Gloss Finishes -- Are They Nitrocellulose or Something Else?

[shaps6]

I just realized I don't know what compound Warmoth uses on their body and neck gloss finishes. Anybody know?

 

[mayfly]

it's definitely not Nitro.  Likely a catalyzed urethane or similar

 

[amigarobbo]

That's a point is the 'clear satin nitro' different to the gloss finish?

I was thinking of building (very early stage of thinking) a fretless bass with a maple neck, would the satin be any less hard wearing than the gloss?

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I don't know what they are currently, as it's been 7+ years since I worked there, but back then they were a polyurethane based finish.

Inquire with Aaron to get the current info.

 

[Timmsie95]

I had asked them in January, and they said polyurethane if i remember correctly.

 

[mayfly]

That's a point is the 'clear satin nitro' different to the gloss finish?

I was thinking of building (very early stage of thinking) a fretless bass with a maple neck, would the satin be any less hard wearing than the gloss?

Yes the 'clear satin nitro' is different than the gloss on the necks. 

I've got two satin nitro necks and they have buffed into a high gloss on the back of the neck by playing.  If you don't want that, maybe consider a no finish neck.

 

[amigarobbo]

Sorry, I meant more the finish on the fretboard finger board being damaged by the strings.

 

[aarontunes]

The Clear Satin Nitro we use for necks is nitro lacquer. It is soft (relative to poly), and will polish up to a gloss with use. The Clear Gloss finishes are poly.

The same finish that is sprayed on the back of the neck is also what will cover the fretboard on Maple necks.

The Satin finish we use for bodies is NOT the same finish we use for necks. For bodies we use Satin poly, which is very hard (relative to nitro). It should remain Satin for a loooong time.

And because I can already see the question forming on your lips: we aren't using the Satin poly on necks because it is extremely expensive. On bodies we are able to balance the added cost with the labor we save on polishing and buffing. It doesn't work out that way on necks, so we are continuing to use the satin nitro for now.

 

[musicispeace]

I have not seen anyone I know who has a maple fingerboard who would say the strings have damaged the finish. My current tech tells me that all neck/fingerboard finishes eventually wear down from contact with your hands and yet people are paying sky high sums to buy old, old Fenders where the finish has worn completely off and these guitars remain stay-in-tune during performances. Very heavily played old Fenders look like the fingerboard was assaulted by a sander but people still are using these guitars.