Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

[Adieu]

It's kinda annoying when the finish on the back of a headstock is so much "faster" feeling than the rest of the neck

Why do they do it???? And why isn't the rest of the neck like that, then, but rather has a much thicker, stickier gloss? Scratch and ding protection?



Seen it on: Fender, Ibanez, ESP, Jackson... pretty much more often than not

[PFDarkside]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I’ve seen satin necks where the front of the headstock is polished to gloss. I don’t recall seeing a fully gloss neck with a satin headstock. Do you have some pics? I’m curious to see.

I’ve “polished” some of my satin necks to gloss by playing, specifically my Martin in the heavy play areas.

[beaubrummels]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

IME when the back of the neck is ‘polished’ and the rest is satin, usually the guitar started life with a fully satin neck and the satin wore off the back from use.

If it came that way from the factory, sounds like maybe they were just rushing/lazy finishing the headstock.

[RorySquier]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

Sometimes the satin finish becomes shiny over time from your hand rubbing along the back of the neck.



;>)/

[Aceman]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

huh?

Don't know don't care never noticed

[dave74]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

scotchbrite pad will even it out again

[AlexR]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

Usually makers will paint the front for looks, the rear for function. Never heard of a headstock being satin when the neck itself is gloss.....although I have seen it done the other way around with a distinct line at the nut.

[Adieu]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I dunno, maybe "half-matte" would be a better term?

The neck part along the fretboard is glossed and reflects light, headstock between the tuners is satin-ey matte-ish and doesn't. But if you run your fingers along it, it's the faster surface of the two

Seems to be that way with most maple neck instruments I have, with the sole exception of an early 80s Pbass copy. Dunno if it'll photograph i'll try

[Adieu]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?



There, see where the sparkly reflection just stops?

Same here



Wholly different texture of finish

[AlexR]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I'm seeing it with the ESP....the Jackson no.

[Adieu]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I'm seeing it with the ESP....the Jackson no.

Jackson may have been deglossed a bit or came with a thin finish to start.

But both of em, shine a light on the neck it glitters, shine a light on the headstock....and its just a brighter lit headstock or at most a diffuse glow.

Kinda hard to photograph with a crappy mobile device at night

Also got a Fender and an LTD with the same, but on those I wetsanded that playing surface so it's not a fair representation


Ibanez 80s bass...less prominent, but still totally a thing:

[Silence Kid]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

scotchbrite pad will even it out again

I'd do the opposite and buff/polish the back of the neck.

I think this is a natural result of playing a matte neck.

[dave74]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I'd do the opposite and buff/polish the back of the neck.

I think this is a natural result of playing a matte neck.

Honestly I thought we were talking painted necks. I'm not sure what I'd do with a natural finish.

[gilt.suspect]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

I'd say it's cheaper to manufacture if they don't have to pay someone to buff and polish the headstock to a high gloss. Every second has a dollar sign on it!

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Why is the back of a "gloss" neck's headstock so often finished "satin"?

Honestly I thought we were talking painted necks. I'm not sure what I'd do with a natural finish.

Lacquer is paint. It’s just clear.

And yes, matte finishes are not buffed shiny, but the get polished by your hand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk