New Brand “Patina” Brings Boutique Specs to the Budget Market
In a move set to shake up the affordable guitar market, Patina Guitars has officially announced its launch across Europe. Arriving in stores from mid-February 2026, the brand is offering specifications typically reserved for high-end boutique instruments—specifically, genuine nitrocellulose finishes and stainless steel frets—at a starting price of just £519.
Patina Guitars arrives with a pedigree of quality, developed by the same European team behind the highly acclaimed JET and Spira guitar brands. While those brands carved out a niche for modern performance, Patina is firmly rooted in the “Golden Age” of guitar making, blending vintage aesthetics with modern manufacturing precision.
The “Nitro” Difference
The headline feature of the launch is the finish. Most guitars in the under-£1,000 category utilize polyurethane (poly) finishes, which are durable but thick and plastic-like. Patina utilizes genuine nitrocellulose lacquer.
Unlike poly, nitro is designed to breathe. It is thinner, arguably more resonant, and crucially, it ages naturally over time. This allows the instrument to wear and “check” based on the player’s unique touch and environment, eventually creating a true vintage look.
“We set out to question what players should reasonably expect at this level,” says Primoz Virant of Patina Guitars. “Nitro finishes and stainless steel frets are usually positioned as premium upgrades. With Patina, they’re simply standard.”
Premium Hardware Standard
Beyond the finish, Patina has loaded these instruments with hardware rarely seen at this price point. Every model in the lineup features:
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Stainless Steel Frets: offering zero fret wear and a smooth, glassy playing feel.
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Locking Tuners: for improved tuning stability and faster string changes.
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Bone Nut: for better sustain and resonance.
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Modern Two-Point Tremolo: ensuring smooth operation.
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Custom-Wound Alnico V Pickups: voiced specifically for clarity, bite, and vintage chime.
The Launch Line-Up
The initial run focuses on the two most iconic electric guitar shapes in history (S-Style and T-Style). Players can choose between a “clean” finish, ready to age naturally, or a “light relic” finish for an immediate broken-in vibe.
Standard Nitro Series (Clean Finish):
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3 Series: S-type (SSS) and T-style (SS) — SRP £519
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4 Series: S-type (HSS) — SRP £519
Relic Nitro Series (Aged Finish):
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6 Series: S-type (SSS) and T-style (SS) with light relic — SRP £569
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7 Series: S-type (HSS) with light relic — SRP £569
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who manufactures Patina Guitars?
Patina Guitars is a sister brand to JET Guitars and Spira Guitars. They are developed by the same European team known for delivering high-value-for-money instruments.
2. Why is a nitrocellulose finish better?
“Better” is subjective, but nitro is highly prized by purists. It is thinner than modern polyurethane, allowing the wood to resonate more freely. It also ages beautifully, developing natural wear patterns, whereas poly finishes tend to look new forever or chip like glass.
3. Are the “Relic” models heavily damaged?
No. The 6 and 7 Series feature a “light relic” finish. This implies a gently played-in look—softened edges and minor checking—rather than the heavy damage sometimes seen on custom shop instruments.
4. When will Patina Guitars be available in the UK/Europe?
Stock is expected to hit selected retailers starting mid-February 2026.
5. What pickups do they use?
All models come equipped with custom-wound Alnico V pickups, which are generally preferred for vintage tones due to their dynamic and clear output compared to ceramic magnets.
Our Thoughts
The launch of Patina Guitars represents a significant shift in the entry-to-mid-level guitar market. By democratizing features like nitro lacquer and stainless steel frets, Patina is removing the barrier to entry for professional-grade specifications.
For players looking for a vintage-inspired workhorse that will age alongside them—without breaking the bank—the Patina 3, 4, 6, and 7 series appear to be the new benchmark to beat in 2026.
For more information and dealer locators, visit patinaguitars.com.
#Patina Guitars #nitrocellulose lacquer
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