PS Tremonti Nitro Finish Checking?

[Bmwtech113]

I just purchased a new 2017 Private Stock Tremonti with a Nitro finish. Upon receiving it I noticed that the entire top has very faint wavy lines in it. There is also a line on each side of the headstock that’s in the finish. I’ve heard of the Nitro finish checking but I wouldn’t expect it to happen on this new of a guitar and on the entire top like this. Is this normal? I can’t seem to add photos to this thread.

 

[Black Plaid]

The nitro finishes are extremely thin (by design), and will contour to the wood which has differing densities based on where the grain goes.

After you do a few text posts you will be able to attach pictures.

As for the headstock, those lines are (most likely) where they attach the decorative 'ears' on the far edges of the headstock. PRS chooses to do this because adding an extra 2 inches to a whole neck blank would result is wasting a tremendous amount of natural resources for a tiny piece of non structural wood.

 

[Bmwtech113]

The nitro finishes are extremely thin (by design), and will contour to the wood which has differing densities based on where the grain goes.

After you do a few text posts you will be able to attach pictures.

As for the headstock, those lines are (most likely) where they attach the decorative 'ears' on the far edges of the headstock. PRS chooses to do this because adding an extra 2 inches to a whole neck blank would result is wasting a tremendous amount of natural resources for a tiny piece of non structural wood.

That makes sense as far as the Nitro being thin. Hopefully I get photos added soon.

 

[garrett]

Agree, by the description it sounds like the finish has sunk into the wood a little bit.

Checking will be faint finish cracks. You'd likely have to hold it at just the right angle to see at first. Nitro is finicky. It can check very quickly, or not at all, depending on conditions.

It's all part of the natural patina that comes along with a nitro finish.

 

[Bmwtech113]

Agree, by the description it sounds like the finish has sunk into the wood a little bit.

Checking will be faint finish cracks. You'd likely have to hold it at just the right angle to see at first. Nitro is finicky. It can check very quickly, or not at all, depending on conditions.

It's all part of the natural patina that comes along with a nitro finish.

Because these lines are so uniform and consistent then I am starting to believe that finish has sunk in to the wood like you say. I am just concerned that even though I bought the guitar “as new” that something happened while it was being displayed for 2 years in the store.

 

[Bmwtech113]

 

[Black Plaid]

Hopefully this link works for photos.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOxXVqvgMIo2HksG9Ekr9Bvl5_dNC150S8Heatq

I'm afraid it did not.

Did you make the photo public? Google makes you do that as I recall.

 

[Bmwtech113]

I'm afraid it did not.

Did you make the photo public? Google makes you do that as I recall.

How about now?

 

[11top]

natural patina.

 

[bluenova]

Looks to me as more of a “sunk into the wood” finish rather than checking. The wood grain lines will run perpendicular to the flame figuring in the wood and it is this actual wood grain that I think is what you’re noticing.

 

[Black Plaid]

How about now?

That is definitely the grain presenting through an extremely thin finish.

Examples of checking can be seen here: http://www.guitarfact.com/finish-checking-guitar

PRS actually prefers to put the thin acrylic finish on their guitars, as they say it "lays flatter than nitro", but many people *really* like nitro, so they offer it as part of some guitar packages and as an option on Private Stock models.

What you have is basically identical to what I see on a Modern Eagle I have.

 

[Black Plaid]

PS: That's a super nice red.

 

[Bmwtech113]

Ok thanks everyone for the replies. After some more research I guess this isn’t abnormal for a Nitro finish and I should just enjoy how amazing this guitar sounds. I was just a bit worried at first since it was a “brand new” guitar even though it was made in 2017.

The color is Black Cherry Glow

 

[garrett]

Ok thanks everyone for the replies. After some more research I guess this isn’t abnormal for a Nitro finish and I should just enjoy how amazing this guitar sounds. I was just a bit worried at first since it was a “brand new” guitar even though it was made in 2017.

The color is Black Cherry Glow

Yep, if you want a perfect looking finish, nitro is not for you.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

If you haven’t already, a NGD thread with photos would be great.

 

[Bmwtech113]

If you haven’t already, a NGD thread with photos would be great.

Here ya go.

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/ngd-ps-tremonti.38155/

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Here ya go.

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/ngd-ps-tremonti.38155/

Thanks

 

[Bill SAS 513]

As already noted...the waves follow the grain in the wood...not the flames, but the grain lines crossing the flames...very thin finish...great tone monster! Congrats!