Do all Gibsons have nitrocellulose?
Yet despite the advantages of Poly, Gibson continue to only use Nitro as the finish on all their USA made electric guitars including the iconic Les Pauls, SGs and 335 / 339s. Given strict EPA controls in the USA, steadfastly sticking to Nitro must pose some significant challenges for the Gibson factories.
When did fender stop using nitrocellulose?
Nitrocellulose lacquer (“nitro”) was the finish most often used during Fender’s original 1950s and ’60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used.
What is nitrocellulose finish?
A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture.
When did Fender switch from Nitro to poly?
1960s
Fender introduced polyurethane finishes (often shortened to “urethane”) on its instruments in the late 1960s; allowing a glossier, more even finish by replacing multiple layers of nitro clear coating with a mere two layers of aliphatic urethane.
Which guitars have nitrocellulose finish?
Which Guitars Have Nitro Finishes? These days, this type of guitar finish is used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fender’s Custom Shop divisions. As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models.
When did Fender use poly?
Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decade—musical instrument manufacturing included—and quickly proved popular. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish.
Does nitrocellulose lacquer yellow?
Nitrocellulose lacquers are notorious for yellowing, if at all possible you may want to consider using a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) acrylic blend. These types of lacquers have been used in the automotive paint industry for many, many years with minimal color change.
What year did Fender start using poly finishes?
What is the difference between polyurethane and nitrocellulose?
Polyurethane finishes are softer and thinner which to some players feels nicer, but they are also softer than polyester finishes which are less susceptible to dings and scratches. Does the Finish Affect the Tone? Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more “breathable”.
What is the difference between nitrocellulose and poly guitar finishes?
Apart from their relative simplicity, poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, with a glossier look. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction.
Is polyurethane more durable than nitro lacquer?
Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip than nitro lacquer finishes. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution.
What is nitrocellulose lacquer?
Nitrocellulose Lacquer, or nitro for short, is a paint lacquer that can give any guitar a classic vintage look. The beauty of a nitro finish isn’t hurt by a little bit of time either. That’s because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesn’t leave your guitar looking dated.