How long does it take Nitro to begin to age and crack?

[jrm]

Hello all:

I am a BIG fan of naturaly aged guitars (lets please not turn this into a relic/non-relic thread). I have one Gibson guitar (a 1998 Chet Atkins SST) that is starting to age beautifully. The nitro is checking a bit, etc.. However, my 01 LP goldtop still looks factory fresh. I'm looking forward to the day it starts to age a bit, "green" a bit, and start checking. It's not something I want to hurry, but thought I would see if there is a consensus among TGPers as to how long that usually takes?

I'm sure the correct answer is "it depends". And that is cool. Jsut wondering what others have seen with their guitars! Thanks!
-jon

[FrankieSixxxgun]

My LP just started to crack last week and it's a '96. My White Falcon is nitro too, and it's not cracked yet, but the white nitro is starting to pick up colors from the case since I got it wet :D

[shihanderek]

Is that with or without using canned air on it?

[DjThugs]

i used to own a 1996 gibson les paul classic goldtop..it started to turn greenish abt 2004 after many gigs and sunshine...so i cant give u a average time..but its worth the wait when the gold turns greenish..just so sexy..

[FrankieSixxxgun]

The thing that pushed my LP over the edge was a gig in the rain I think. Go play outside in a Florida pre-hurricane shower and you'll get some relicing :D

Here's my LP getting relic'd:
http://a609.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/83/l_c6762cb8b852b7bc6950987e0e7fd4f0.jpg

[gunnar1104]

What does rain/water do to to guitars with nitro finishes?
Also I've heard Deet( the stuff in insect repellent) destroys finishes. When it does does it just eat away at the paint or does it make it change weird colors or something?

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Water gets into the unfinished wood parts, like holes for the knobs, drill points for the tailpiece and bridge, etc, and expands it. Due to playing in the rain I have fine cracks all up and down the body by all the holes. It's pretty cool looking.

[acwild]

The thing that pushed my LP over the edge was a gig in the rain I think. Go play outside in a Florida pre-hurricane shower and you'll get some relicing :D

Here's my LP getting relic'd:
http://a609.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/83/l_c6762cb8b852b7bc6950987e0e7fd4f0.jpg

Dude, something is wrong when I see kids standing next to a Marshall stack and not fleeing in terror.

[rmconner80]

Chances are good that the nitro on your guitar won't age like the ones from the 50s and 60s because of the plasticizer and hardners used on Gibson and Fender factory nitro.

If you shoot your own nitro, it's creating a finish similar to the "old days" and you will find yourself burning through it in a matter of years. At least that has been my experience.

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Dude, something is wrong when I see kids standing next to a Marshall stack and not fleeing in terror.

:rotflmao

Those are my kids, so they're used to it. That was short lived. I turned around, saw them, and had to holler at my wife to get 'em out of there immediately. She was like, "I didn't even realize!" DUH! Sometimes she doesn't think. Notice it's an unmic'd cab at an outdoor gig too. Surprised nobody called the cops on me for child abuse. :tapedshut

[bluesjuke]

My '98 R8 has aged very well and evenly but no cracking.

I once had a '65 SG Custom in the mid 70's that was spider webbed heavily over the whole guitar, neck and body.

Yes ,less plasticisors then in the nitro.
Temperature changes have a lot to do with it too in the older finishes.

[dead of night]

Frankie, I just wouldn't want to put my Les Paul in the rain, did you have a choice?

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Frankie, I just wouldn't want to put my Les Paul in the rain, did you have a choice?

It wasn't raining when we started playing, but then it was instant downpour. We played like 2-3 more then packed it up. I managed to move my White Falcon under that umbrella real quick, and it stayed mostly dry along with my amp. My poor pedals, wireless, mic, and LP got soaked though. Since getting wet I swear my LP sounds better though. :AOK

[michael30]

This guitar was built last year. It's finished in a specially-ordered nitro with no plasticsizers or other modern additives:

http://harmony.demont.net/myharmonies/Michael/Ruokangas_VSOP_King_04.jpg

[asintoras]

The question is regarded to the yellowish of the nitro. It's about time (15-20 years I guess) and/or exposition to the UV rays (sun), which will make the lacquer to crack as well.
I have a Gibson from 1957, 1972 and 1968 (refinished 4 years ago, so I guess it will not count), and the 57'and 72' looks really beautiful with the yellow binding!