Amazing popularity of NOJ

Since I have my Minceta unweighted set I didn't bought (or even looked) at another set. I'm cured :-).

@MCH818 Can you do me a favor and take a pic of your 1950 pieces lined up similar to the posted photo below? Is the difference between Matte and glossy very subtle? Because the below pic is described as Matte finish but it looks like the regular NOJ glossy finish to me. When I hear Matte finish, I'm thinking it should be dull with zero shine. Almost like raw wood. But I'm seeing a shine in the Matte finish below. 

Shine or gloss....All superb.

C'mon,it's Noj!

@MCH818 That was fantastic. Thank you for taking the time to describe the sheen and finish of the two sets. Just looking at the original photos of the Matte Dubrov 1950 set, it looked like the wrong set was mistakenly sent. I clearly see some shine to the finish. 

This is what I'm thinking when I hear Matte finish:

This is what I'm thinking when I hear Gloss finish:

That Dubrov 1950 Matte finish is more "Satin" finish, than Matte. Not quite semi-gloss. I see the difference now. The reflection of the lighting on the surface of the piece is crisp and sharp in the gloss finish. The reflection of the lighting on the surface of the piece is more diffused in the Matte finish. I bet it's more noticeable in person. 

Another example of the different sheens in finishing.

A forum friend just told me the current costs of getting an NOJ set these days. They have gone up considerably .I mean considerably more  than I paid 2 years ago....As much as I like my NOJ set,that's kinda' pushing the envelope,because they weren't cheap in the first place..

Noj has done superb job with my set, it still has the same amount of coating layers as the regular sets (more then 3 layers) and yet achieves the matte look I'm looking for in a set. Shiny/glossy pieces are too distracting for me for playing. Sure I still can play with them, but it's not my preference.

I paid appx. $800 2 years ago for the Dark stained Tal set with the newer Knights.I'd love to know what the current cost is,just out of curiosity.

Oh yeah, +10 on mister buddy depth of analyze. I've noticed before how throughly he is with his observation. I think he would make an excellent reviewer.

I'm there with mister Banana already but I might get one or two more then I'm back with him again.

For me personally, a polished shiny chessboard would be more of a distraction than polished pieces. And even then, only marginally. I'm not a pro player that stares are pieces and boards for 8-10 hours a day during OTB and study. 

If I could have only one choice, I would prefer polished pieces on a matte board. The polish highlights the form and beauty of the pieces. When my name gets called and I'm at the front of the line for a NOJ set, it'll be "regular" polished for me. Matte is a nice option though! 

Here are Glossy and Satin pieces on a Matte vinyl board. 

Actually when you play a game, you'll be staring at the pieces the whole time and not at the board. I don't know how it goes in USA, here in Europe you get 2 hours for 40 moves each so when the game isn't finished within 40 moves then you're looking at the pieces for 4 hours at least.

That is, if you play OTB during club competition or a tournament. But if you use the pieces for only 15 minutes, all bets are off I guess.

I disagree. Good thing there are plenty of choices for everyone. 

Below are 2 old forum threads by members: @zagryan and @KnightOfReyn.

If these don't get the NOJ Minceta juices flowing,,, not sure what will. Hah! NOJ Dubrov Minceta in Maple/Walnut and Maple/Brown stain.

Traveling with Noj Dubrovnik Minceta - zagryan

Noj Dubrovnik Minceta Brown Stain - KnightOfReyn

Aahhhh! Naked matte finish. Just kidding  

My bad MCH....It was a different currency.

Yes, I paid $418 US Dollars for my Walnut Dubrovnik in 2010.  I am really glad that there are no more sets I want or need.

Think I'm going to give a good look at my Noj Tal set now and be appreciative I own it.I

Close,but I'm still wild about my final act as a chess collector.

The Alekhine set I got from Oldset on Etsy....C'mon,you knew that.-

The Noj Tal comes close......I have another Tal set from Etsy,bought 2 years ago.It's very different(in a good way) from the Noj set.

I forgot the seller....Her name was Kate,I think. She was located in the Ukraine.Wonderful set and very nice seller.

Yes! EraRetro.

Now I remember......One piece came in with a slight crack and when I emailed her,the response was immediate! She came off as so concerned and sweet. She was mortified that one of her pieces had an issue and sent out a new/flawless one immediately!

I wouldn't hesitate to deal with EraRetro again.......Great seller!

i checked out oldset on Etsy.  Looks very nice, but I didn't see one called Alekhine?

That is the exact set I bought 2 months ago.I've got it right in front of me as I keyboard this.My 5 star rating is the first one you'd see,because this seller(and particularly this set) is absolutely stunning and soooo different.....Quality wise,it is right up there with my O.S and Noj sets,if you can believe it....Just love it.

I don't think there are too many of these around,so that is another unique plus....but,to see this up close is a treat.....I think this seller is slightly underpriced....Just my opinion.

MCH....you're a "mensch" for being on top of these things and posting this.