How Does the Strap Affect Instruments with Nitro Lacquer?

Nitrocellulose is a delicate material widely used in the finishes of musical instruments, especially guitars and other string instruments. Due to its chemical composition, it can be susceptible to damage or alterations caused by prolonged contact with certain materials, environmental conditions such as humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

While there is no foolproof solution to completely protect the finish, a key recommendation to prevent potential issues is to keep the strap separate from the instrument when not in use. This is especially important for instruments with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, where prolonged contact may sometimes cause visible changes or marks on the surface.

It is important to highlight that, to date, our straps have not caused any problems with instruments. This is based on feedback from customers and distributors. Obviously, we cannot guarantee this 100%, as the impact does not depend solely on the strap material. Other factors such as the chemical composition of the finish, the type and proportion of lacquer, as well as usage and storage conditions, also play a crucial role.

Therefore, any deterioration or alteration in the instrument’s finish cannot be directly and exclusively attributed to the use of the strap but rather results from the interaction of multiple factors. This underscores the importance of following good care and storage practices, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to humidity, keeping the instrument in temperature-controlled environments, and using straps made from materials compatible with or recommended for instruments with delicate lacquer finishes.

In summary, keeping the strap separate from the instrument and paying attention to specific recommendations on materials and finishes helps preserve the instrument’s appearance and integrity for many years, thus ensuring its functional and aesthetic value in the long term.