What will

[guigzy]

I'm planning on sun fading my R9 2012. She is a bourbon burst.
I've been trying to find some answers as to what dye CS were using in 2012. Is it aniline?
If it's not; what will the difference be in the fading process?

I've read somewhere that you should cover the pups while it sits in the sun. May I ask why that is?

 

[rhye]

I don't believe they use aniline dyes on the top (or the back before 2013) but the red still tends to fade a bit with prologued exposure to the sun

 

[guigzy]

Ok, thanks... So what dye did they use?

How about the pups? Do I need to cover them and why?

 

[brandtkronholm]

I suspect the suggestion of covering the pickups while it is in the sun comes from someone who ruined their guitar by leaving it in the sun.
Did the bobbins melt? Did the wax potting in the pickups melt and leak all over? Did the tape around the bobbins melt and come off?
I wonder if any glue, especially on the binding and under the fretboard, would melt? I wonder if the neck could change shape?
It seems risky.
Also, who knows how the guitar's top would fade. You might end up ruining the beautiful Burbon finish.
I have no idea what chemicals are in the Burbon finish and how they'll react with extended intentional exposure to sun light.
Yeah, it seems risky.

 

[corpse]

I have seen some folks try and age modern colors and the result isn't always what they had hoped. I have seen most fade, some with really disappointing results. The 1950's ones aged due to their composition- modern CS colors are very different. I agree with Brandt- if you want an unburst, buy one.

 

[guigzy]

Hmm. Ok... I might think it over one more time. Don't want to ruin anything. I was just curious if I could achive a lemon burst with some hours in the sun

 

[Wilko]

Black light is much easier and safer.

 

[corpse]

Take a look yourself on this site- there are a few "brag" photos. The modern paints then to leave a good deal of orange- and an unpleasant orange at that.
But to be perfectly honest your guitar is gorgeous the way it is.

 

[CK6]

I'm planning on sun fading my R9 2012. She is a bourbon burst.
I've been trying to find some answers as to what dye CS were using in 2012. Is it aniline?
If it's not; what will the difference be in the fading process?

I've read somewhere that you should cover the pups while it sits in the sun. May I ask why that is? View attachment 15875

Looks great as-is man…! Just buy another Les Paul or get a refin on this one.

 

[El Gringo]

I have seen some folks try and age modern colors and the result isn't always what they had hoped. I have seen most fade, some with really disappointing results. The 1950's ones aged due to their composition- modern CS colors are very different. I agree with Brandt- if you want an unburst, buy one.

That really is the best advice because you will ruin your instrument in an attempt to make it into what you want . Then in the process you will hurt it's resell value . That's why it is better to get what you want in a trade or a new purchase .

 

[axeman565758]

when you consider the playing time lost v. the time spent trying to "fade" your top, I think you'll see its a waste of time.
That is of course, if you actually achieve any noticeable fading at all. If it does fade from prolonged sun exposure, you may not like the result.
Just play and enjoy the guitar....!!!!

 

[axeman565758]

Hmm. Ok... I might think it over one more time. Don't want to ruin anything. I was just curious if I could achive a lemon burst with some hours in the sun

a lemon burst from that color?...Never happen....

 

[corpse]

In a similar vein I noticed by '18 R9 had some shallow divots in the frets. So did 3 of 4 other guitars. At $130 ea for a crowning i decided to buy the tools and do it myself.
But see- there was this nagging doubt- slip of a file and gouge the binding- handle hits the body top- and some advice from he-who-must-not-be-named- and i decided the expert was the way to go.
I am not saying who gave me the advice as I would hate to destroy his hard-fought humility, but right-is-right.

 

[El Gringo]

when you consider the playing time lost v. the time spent trying to "fade" your top, I think you'll see its a waste of time.
That is of course, if you actually achieve any noticeable fading at all. If it does fade from prolonged sun exposure, you may not like the result.
Just play and enjoy the guitar....!!!!

You just hit on a major point -the lost time in trying to upgrade your instrument versus playing and having fun making music ! Which is what it's all about !