PRS 2024 finish formulation changed

[Revelation]

On older PRS guitars, people complained that the color faded, so they were forced to make some changes with the finish.

 

[mintakka]

I think the color fade is the certain dye chemicals themselves (blues, mainly I think) reacting with UV light and breaking down. Unless they're adding sunscreen to the nitro top coat I don't think that will change (which - for the record I don't think is an inherently bad idea!)

 

[rcsrich]

I think the color fade is the certain dye chemicals themselves (blues, mainly I think) reacting with UV light and breaking down. Unless they're adding sunscreen to the nitro top coat I don't think that will change (which - for the record I don't think is an inherently bad idea!)

Make sure you use strap locks... sunscreen is slippery!

 

[rcsrich]

My 2018 S2 (I assume last year of acrylic over poly) feels different than my Gibson SG, but not in a bad way. The finish seems to be thin based on the few dings, and I think that's the key. I do worry a bit less about the PRS vs the Gibby (ticking time bomb headstock not withstanding).

 

[newfmp3]

I've got a Paul's guitar that I have had issues with the Nitro on it. Bought it new last year. It is not something I wish to deal with ever again, and while the guitar itself plays great. the Nitro is just odd and very very easy to mark. Nothing like my other Nitro guitars. If the new finish is even softer or easily damaged or aged, I won't be buying another PRS. I have 6 Cores, and my fav ones are Poly. Nitro on PRS just doesn't seem right both aesthetic and feel or durability. That's not counting my satin Silver sky, also Nitro, and while that marks easily as well, it's satin. PRS finish issues is one of those things they really need to nail down and finally get it right. Nobody else has had such a long history with issues like this. Same with their fading issues which at this point just simply should not happen.

Don't get me wrong, I love my PRS, but perfect they are not. Now with prices being so high....please get it right. I even sent my Paul's guitar back to get it fixed which they graciously took care of, and never cost me a single cent. Sadly, it came back with even more damage due to someone not screwing the selector switch washer tight and it was loose inside the case all the way from them to me in Canada...just marking the guitar up on the way.

 

[Monahan]

I've got a Paul's guitar that I have had issues with the Nitro on it. Bought it new last year. It is not something I wish to deal with ever again, and while the guitar itself plays great. the Nitro is just odd and very very easy to mark. Nothing like my other Nitro guitars. If the new finish is even softer or easily damaged or aged, I won't be buying another PRS. I have 6 Cores, and my fav ones are Poly. Nitro on PRS just doesn't seem right both aesthetic and feel or durability. That's not counting my satin Silver sky, also Nitro, and while that marks easily as well, it's satin. PRS finish issues is one of those things they really need to nail down and finally get it right. Nobody else has had such a long history with issues like this. Same with their fading issues which at this point just simply should not happen.

Don't get me wrong, I love my PRS, but perfect they are not. Now with prices being so high....please get it right. I even sent my Paul's guitar back to get it fixed which they graciously took care of, and never cost me a single cent. Sadly, it came back with even more damage due to someone not screwing the selector switch washer tight and it was loose inside the case all the way from them to me in Canada...just marking the guitar up on the way.

Ah man-- sucks that happened. especially to a "Paul's Guitar"!

Sounds like it was a defect, but it's reassuring to know PRS took care of it for you (loose part not withstanding).

About the durability of the finish, I've had three new PRS guitars over the last few years (newest being from this spring) and each one had a very durable finish-- especially my DGT which took work to turn the high-gloss neck finish to a satin-- those finishes were plenty durable

Hopefully PRS has worked out any glitches by now, considering the new finish was instituted sometime in '23...

 

[vchizzle]

PRS, has an odd consumer base overall. By and large, most buyer’s want their guitars pristine and perfect for forever. IMO, for that purpose, they had it right the first time with the poly finishes. At the same time, they’ve always fought the “PRS are soulless, have no vibe, blah, blah, blah” stigma. They have an aging demographic who can put big $ into purchases. They’re caught in an odd position to appeal to two sides a fence. A “vintage is best” crowd and one that wants their guitars to look perfect and new for forever. Many want both. That’s a tough spot to be in. People 50 years ago weren’t that interested in their guitars looking brand new for forever. Aged and worn guitars were common. Builders weren’t that concerned with the long term game. People weren’t getting every ding and nick repaired. Builders like Paul made the guitar is art and beautiful popular. I think when Martin was building guitars with a lot of inlay work it was definitely to make a flashy and noticeable guitar for performance, not as museum pieces. A late 50’s burst or black guard tele were utilitarian tools by today’s standards. Take all that for what it is. A grain of salt.

