If you were interested in buying a Lowe-branded, US-made replacement neck, a loaded custom body, or a complete build using my branded parts, would you prefer nickel metal finishes with nitrocellulose lacquer paint or shiny chrome metal and modern 2K urethane finishes?
I'm a shiny chrome/2K guy, but I wonder if I'm missing the boat by not embracing nickel and nitro. Below are models from my current portfolio. What are your thoughts on materials and finishes specifically for my brand?
Thank you!
(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/chromasonic-iv/083_01.jpeg)
(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/jayluxe-iv/119_01.jpeg)
(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/comboluxe-iv/084_01.jpeg)
I know there's a slight difference in appearance between nickel and chrome, but I don't care which it is as long as it's shiny.
Nickel/nitro hands down.
Nickel doesn't stay shiny. It gets a matte patina over time. Unless you polish it of course.
Fresh nickel has a yellowish hue which looks friendlier than the blueish hue of chrome.
Have you considered Acrylic as a third option for lacquer?
That is what I use on most of my builds. It is very similar to nitrocellulose. But it dries quicker and it's easier to work with. Plus it's cheaper.
Plus it combines well with nitro. But not with poly or 2K
I have access to two highly qualified paint shops. Moe Colors (2K) used to be the painter for Dean Guitars here in Tampa, and Starr Guitars (Nitro) in Orlando does a lot of industry OEM work. I'm probably suffering from a little FOMO, as I'd like to do a little of everything. That's not practical right now, but it's something I'm always thinking about.
I have used acrylic lacquer and it worked fine for me. It seems to wear about the same as nitro, but easier and safer. This was shot with tinted acrylic lacquer.
Chrome and 2K for me.