• Types of Guitar Finishes
• Advantages of High-End Finishes
• Disadvantages of High-End Finishes
• Are High-End Finishes Worth the Extra Money?
• Conclusion

Types of Guitar Finishes

Guitar finishes can be classified into different types, depending on the materials and processes used. The most common types of guitar finishes include:

• Nitrocellulose lacquer: Nitrocellulose lacquer is a classic guitar finish that has been used for decades. It’s known for its thinness, durability, and ability to allow the guitar to “breathe” and resonate. It’s also prone to cracking and discoloration over time.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a modern guitar finish that’s known for its thickness, durability, and resistance to damage. It’s also less expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer.
• Polyester: Polyester is a plastic-based guitar finish that’s known for its thickness, durability, and resistance to scratches and dents. It’s also less expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer and polyurethane.
• Oil/wax: Oil and wax finishes are thin, natural-looking finishes that allow the wood to breathe and resonate. They’re not as durable as other finishes, but they’re easy to apply and maintain.

Advantages of High-End Finishes

High-end guitar finishes are typically more expensive than lower-end finishes, but they offer a number of advantages that may be worth the extra cost:

• Better resonance: High-end finishes are often thinner and more “breathable” than lower-end finishes, which allows the wood to resonate more freely. This can result in a richer, more responsive tone.
• Higher resale value: High-end finishes are often associated with high-end guitars, which hold their value better than lower-end guitars. If you’re planning on selling your guitar in the future, a high-end finish may help you get a better price.
• Greater aesthetic appeal: High-end finishes are often more aesthetically pleasing than lower-end finishes. They may feature more intricate patterns, brighter colors, or a more natural-looking appearance.
• Greater durability: Some high-end finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, are known for their durability and resistance to scratches and dents.

Disadvantages of High-End Finishes

While high-end finishes offer a number of advantages, they also come with some potential downsides:

• Higher cost: High-end finishes are often more expensive than lower-end finishes, which may not be worth the cost for some guitarists.
• Greater maintenance: Some high-end finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, require more maintenance than lower-end finishes. They may need to be cleaned and polished regularly, and may require reapplication over time.
• Greater fragility: Some high-end finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, are prone to cracking, discoloration, and other forms of damage over time.
• Less availability: High-end finishes may not be as widely available as lower-end finishes, especially in smaller markets or for custom orders.

Are High-End Finishes Worth the Extra Money?

The answer to the question of whether high-end finishes are worth the extra money really depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value tone and aesthetics above all else, a high-end finish may be worth the extra cost. If you’re more concerned with functionality and affordability, a lower-end finish may be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision of which finish to choose should be based on a number of factors, including:

• Personal preferences: Do you prefer a natural-looking finish, or a bright, colorful finish? Do you prioritize tone over durability, or vice versa?
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a guitar finish?
• Intended use: Will you be using your guitar for gigs or recording, or just for personal practice? Will your guitar be exposed to a lot of wear and tear?
• Availability: Is the finish you want available for your particular guitar model and configuration?

Key Takeaways

So, are guitar finishes really worth the extra money? The answer is, it depends. High-end finishes offer a number of advantages, such as better resonance, higher resale value, and greater aesthetic appeal. However, they also come with potential downsides, such as higher cost, greater maintenance, and greater fragility. Ultimately, the decision of which finish to choose should be based on a number of factors, including personal preferences, budget, intended use, and availability.