From Guitar World · · 2m
Patina PT-3 review: Nitro finish at affordable price
Patina's PT-3 electric guitar offers nitro finish without the high cost, with solid playability and upgrade potential.
In brief
Patina's PT-3 electric guitar offers nitro finish without the high cost, with solid playability and upgrade potential. Patina PT-3 electric guitar has nitro finish at £519 with good playability but thin tones; upgrade pickups for better sound. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Quick answers
- What is it?
- Patina PT-3 is a nitrocellulose finished electric guitar with vintage aesthetics for players who want a guitar that wears well over time.
- Why nitro finish?
- Nitrocellulose finishes are softer and wear better than polyurethane, mimicking vintage Fender and Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s.
- Why upgrade?
- Upgrading the PT-3's pickups can improve tone and allow for better installation of custom components without compromising playability.
- What is the key takeaway from Patina PT-3 review: Nitro finish at affordable price?
- Patina PT-3 electric guitar has nitro finish at £519 with good playability but thin tones; upgrade pickups for better sound.
What is it?
Patina PT-3 is a nitrocellulose finished electric guitar with vintage aesthetics for players who want a guitar that wears well over time.
Why nitro finish?
Nitrocellulose finishes are softer and wear better than polyurethane, mimicking vintage Fender and Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s.
Patina's approach
Patina offers affordable nitrocellulose finished guitars, unlike budget brands that typically use more durable but less authentic polyurethane finishes.
The PT-3 specs
Patina PT-3 costs £519, weighs 6.1lbs, has a paulownia body, roasted maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and 22 jumbo stainless steel frets.
Build quality
The PT-3 has a solid build with a black finish, red tortoise shell scratch plate, and features like bone nut, chrome hardware, and locking tuners.
Playability
The PT-3 has a 13.75" fretboard radius that makes legato runs fluid but may not suit all players, with a comfortable setup for lead lines.
Sounds
The neck pickup delivers clear tones with good high-mid presence for chord extensions, but the bridge pickup is narrow and lacks low end for clean sounds.
Verdict
The Patina PT-3 is a good deal for nitro finish at £519 with solid playability, but sounds could be better; upgrade pickups for improved tone.
Ratings
Build quality: ★★★★½, Playability: ★★★★½, Sounds: ★★★☆, Overall: ★★★★☆.
Also try
Fender Standard Telecaster at £499, Patina PT-6 at £569, and PRS SE NF53 at £649 offer alternatives with different features.
Why upgrade?
Upgrading the PT-3's pickups can improve tone and allow for better installation of custom components without compromising playability.
Price comparison
Patina PT-3 costs £519, while Fender Standard Telecaster is £499 and PRS SE NF53 is £649, showing a range of options for different budgets.
Conclusion
The Patina PT-3 is a good value nitro finish guitar that plays well but needs pickup upgrades for optimal sound.
The big picture
Patina PT-3 electric guitar has nitro finish at £519 with good playability but thin tones; upgrade pickups for better sound.
