testing for nitro

[rabidhamster]

I know I should know this by now, but does anyone know how to test a finish to determine whether its nitro or not?  Im very happy with the color of my new guitar, but if its a poly finish, especially on the neck, I'm gonna have to plan on stripping it and redoing it.  The only thing I know of is setting it on a non-nitro safe stand and see if it burns the finish but...well....stand burns arent my kind of relicing:)

[jrkirkish]

If it's a new guitar, I'd bet poly.

What make/model is it?

And new guitar? you gotta post pics!

[Marc]

set alight to it!

If it burns the house down it's nitro.

[rabidhamster]

well, what I meant was new to me.  Its actually a JM, all 1963 except the neck, which is a 1960 date.  I've posted the pic I found on the net in another thread, but I dont know of any harm reposting.  The  guitar was kind enough to go out to the arlington guitar show so it  could be photographed for me, but then not let itself get sold before I got to it
http://flickr.com/photos/onetwoxu/27579 ... 339042942/


Also, when I say "my" new guitar, I should note that its a bit expensive for me, so Im still paying on the layaway   Its killin me!!  I should have it out just in time for christmas though!

[flatfiver]

If you put a drop of acetone on a nitro finish it will bubble or wrinkle or something like that.  If you put acetone on poly it sits there and then you wipe it off.  You'd probably want to try this in an out-of-the-way place on the guitar.

[aen]

No, no, you just put it under water.  If bubbles come up it's nitro, cause the body can "BREATHE" but if no bubles come up it's poly, adn the wood has already choked to death.

[rabidhamster]

hahahahahahahhahahaa!!!  I hope I havent gotten a dead guitar!

Thanks for the acetone tip, I'll give that a shot someplace under the pickguard. 

[fullerplast]

No, no, you just put it under water.  If bubbles come up it's nitro, cause the body can "BREATHE" but if no bubles come up it's poly, adn the wood has already choked to death.

[Blobcaster]

rub the finish with your thumb vigorusly until it heats up,sweet smell = nitro,no smell = poly.try it under the guard.