DrkIncGuitars Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Has anyone done a French Polish on a solid body electric guitar? If so what would it compare too? And do you like it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avdekan Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I've never french-polished a guitar but I do have a lot of experience with applying it. In my experience french polish is very moisture sensitive, and will not be very effective if used on a guitar that is subject to sweat, beer etc. It is also a very hard finish, but since It's so thin (which is part of what makes it so appealing) its mechanical damage protection is low. If it was to be a strictly-studio instrument I would consider it as an option, although I remember coming across a franch polished classical guitar that was pretty new and well taken cared of, in which the back of the neck's finish had develop a coarse texture as a result of the player's palm-sweat. Hope that helps, B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrkIncGuitars Posted June 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 That does help. I heard that for tonal properties that it is the best better than a poly or nitro. Some makers offer it, but you really never see it. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenspoke Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 That does help. I heard that for tonal properties that it is the best better than a poly or nitro. Some makers offer it, but you really never see it. Thanks! For durability its not high up on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postal Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thin, fast, easy, and easy to touch up... use a light coat of Tru- oil. Jackson/charvel offer this finish for "oiled necks". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 For the guitars you are proposing to build, shellac is -not- an option, period, especially- a Spalted top. Your proposed guitars appear to be in the 'metal' range of things, you should completely drop the idea of what finish gives the best tone, since that argument only really applies to acoustic instruments anyway. Acoustic instruments are really the only place where the finish can substantially affect the tone, and for your instruments, tone should be the last thing in your considerations, toughness should be first and foremost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I used a conversion varnish on my last guitar...it is so durable I plan on using it on my next few anyway... Sherwood water white coversion varnish if you wanted to look into it...you add the pigment or dye you want and go...it is a 3 piece finish... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrkIncGuitars Posted June 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 For the guitars you are proposing to build, shellac is -not- an option, period, especially- a Spalted top. Your proposed guitars appear to be in the 'metal' range of things, you should completely drop the idea of what finish gives the best tone, since that argument only really applies to acoustic instruments anyway. Acoustic instruments are really the only place where the finish can substantially affect the tone, and for your instruments, tone should be the last thing in your considerations, toughness should be first and foremost. Drak it was more of an experimental thing. I never planned on using it my guitars. I was thinking more poly finish...I had someone tell me that water based lacquer is really gaining in popularity. Also, I would never do a French Polish on the Conqueror with a Spalted Maple top. If I did, please evict me know....LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I had someone tell me that water based lacquer is really gaining in popularity Hmmm, water-based has been cussed, disputed, re-formulated, and talked about ever since I started building guitars. I have read enough threads about it over the years to stay very very clear of it. Check the MIMF out, if you become a member, you can search their extensive library, that's where I have read the most about it, personally I have no trust in the stuff after reading so many horror stories over 15 years. Catalyzed lacquer would be your answer if you know how to protect yourself (it can kill you, either slowly or quickly) or a good catalyzing poly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrkIncGuitars Posted June 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2009 Thanks Drak, I think it will probably be doing polyurethane with oiled neck...And with this new build, the black limba is going to one sweet wood to look at... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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