Neck is too orange

Hi folks,

I've been browsing for a couple months but this is my first post.

I just got a maple strat copy neck with rosewood fretboard off of ebay in anticipation of my first build - a jazzmaster/offset of sorts. It was advertised as having a nitro finish - I assume that means a nitrocellulose lacquer.

The finish on the neck is oranger than I would like. I'm wondering if I can just use some lacquer thinner and/or use some additional coats of something or whether I need to sand it back and start over. Any advice on how to tame it back a little more natural?

The amber is aged finish and nitro is exactly what you said. You should try trading it on squier talk for a non aged finished one save you and the trader some work...
If you search here for neck finish you should find some good info on all types of finishes from tru oil to nitro.... gloss satin painted aged

Nitro can be clear or have a naturally orange tint, depending on what is used. As nitro ages, it can develop even more color. Additional tint (usually dyes as opposed to stains) can be used to achieve an aged look on a neck. It is common for some manufacturers to overdo the coloration in an attempt to look vintage. I have a couple from rondo music that are over orange.
To tame the color, it is easiest to strip it and start over. Nitro is fairly easy to remove. Alcohol is its natural solvent, but most strippers will remove it. I am fond of citri-strip. If you follow the instructions, you can get most of it off. Use fine steel wool and additional stripper to finish removal, then fine sand. Don't forget to use gloves and be sure to neutralize whatever you are using before refin. I actually like to leave my necks bare, but that leaves them more prone to weather changes:-)
Hope that helps.

Additional coats are iffy. Nitro cross links, but there are so many formulations that you may not get a good match, thus poor adhesion. Additionally, with tint, you can darken, but not lighten the color.

If you intend to strip the neck, Acetone or Lacquer Thinner is what you will want to use.

Poor some acetone over the finish, and allow it to soak in a bit. It will typically start shriveling up after it has set for a bit. Then take a dish rag with some acetone on it, and wipe it off. Repeat where necessary.

+1 on acetone or lacquer thinner. I started yapping about solvents, but didn't complete my thought. The other stuff I mentioned is general purpose, and works if the claim at a nitro finnish is iffy. Plus it smells purdy.

Thanks all. I'll try to strip it back.

My favorite is the Zip Strip marine formula. Takes any finish off, is easy to use, neutralizes with water, and best of all... Doesn't blow up!