I bought a black '57 AVRI Strat back in April. I actually ordered it in December of 2010 but didn't get it til April. I absolutely love the guitar. I love the way the maple fretboard is wearing. Love the nitro finish, the feel of the guitar, the sound, etc... Very happy with it overall.

Tonight, I noticed several small chips in the paint. They're on the edge of the body, as if I had dropped it or banged it against something, but I haven't. On closer inspection, I found a few more on the opposite edge. I have a guitar rack that holds 7 guitars and had been placing the guitar on the rack with several other instruments. One patch of chipped paint (the worst spot) was right where the edge of the instrument rested against the pad on the bottom of the rack. So I could understand why that might cause it, but the chips on the other side are a mystery. I looked at every stand I've used and can't find anything that would cause contact or friction with that particular location.

It seems odd to me that I would have paint chipping this early. I know the nitro finish wears alot faster than the poly but this quickly? I bought the guitar brand new, had to wait for it to come from the factory, and got it in April. Now nearing the end of Sept., and paint is chipping? I do play it every day, but I'm not rough with it. I don't abuse or neglect it. Anybody else have experience with the AV series? Any similar problems with the paint chipping on nitro finished guitars? Or for that matter, does anybody else have any nitro finished guitars that were made since Fender supposedly switched paint supplies?

Is this what people are talking about when they talk about how the nitro finish wears?

If this is not normal, it's a real bummer. I love the guitar. I don't want a different one, but at this rate, there won't be any paint left in a couple years.

Foul play. Someone has been chipping your paint to put it back on their guitar.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Then it will be a relic and worth 10 times more than you paid for it.

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Bill

It's not that I don't have a sense of humor, but I'm kind of concerned about this. I'll be appreciative when somebody adds something serious to this thread.

I mean, they don't make things like they used to, paints/laquers/guitars included. You might have set it down gently, but the paint could have been hairline cracked and it got gradually bigger until it formed a complete shape and chipped off. To be honest, it just adds character. Guitars are meant to be played, not pretty. In fact, the well played ones look prettier than new ones. If you really don't like the paint, then take it off and stain it with a tone that would look good to you.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

I don't know. Some people would argue that the guitars being made today are better than the "vintage" stuff that people pay $30 grand for. I wasn't around back then and don't own any true "vintage" guitars so I wouldn't know. The quality is probably more consistent now at least.

I really don't mind the chipping if it doesn't get much worse. Believe me, I'm not one of these guys that polishes my guitars and tries to keep them looking new. I like the worn look, especially if it's real wear, not the "relic treatment". Thing is, the paint is chipping in 5 different places so I dunno what the deal is. I was hoping some people who own AV guitars or any nitro finished guitar would chime in and tell me if they've had similar experiences. I actually chipped a bit of paint off with my fingernail a few minutes ago. It just doesn't seem right to me but I was hoping to get some input from people who would know.

I'ma start putting it back in it's case instead of on the rack or a stand and see if that helps any.

A lot of people have been having paint issues with 2010-2011 instruments. There's a guy on here with a p bass that turned purple from him sweating on it.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Hey man,pay no attention to the peanut gallery...
I own three Vintage Reissues with the thin skin nitro finish and I'm not having that problem....I've owned them for several years and they get gigged with and treated with care...wiped down after use and cleaned every few weeks with polish...there are a few small dings here and there and fine scratches and swirls but the paint isn't chipping like you're saying.
Can you post a few pics?....this doesn't sound right....I understand your concern,and oh btw....I was around playing vintage '60s Strats since I've been slinging an axe around for over 40 years....I believe today's Strats are every bit as good as the ones back then.....and I like them just as much.....I'm not alone in that opinion either.

I have heard that some guitar stands and the like cannot get along with a nitro finish. It's some sort of chemical reaction.

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The design of each element should be thought out in order to be easy to make and easy to repair.
Leo Fender

If you are that concerned about it, contact

consumerrelations@fender.com

and file a warranty claim.

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Bill

Why wouldn't he be concerned about it bluesky?....these things cost a lot of money,watching the paint chip off isn't normal....aren't you supposed to be some kind of guitar tech?....do you think it's normal?
Yeah,nitro relics easily and that's the attraction,but mine aren't doing it.

Uh, that's why I suggested he file a warranty claim.

The OP said "I'ma start putting it back in it's case instead of on the rack or a stand and see if that helps any." If it were me and I was that upset about it, the first thing I would do is contact the manufacturer. Posting about it here will solve nothing. The damage is done. Are you going to tell him how to fix it or just offer soothing words?

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Bill

I didn't offer him any soothing words....I didn't make any smart $@! remarks about his problem either....you seem to have all the answers for a "tech" ...first he is wondering if it's a problem others who own them are having,nothing wrong with posting that here and getting a straight answer...is it?.... before he proceeds with filing a claim?

Grow a sense of humor.

The OP needs to contact Fender.

End of story.

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Bill

bluesky, I think he's referring to your apparent tone.......remarks like "if he's that upset" and " if you are that concerned about it" as if I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Makes you sound like a smart $@!.

I have a legitimate concern here. I paid about $1500 for this guitar. That's not pocket change for me. You had no advice for me to start with, only cracks about how it will be a relic in a few years. Telling me to file a claim is not any help. I wanted to find out if this is normal before doing that. And I have no clue why you're telling Rebelsoul to grow a sense a humor. I must have missed the "joke" there too.