1985 Les Paul Clear Coat Finish Question

[allentd]

I have a 1985 Les Standard with the vintage cherry burst finish. How do I tell if it is nitrocellulose?

 

[gibboboy]

If it’s a Gibson Les Paul Standard and it’s not been altered then it will be nitro

 

[charliechitlins]

If you can't tell, then what's the difference?
Does it need finish repair or touch-up?

 

[fred dons]

what Gibbo said, if still original it is Nitro, you can test any guitar for laquer using a cottonswab with a bit of acetone (preferably on parts like the control cavity if there is a bit of paint in there) , if the paint melts its laquer, if it does not it is poly (so not a 100% guarantee its Nitro, but you can make sure it is not a poly)

 

[allentd]

Thanks all for the replies. The reason I am asking is that there are a couple small indents in the body of the guitar that I am considering for a drop fill repair. The indents are 1/16 to 1/8 inches diameter with the color coat still intact and they are not very deep. I am considering drop fill repairs but was not sure if mid-80's Norlin era LPs used a poly finish or nitrocellulose.

 

[Norton]

Couple small indents in a 40 yr old guitar sounds like less than normal wear and tear. Pretty guitar, I'd leave it alone but that's just me.

 

[allentd]

Thanks Norton. Good advice.

 

[jb_abides]

What 40 year old doesn't have something to show and a story to tell..?

I agree: leave it alone and learn to love the mojo!

 

[charliechitlins]

Even if it were poly, you could still fix dents with lacquer.
I use nail lacquer with great results; although I still haven't found a good Gretsch orange.

 

[Hamerfan]

If you did not do drop fill before, the chance is that it does look worse than before. Let the guitar age in grace.

 

[Tollywood]

If you did not do drop fill before, the chance is that it does look worse than before. Let the guitar age in grace.

I agree 110%. That's the magic mojo. Hopefully some finish checking will appear, too.