Hi there, Can anyone tell me what's the different between Classic series and Vintage series

From what I understand the Vintage model is built in America , while the Classic is Mexican made. Here's a picture of my Classic 70's era Stratocaster.

My Classic 60s is MIM - albeit priced noticeably higher than the Standard series.

So I would imagine that the Vintage series has better everything - wood, electrics & hardware, and tighter observation of the designer's specs.

And the American Vintage guitars are finished in (period correct) nitrocellulose, on both the bodies and the necks.

Nitro on necks is very unusual these day. Off the top of my head it is only to be found on the American Vintage, Vintage Hotrod and Eric Johnson guitars - and maybe a couple of other signature models too.

It's a matter of taste whether you value nitro or not on bodies. But it's a questionable idea to put it on necks, where there is so much hand wear. There's a reason manufacturers mostly put hard urethane on necks, whatever the body is finished with...

Cheers - C

Ceri, how does nitro compare to satin finish in terms of touch? I don't think I've played one - both my other Strats have satin finished necks (which I absolutely love).

I have my esyes on a 70s Vintage Strat, but it is the nitro neck that is pulling me back form taking the plunge...

Hi tremolo arm: I don't fancy nitro on necks because it wears through much more quickly. The point of any finish is to protect the timber from dirt and especially moisture, which may lead to warping of the wood. That's a particularly significant issue on a guitar neck.

Famously, Rory Gallagher's heavily worn Strat neck warped "like a banana". He replaced it and played a different neck for a time. After a long while he noticed that the original neck had come straight again, without the daily injection of moisture from his hands. So he put the first neck back on - but whether he had it relacquered to keep the moisture out is not recorded. I guess he left us before that neck could warp again.

But then the worn look is just exactly what many people are looking for from nitro, and I guess not all necks with exposed wood will warp. Luck of the draw. Manufacturers clearly think urethane functions better, which is why most guitar necks are urethane finished, regardless of whether the body is done in polyester (MIMs) or urethane (most MIAs) or nitro (a few MIAs).

But they know the mojo many customers attach to nitro, so they offer it on the necks of a few models. You pays your money, you takes your choice.

As far as satin and gloss are concerned, I wouldn't let that affect a buying decision. It is child's play to polish a satin finish into a a shiny one, or to dull down a gloss finish to satin. Buy the guitar you like and adjust the finish if needs be.

Howzat? - C

Thanks Ceri

Very informative, as usual...