Our signature finish

 

We use ​a series of dyes/pigment based finishes, depending on the colour option, that are emulsified into natural oils, waxes and curing agents.

No grain fillers or sanding sealers are required or used as the oils and dye elements soak cleanly into the wood during the application of the first coats. 

 

These finishes leave a beautiful, micro thin, breathable and hard wearing finish that allows the guitar to really sing.

We offer a large range of solid colour, translucent and burst options for this finish so please do not hesitate to contact us to inquire.

 

It isn't by accident that the huge cleans and the screaming driven sounds come from guitars that have little lacquer. Icons such as SRV's Number One and Rory Gallaghers strat are two of the more noteworthy examples of this phenomenon.

 

It is well documented that Nitrocellulose lacquer, although a consistent and manageable finish, has a slight dampening effect upon the tone and natural resonance of the guitar, polyeurethane to an even greater extent.

We love to use our signature finish becasue, quite frankly we believe it is the best!

Not only does it support the tonal characteristics of those sought after vintage guitars, it provides a window for some of the most stunning finishes we have ever seen, beautifully enriching the natural grain of the wood.

 

Alongside this, it is possibly the most playable finish available today, in terms of neck feel.

Whilst it can have a well glossed finish, it will not feel sticky or slow to the hand during extensive or intensive periods of play.

 

Nitrocellulose

 

Having said this, we do also adore the look and feel of nitrocellulose, particularly if you love the vintage & relic vibe, we are more than happy to accomodate. 60 years of use says something!

 

We use modern lightfast nitrocellulose for most jobs kept down to an optimal level of thinness. For the vintage enthusiasts however, we use were historically appropriate, the original unlight fast analine dyes and nitrocellulose recipies that were used on the most prized guitars ever made. These unlight fast dyes will fade with time perfectly replicating the fading that occurred on the vintage masterpieces.

We do not know of any other custom shop that goes to such great lengths to ensure vintage perfection, something that we take great pride in.

 

Relicing, Ageing & Artwork

 

We also offer a relic/ageing service for all of our instruments. We love to recreate that vintage vibe from a few nicks and dings here and there to a gorgeous roadworn and beaten beast to the beauty of lacquer checking.

 

We are also the only custom shop today that can offer the most realistic weather checking to our guitars, because it is real, you'll find no razor blades in our shop! We naturally recreate the rise and fall in the temperature of the laqcuer as it would over 50-60 years, it is truly beautiful.

 

For relic/ageing options, we recommend that you also select for it to be finished in nitrocellulose for the best result.

Our signature, oil based finish is not suitable for relic work due to its stain based structure. However it will, with regular use, develop a beautiful patina over time as a result of the constant contact with the body.

 

We offer a plethora of standard, custom colour and burst options in nitrocellulose and a strong collection of colour and burst options in our oil based finish.

We also offer, metallic, chrome work, decals and artwork on top of the more traditional choices.