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Post subject: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 6:01 am
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Hi, i'm brand new to this forum so hello. I'm already a member of the other Telecaster forum where the discussion is always quite lively so i thought i'd join here as well.

Anyway, i have joined for a purpose because i'm wanting to save up for a new tele and i'm always a sucker for the more vintage type of specs so the Classic series 50s has caught my eye. The thing i'm curious about though is the nitro lacquer finish, i'm basically wondering if it's worth spending the extra on it? Does it make a big difference to the sound at all or is it more of a cosmetic thing? I should point out that i'm not a massive fan of the relic look at all and i don't fancy having the nitro finish if it's going to deteriorate in looks quite rapidly - i know some people love that look but it's just not for me. On the other hand if it makes a "big" difference to the sound quality it maybe worth considering but i'm not sure at the moment which is the better option for me.

I did have a black strat years ago that had a nitro finish and i remember quite vividly how easily the paint came off once there was even a small chip somewhere, it would start off as a tiny hole and then just expand without any aggressive usage at all. If i did get the nitro finish one i'd have to be taking quite a bit of extra care of it. Is it worth it, i watched a video demo of one and it did sound really nice. What's the verdict form those that have recent nitro finishes, are they quite fragile?


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 8:09 am
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I've not yet met anybody who could identify what finish is on a guitar just by listening...
That being said, nitro has its other advantages, like aging in a certain way, feel, mojo etc.

But if you want your guitar to stay (close to) as it came from the shop, go poly.

Oh; welcome to the forum.


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 8:17 am
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To be honest with you I'm happy with the way my guitars sound, and they have the polyester finish.
If you're concerned about having a guitar that doesn't show up wear too easily then that sort of dictates that you don't go for a nitro finish.

The Baja Telecasters sound great!


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 12:49 pm
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Thanks guys. I have heard people say that nitro gives a better sound which is why i asked. Having said that i was listening to an A/B comparison as well and i was struggling to tell them apart. The 50s lacquer does come with a hard case in the price as well so at least it would have a comfy well protected bed if i did go the nitro option. My other Tele has a poly lacquer and i have always enjoyed the sound of that so it maybe a case of just trying one to get the feel - nowhere stocking them near me though so i might just have to bite the bullet and make the decision.

I know the baja Teles are very popular but i find the vintage radius board the most comfortable to play, also i find bending really easy on the vintage board as well even though a lot of people say they find the more modern radius easier to bend on, that's not the case for me. I think more people should try the vintage radius, i definitely think it's the best but each to their own. Thanks for advice though.


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 2:51 pm
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While any differences between guitars can cause them to sound different, I would say that the lacquer used is of a minor importance. A thick poly coat might make it resonate less, but it's going to be so minimal compared to differences in the wood between two guitars, and many other factors.

I like nitro because it looks good, and can be repaired easier. You don't have to strip the entire guitar, but can make smaller spot fixes. New nitro lacquer bonds to the old nitro lacquer, unlike poly.
Then again, polyurethane can take a lot more abuse before you see dings and scratches. It's just harder to fix when you get them.


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2015 9:31 pm
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Hey, thanks for your input. It's interesting what you said about the guitar resonating differently with the nitro finish - i was just thinking about that very subject earlier. If you think about it, it must have some effect on how the guitar resonates, after all with the poly finish the guitar body is basically encased in a hard plastic coat, it's going to protect the wood underneath more fully but then must have an effect on how the sound vibrations travel through the wood. Now this certainly doesn't necessarily translate to a reduction in the quality of the sound - just a difference from another guitar with a nitro finish. I mean i have always been really happy with the sound of my other Tele which has a poly finish (in fact i love it and i'd put up against any Tele out there - but then maybe i;m a bit biased) and as i'm not a fan of the relic look i might end up regretting getting the nitro finish if it was looking a bit beaten up and worn out in a few years time. I know Stevie Ray and Rory were famous for the beaten up looking guitars but i'd be really disappointed if my next Tele ended up doing the same. Then again i am not an aggressive player so maybe it never would end up with the relic look.

Thanks for input guys


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Post subject: Re: Classic 50s Telecaster, poly or nitro?
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 8:50 am
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I was just looking at Sweetwater.com and they list a classic 50s lacquer for $900 and a classic 50s poly for $800. The choice is yours. Bet you'll be happy with either


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