Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Pauldem on February 11, 2009, 03:09:21 PM

Title: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 11, 2009, 03:09:21 PM
I don't really get on too well with anything laquered, so have always opted for satin necks on my guitars if possible. I've noted that lately, there have been a number of 'name' guitars that are entirely finished in satin. The two I favour at the moment are the Gibson LP standard faded and the PRS SC stoptail satin.

I understand that without the laquer, that these guitars may damage a little easier. Other than that how have people found them or anything else satin/faded for that matter? I've tried the Gibson and found that it was a pleasure, but I have a PRS CE24 with a satin neck that I use all the time, so am tempted in that direction also.

Any help would be gratefully received.

Ta Paul
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Madiac on February 11, 2009, 03:13:10 PM
Cant really help you out, but i agree, i like the feel of unfinished/satin/matte, atleast when the guitar is new, when youve played it alot the lacquer will get worn away anyhow, but i hate that my Gibson SG GT can get quite sticky, so that when i play its like the thumb is an anchor with only the fingers stretching..
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: dheim on February 11, 2009, 03:19:10 PM
i love satin necks too, i hate that sticky feeling... and i love the looks of satin tops too!
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Lazy_McDoesnothing on February 11, 2009, 06:09:48 PM
If it's mostly the neck you don't like about lacquered guitars you could always hit it with some steel wool.  That'll give you a nice satin feel.
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Crazy_Joe on February 11, 2009, 06:32:12 PM
I do prefer Satin finishes, just makes it look quality instead of cheap and plasticy.
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Twinfan on February 11, 2009, 06:42:45 PM
The satin finish will polish up as you play it, it won't stay matt forever!

Just something to bear in mind  ;)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Lew on February 11, 2009, 06:59:47 PM
If it's mostly the neck you don't like about lacquered guitars you could always hit it with some steel wool.  That'll give you a nice satin feel.

Done it several times, works amazingly well.
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Andrew W on February 11, 2009, 07:02:18 PM
The satin finish will polish up as you play it, it won't stay matt forever!

Just something to bear in mind  ;)

This is very true and happens sooner than you might think.  I got a Highway One Strat with a matt black nitro-cellulose finish in November last year.  Already the area where my forearm comes into contact with the body is pretty shiny as is the back of the guitar and I haven't been playing as much as I'd like recently.  Whilst the matt look is quite nice I'm not sure about the half and half effect I seem to have achieved now and I'm thinking of just saying to hell with it and polishing up the rest of the body to match. 
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Philly Q on February 11, 2009, 07:08:40 PM
I got a Highway One Strat with a matt black nitro-cellulose finish in November last year.  Already the area where my forearm comes into contact with the body is pretty shiny as is the back of the guitar and I haven't been playing as much as I'd like recently.  Whilst the matt look is quite nice I'm not sure about the half and half effect I seem to have achieved now and I'm thinking of just saying to hell with it and polishing up the rest of the body to match. 

I polished up a Highway One neck recently, it came out really well.

Not sure how I feel about satin finishes.  I don't like the way it looks on the PRS satin models, but it does suit some guitars.  And it's good that it enables the manufactuers to knock a few quid off their prices!
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Madiac on February 11, 2009, 07:30:37 PM
The satin finish will polish up as you play it, it won't stay matt forever!

Just something to bear in mind  ;)

Yeah, aware of this, but i also heard that when the finish polishes up this way it doesnt get as sticky as a shiny finish from the start, but could just be a rumour anyhow!:)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 11, 2009, 08:07:43 PM
Well I do have a raw wood, abomination guitar that now has forearm patina. It's far from laquered mind and as Madiac mentions it's not sticky like the shiny can be. I get a little feint at the idea of taking any abrasive to my babies :cry:, so maybe I'll ask Jonathan if I ever have the need.

I think that in many cases the colour seems to make the look, especially on the PRS guitars. The Blue Mateo in Matte looks really nice, especially with the mahogony neck and back. I'm leaning toward the LP standard in tobacco as it just looks 'right' nice. I'll have a look at HC maybe to see how they review.

