Certain topics can spark heated debates among guitar players, with some being best avoided in casual conversation. For Johnny Marr, the subject of satin finishes on guitar necks is one of those divisive issues.
While satin finishes may seem practical to some, offering a smooth feel that allows the hand to glide up the fingerboard without gumming up, Marr is firmly against them. In a recent interview with Guitar World, the former Smiths guitarist explained his preference for a glossy finish, particularly in his new signature Martin guitar. His guitar features not only a seven-string setup, with an octave string on the G, but also an old-school, full-thickness neck profile with a gloss finish.
Marr shared his thoughts on satin finishes with a hint of humor, saying, “I have to try and talk about the neck without sounding offensive or angry. Satin finishes: why? No need. You’re really playing that fast that you need to have a satin neck? Really?”
He explained that the trend for satin-finish necks fresh from the factory has led to gloss finishes falling out of favor—a development that he regrets. Marr emphasized that glossy necks, once the standard on guitars, have been overshadowed by the satin trend, and he feels this shift is unnecessary.
Marr does acknowledge that the satin finish attempts to replicate the worn-in, smooth feel found on vintage instruments, whether acoustic or electric. However, he encourages players to do the “hard work” of wearing the neck down themselves over time. “Like, a beautiful glossy neck, that was on all the old guitars since time immemorial—your technique is so dazzling, or you’re so uncomfortable putting your hand on that gloss, or you’re so affronted by it, that we’ve had to have years of really bad finishes on necks?” Marr quipped. “No need. Wear it down yourself, you lazy sod!”
For those who share Marr’s perspective, his signature Fender Jaguar and the new M-7 high-end Martin (and its six-string version) feature glossy nitro lacquer on the neck. Marr’s preference for this finish is partly due to its more natural aging process compared to the gloss poly finishes used on some more affordable models, which require more playtime before they lose their sheen.
In discussing his M-7, Marr described it as the ideal acoustic guitar for players looking for more harmonic complexity but without the commitment required by a full 12-string guitar.
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