Fender U.S. made American Vintage and American Original series instruments are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer (Exception: '75 Jazz Bass is finished with polyurethane), as are select Artist Signature models when specified..
American, Korean and Chinese made Fender guitars are finished with polyurethane.
Mexican and Japanese-made Fender instrument bodies are finished with polyester while the necks are finished with polyurethane.
Fender Custom Shop Relic, Closet Classic, and N.O.S. series guitars use "Thin-Skin" nitrocellulose lacquer finishes.
Most other Custom Shop models use urethane; however, on a "one-off" order they may accommodate most finishing material requests. (Note: Finish specifications are subject to change without notice).