Many thanks for the input chaps.
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Twinfan on February 11, 2009, 08:48:52 PM
I think that in many cases the colour seems to make the look, especially on the PRS guitars. The Blue Mateo in Matte looks really nice, especially with the mahogony neck and back.

;)

(http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com/images/product_images_large/4559_1.jpg)

(http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com/images/product_images_large/4559_2.jpg)

(http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com/images/product_images_large/4559_3.jpg)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 11, 2009, 09:30:49 PM
It seems that Dave has found me out :oops:. Bless Sounds Great and it's a good price to boot. :P
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Twinfan on February 11, 2009, 09:37:25 PM
If you're interested in that exact guitar, be careful.  If it's the one that's been there a while (which I think it is, at least 12 months) it was damaged near the selector switch last time I saw it....
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Adam.M on February 11, 2009, 10:49:02 PM
PRS CE24 with a satin neck that I use all the time, so am tempted in that direction also.

Hmm, are all CE24's satin neck? I'm not sure what mine is but it sure is different... my other guitars DEFINITELY didn't have a satin neck.

My neck needs a good clean... i have sticky fingers, damn you haribo!
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 11, 2009, 11:09:15 PM
I was under the impression that they were, due to them having being bolt-on necks. That said I know very little about PRS and they seem to change there midrange guitar specs quite a bit. I know that the Hiland model does for sure and of course the satin types. Mine is a little odd as it has a one peice maple cap, but I've no idea why? :)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Twinfan on February 12, 2009, 07:35:54 AM
Mine is a little odd as it has a one peice maple cap, but I've no idea why? :)

One of my McCartys does too.  It's unusual to have a one-piece top but it happens from time to time  :)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 12, 2009, 12:36:16 PM
Well after the possibility of the damage to the blue Mateo number I opted for this one. After Nolly's visit I think I'll go with some Cold Sweats in this one.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/Genieworx/P2120006.jpg)(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/Genieworx/P2120005.jpg)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: PPPMAT on February 12, 2009, 12:58:08 PM
Wow what a great top  8)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Twinfan on February 12, 2009, 07:28:58 PM
Great choice!  Lovely!
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Philly Q on February 12, 2009, 09:14:00 PM
That does look good!
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Groove Cartel on February 12, 2009, 09:27:55 PM
Oil and wax is the way forward. Its easily maintained and a complete refinish can be done if required. Why would you encapsulate something resonant in a coat of lacquer??

My guitar has been through four months of gigs and rehearsals and still looks mint, despite several very sweaty gigs. Plus any surface dings can be steamed out.

Its the way forward, check out my guitar on www.vanquishsounds.com

It's the Custom.

Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Pauldem on February 13, 2009, 08:31:01 AM
Great choice!  Lovely!

Many thanks :D. Well I've seen a fair few of these and they really do seem to vary in terms of burst and the maple caps themselves. I found this one very reasonably priced and asked them to send me some pics as they also had the honeyburst. This one was so purty that I couldn't resist. Should go well with my other LP
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/Genieworx/lpdime-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Bob Johnson on February 13, 2009, 08:46:27 AM
I understand that without the laquer, that these guitars may damage a little easier. Other than that how have people found them or anything else satin/faded for that matter? I've tried the Gibson and found that it was a pleasure, but I have a PRS CE24 with a satin neck that I use all the time, so am tempted in that direction also.

Any help would be gratefully received.

Ta Paul

Actually thick polyester finishes chip much more easily than light satin / matt ones do.
Title: Re: Non-Shiney Guitars
Post by: Nolly on February 13, 2009, 08:49:16 AM
Well after the possibility of the damage to the blue Mateo number I opted for this one. After Nolly's visit I think I'll go with some Cold Sweats in this one.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/Genieworx/P2120006.jpg)(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/Genieworx/P2120005.jpg)


Damn, missed that one when I was there! We should have extended the gear tour!