 

[Powerslave]

Just wanted to give this thread a poke to see if anyone can shed any light on determining finish type for a given guitar during 2023.

As stated earlier within the thread, the official FAQ is somewhat confusing in this regard (at least as published).

If it is the case that a transition was made in 2023 from "nitro over CAB" to "nitro over nitro" then I'd very much like to know if there is some way to attribute finish type to a given 2023 guitar by, for example, DoM or serial number.

If anyone has further information in this regard then I'd appreciate your input and clarification.

With thanks in advance!

 

[Saberslash]

My friend has Silversky(2023), and they told him this via customer support:

“Thank you for contacting us! The year 2023 was a significant transitional phase for our finishing process, making it difficult to specify the details for your Silver Sky-especially since it was produced in the middle of the year!

This change was a rolling one throughout the year.

While I cannot assure you that this guitar has a complete nitro-on-nitro finish, I can confirm that all guitars produced in 2024 feature nitro-on-nitro.


Let me know if you need anything else!”

 

[Powerslave]

My friend has Silversky(2023), and they told him this via customer support:

“Thank you for contacting us! The year 2023 was a significant transitional phase for our finishing process, making it difficult to specify the details for your Silver Sky-especially since it was produced in the middle of the year!

This change was a rolling one throughout the year.

While I cannot assure you that this guitar has a complete nitro-on-nitro finish, I can confirm that all guitars produced in 2024 feature nitro-on-nitro.


Let me know if you need anything else!”

Thank you so much.

I also meant to say that I have a question sat with PRS for the past week regarding a 2023 (core, double cut) 594.

I anticipate that I'll receive a similar response to the one that you've kindly shared above.

I suspect that the FAQ should indicate "nitro over nitro" from 2024 rather than 2023, with an explanation given as to the transitional nature of 2023.

My sincere thanks to you for sharing this information (which others, no doubt, will also find helpful).

 

[Eseffinga]

I’d be curious to know how much the Nitro over Nitro was different for the staff doing the finishing, vs the Nitro over CAB. Different finishes have their own nuances. And respond to sanding and touch differently.

I assume it isn’t a case of being a lot different, but more like do they have to approach the process any differently than they did 2 years ago?

The main thing being all guitars vary a hair from instrument to instrument as it is. But I find process nuances interesting, personally.

And I agreee its a damned if they do and damned if they don’t type scenario. For the reasons Vchizzle laid out so well. I am on the side that likes guitars that break in like a ball glove. But I’ve met so many PRS fans that are the opposite and very much of the polished jewelry variety.

PRS offers a bit of something for everybody, but the finish material is the one thing that that everyone is subjected to, no matter what way they lean.

I just picked up a 594 made this summer, and I am loving it so far.

 

[Saberslash]

I’d be curious to know how much the Nitro over Nitro was different for the staff doing the finishing, vs the Nitro over CAB. Different finishes have their own nuances. And respond to sanding and touch differently.

I assume it isn’t a case of being a lot different, but more like do they have to approach the process any differently than they did 2 years ago?

The main thing being all guitars vary a hair from instrument to instrument as it is. But I find process nuances interesting, personally.

And I agreee its a damned if they do and damned if they don’t type scenario. For the reasons Vchizzle laid out so well. I am on the side that likes guitars that break in like a ball glove. But I’ve met so many PRS fans that are the opposite and very much of the polished jewelry variety.

PRS offers a bit of something for everybody, but the finish material is the one thing that that everyone is subjected to, no matter what way they lean.

I just picked up a 594 made this summer, and I am loving it so far.

I got 2024 Core 24, nitro is so soft it basically have "texture" on back on whole guitar from plush in PRS case.. It reacted with it.
Also, I put straplocks on, as soon as I UNscrewed stock strap screws lacquer "checked"/cracked a bit on upper horn.. but guitar is awesome feeling and sounding..

