
There's no evidence that this is true, IMO. My 2013 Gibson's VS finish is gorgeous and flawless. The Epi's look good as well for far less cost but I'd never claim their finish is better.
Also, my Gibson new was $1,200 shipped in an OHSC.
So, $1,200 for the Gibson with a case shipped and you get an incredibly durable nitrocellulose finish on an American-made quality bass..
...or $599 for the Epi plus $125 for a case and you get a poly finish on a quality import.
Not dissing the Epi VP, I'll probably end up with one someday, but my Gibsons really make me happy.
- Mar 8, 2011
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- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
Gotta agree. I’ve seen some nice bursts on Epi’s and some I think are pretty awful. Fit and finish on Gibson’s tend to be pretty darn great
"Better" is certainly subjective... but I'll quickly agree that the burst on that new VP looks reeeeaaaally nice
One thing i'll say, one simply cannot compare poly to nitro. There are variances from nitro finish to another.
Yes, you can have a good looking finish no matter the material. But i'd take nitro over poly anyday.
My mild random morning rant.
Yes, you can have a good looking finish no matter the material. But i'd take nitro over poly anyday.
My mild random morning rant.
I'm right there with you. That finish alone adds $400 to the price of the instrument when you look at the price of instruments that come with and without nitro finishes.
- Mar 8, 2011
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- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
Agreed! Not a fan of the ‘dipped in Plastic’ Poly finishes you see from time to time
- Jul 1, 2005
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Thickness of finish is important to perception. Some manufacturers have switched to a thin poly finish that's both durable and not plastic looking. Today's 'nitrocellulose' contains a lot of acrylic, so it's more durable compared to this pure nitro finish.
Take care of your toys, kiddies!
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- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I'm glad you made that point Carlo - coatings like everything else in industry have evolved over time to more advanced levels.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I agree - Brad even tried to contact me through a related post years ago on a vintage guitar and bass forum I was briefly part of and me send a message - but I hadn't continued there after joining tb 8 years ago and never saw it. If I recall correctly it was a description only. (no pics) Pretty crazy.
@JIO i missed your thread but what an amazing heartfelt great thing to have happen!What an AMAZING story!!!
Ken Smith Compressors might put you in that neck o' the woods...
A quick search at BSOL showed a few: Invalid Link Removed
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Yes, it made more than my day - can't wait to hold it in my hand!
- Mar 13, 2008
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- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Having nice examples of both at home, I'd just says yes. I do love a nice nitro finish that shows some age and signs of use - Conversely, a nice green metal flake that's been applied correctly is tough to beat.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Yep - both rock!
Poly over sparkle or gilding is ideal (poly clear-coat finishing by Marty Bell)
That's really cool how the pickup and inlay shapes match.Yep - both rock!
View attachment 2897754
Poly over sparkle or gilding is ideal (poly clear-coat finishing by Marty Bell)
View attachment 2897739
Yep - both rock!
View attachment 2897754
Poly over sparkle or gilding is ideal (poly clear-coat finishing by Marty Bell)
View attachment 2897739
Love that Precision JIO.
