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finish

nitrocellulose laquer

"relic" treatment

Nitrocellulose lacquer has long been used on electric guitars. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s as the only option for cars, furniture, objects, and instruments, it has been surpassed over the decades by more durable, resistant, easier-to-apply, and, indeed, eco-friendly technologies.

Although nitrocellulose is now considered a poor choice for 90% of modern finishes, its drawbacks make it ideal for instruments. It is very thin and fragile, which allows the wood to vibrate freely and develops the "well-used" effect typical of vintage instruments over time. It does not tolerate temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet light well, cracking and fading in a "natural" way that guitarists are accustomed to.

Lastly, it has a very pleasant feel under the fingers: some guitarists are more sensitive to this aspect, but nitrocellulose lacquer is not "sticky" when sweating, feels warm to the touch, and slightly reveals the underlying grain patterns.

One of the advantages of nitrocellulose lacquer is that it can be aged, if done skillfully, to give the guitar a true vintage appearance. Although controversial, this effect is sought after by many guitarists because it creates the feeling of playing an "old friend" of an instrument that has been through a lot and can certainly handle a few more dings. The "relic" appearance is therefore not just an aesthetic whim, but often tied to the owner's psychology, as with a brand-new pair of shoes or jeans, people feel more comfortable when the object they use shows signs of time.

Some colors particularly stand out with a relic treatment: let's discuss it!