I also have 2022 Silver Sky which sat factory sealed at my dealer, and I got it 2024, so it is Cab over nitro, but since SS comes with decked trem, rear part of bridge plate basically crushed the finish underneath rear edges of the bridge... nevermind, it is meant to be played, used, it is strat, but I find that this finish (nitro over cab) is much much harder and bulletproof.. (maybe cause it dried 2 years in factory box, and my core is black back, and only 2 months old from when they made it and paint it (still smells strong)

 

[intothevoid]

I got 2024 Core 24, nitro is so soft it basically have "texture" on back on whole guitar from plush in PRS case.. It reacted with it.
Also, I put straplocks on, as soon as I UNscrewed stock strap screws lacquer "checked"/cracked a bit on upper horn.. but guitar is awesome feeling and sounding..

I also have 2022 Silver Sky which sat factory sealed at my dealer, and I got it 2024, so it is Cab over nitro, but since SS comes with decked trem, rear part of bridge plate basically crushed the finish underneath rear edges of the bridge... nevermind, it is meant to be played, used, it is strat, but I find that this finish (nitro over cab) is much much harder and bulletproof.. (maybe cause it dried 2 years in factory box, and my core is black back, and only 2 months old from when they made it and paint it (still smells strong)

I would be very annoyed with those issues to the point of wanting to return it.

Can you share pictures of the textured back on the Custom 24?

 

[RobRiggs]

For what it’s worth , I’d rather have the older polyester basecoat and acrylic topcoat. I think nitrocellulose makes a negligible difference in tone and doesn’t wear nearly as well. Most of my older PRS’ look new despite heavy use and that’s my preference.

 

[Simon Says]

For what it’s worth , I’d rather have the older polyester basecoat and acrylic topcoat. I think nitrocellulose makes a negligible difference in tone and doesn’t wear nearly as well. Most of my older PRS’ look new despite heavy use and that’s my preference.

Agree. My 90s standard is as much resonant as my 2020 Custom, and holds much better

Yet, finish flaws, dings and all that never was that much important to me.

 

[Saberslash]

I would be very annoyed with those issues to the point of wanting to return it.

Can you share pictures of the textured back on the Custom 24?

It is really hard to take a picture of it. It is so on surface though; I got superfine guitar swirl remover from stewmac; polished back with microfiber cloth, and all was high gloss as new.. Back in case, it reacted again.. So I polished it again and now I keep it on hercules stand outside of case, with cotton socks on guitar stand contat points so it does not react and I can give guitar a chance to dry properly

 

[Peromustejn]

On my 2024 WL Custom 24 a low tack tape "lifted" the clear coat in some spots.
Something like that never happened to any of my Gibsons.
On the other hand, my 2023 SE Custom 24-08 has a very thin and very very hard finish.
I would much prefer that kind of finish on core guitars.
In my opinion, the only good thing about nitro is that it is easy to repair.

 

[mintakka]

My friend has Silversky(2023), and they told him this via customer support:

“Thank you for contacting us! The year 2023 was a significant transitional phase for our finishing process, making it difficult to specify the details for your Silver Sky-especially since it was produced in the middle of the year!

This change was a rolling one throughout the year.

While I cannot assure you that this guitar has a complete nitro-on-nitro finish, I can confirm that all guitars produced in 2024 feature nitro-on-nitro.


Let me know if you need anything else!”

Thanks! So it’s basically the same answer as for the earlier switch to nitro over cab. I wonder why they didn’t just say this on the FAQ? Anyway, thanks for sharing!

 

[AdenM]

My Custom 24 and 24-08 are 2017/18, respectively. No desire to buy a new one with the nitro finish - I like the durability of the poly/acrylic. Plenty of examples online of how the new nitro over CAB and now nitro/nitro have worn. Anyone know if Private Stock will still do poly?

 

[Monahan]

My Custom 24 and 24-08 are 2017/18, respectively. No desire to buy a new one with the nitro finish - I like the durability of the poly/acrylic. Plenty of examples online of how the new nitro over CAB and now nitro/nitro have worn. Anyone know if Private Stock will still do poly?

Poly finishes, just as nitro have their pluses/minuses. Just comes down to preference.

Personally, I like nitro as it is easier to repair and doesn't get the clouding that often haunts Poly. Naturally there are outliers with each as well.

Examples of PRS with worn finishes eh? What key words are you searching? I've spent a lot of time looking and have found very few of either finish type. Occasionally I find them on forums, but it's pretty rare... and those that do appear often have stories associated with them, or QC outliers... As with any tool, if you use it expect wear