JazzGuy Partscaster1: Nitro vs. Poly

JazzGuy · June 1st, 2008, 11:13 PM

Well I'm starting to get serious about my first partscaster. To kick things off, I actually ordered a classic thermometer case in brown from ebay today (it was not cheap :)).

I've pretty much settled on the "classic 52'" look with translucent butterscotch over swamp ash and a lightly-figured (probably birdseye) maple neck/board with a vintage tint finish. As a aside, I'm looking at the kinman Broadcaster PUPs and solder-less wiring/control harness.

On the body/neck front, both Warmoth and USA Custom seem to provide a very quality product. It also appears that neither of these vendors do nitro finishing. Of course, I could simply order the body/neck "raw" and find a small shop do to the finishing, but I'd rather avoid the probable extra cost and having to have the parts shipped twice.

So any thoughts from you all on nitro vs. poly?

Anyone out there experienced with Warmoth's or USA Custom's finishing?

Will I loose any significant tone by going with poly over nitro?

Although I'm trying to get my partscaster to line up with the vintage vibe (which I'm aware means nitro) I'm willing to go with poly for the guitar's finish (in order to save money to put into the kinman PUPs, Calaham or Glendale hardware, etc.) if: 1) it won't that much difference in tone and 2) knowing it's probably better for the environment.

Brian

June 1st, 2008, 11:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
JazzGuy TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: North Carolina Age: 48 Posts: 34	JazzGuy Partscaster1: Nitro vs. Poly Well I'm starting to get serious about my first partscaster. To kick things off, I actually ordered a classic thermometer case in brown from ebay today (it was not cheap :)). I've pretty much settled on the "classic 52'" look with translucent butterscotch over swamp ash and a lightly-figured (probably birdseye) maple neck/board with a vintage tint finish. As a aside, I'm looking at the kinman Broadcaster PUPs and solder-less wiring/control harness. On the body/neck front, both Warmoth and USA Custom seem to provide a very quality product. It also appears that neither of these vendors do nitro finishing. Of course, I could simply order the body/neck "raw" and find a small shop do to the finishing, but I'd rather avoid the probable extra cost and having to have the parts shipped twice. So any thoughts from you all on nitro vs. poly? Anyone out there experienced with Warmoth's or USA Custom's finishing? Will I loose any significant tone by going with poly over nitro? Although I'm trying to get my partscaster to line up with the vintage vibe (which I'm aware means nitro) I'm willing to go with poly for the guitar's finish (in order to save money to put into the kinman PUPs, Calaham or Glendale hardware, etc.) if: 1) it won't that much difference in tone and 2) knowing it's probably better for the environment. Brian