Guitar Finishes: How and Why You Should Select the Best for Your Sound.
When it comes to guitars, one of the most important decisions a musician must make is their guitar’s finish. The finish of your guitar is more than just the color of your fretboard and the type of hardware used to hold it together– it has a major impact on the sound you produce. By learning how to properly select the right finish, you can ensure your guitar produces the best sound possible.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various guitar finishes available and how they can help you achieve your desired sound. We’ll explain the nuances of each type of finish, including their pros and cons, and also provide tips on how to select the best finish for your guitar.
Guitar Finishes: Types and Typology
Guitar finishes come in several types, including lacquer, polyurethane, shellac, and oil. Each type of finish has its own unique properties that can help musicians achieve the sound they’re looking for. Let’s take an in-depth look at each type of guitar finish.
Lacquer
Lacquer is a popular finish choice for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. It’s a hard, durable finish that forms a protective layer over the wood of the guitar, shielding it from humid conditions and UV light. Its unique properties also make it one of the best finishes for resonance, since it’s relatively lightweight and can be applied in a thin layer.
Many guitarists prefer lacquer because of its fast-drying time and durable protection it provides. However, it can require frequent reapplication to ensure that the finish remains intact over time, and once it starts to wear off, it can be difficult to repair.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a versatile finish that’s often used on electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. It’s often used as a more cost-effective option to lacquer and is designed to provide an even, durable coating. Polyurethane finishes can come in matte, satin, or glossier finishes and are often used on guitars because of their easy application and longevity.
One of the primary advantages of polyurethane is the fact that it’s relatively impermeable. This keeps moisture and dirt from easily getting into the wood of your guitar, which can help keep your guitar in good condition over time. However, polyurethane can dull the sound of your guitar when compared to some other finishes, making it a better choice for electric guitars.
Shellac
Shellac is a traditional finish that was commonly used up until the 1930s. This finish is made from the resin of a beetle found in India and is applied in layers to provide a thick, hard film over the guitar. This finish is highly sought-after by musicians because of its natural, amber color and its ability to preserve the tone of the guitar.
One of the major benefits of shellac is its ability to provide a great tone and unimpressive resonance. It’s also very easy to apply and can last for years if maintained properly. However, this finish is very sensitive to moisture and can be expensive to purchase in bulk.
Oil
Oil finishes are a popular choice for acoustic, classical, and bass guitars. They’re typically made with either linseed or tung oil and provide a thin, protective coating that penetrates deep into the wood of the guitar. This unique property helps to lock in the wood’s natural resonance,and the oil finish seals that resonance away from the external world.
The biggest advantage of using an oil finish on your guitar is its ability to bring out the wood’s natural tone and resonance. This can help electric guitars cut through a mix more easily and provide acoustic guitars with a much fuller sound. The downside to oil finishes is that they require frequent maintenance to keep the finish in good condition.
Selecting the Right Guitar Finish For Your Sound
Now that you know more about the different types of guitar finishes, you might wonder how to select the right type for your needs. The process is fairly simple: first, decide what type of finish you want for each part of your guitar– for instance, you might choose a glossy finish for the body and a more muted finish for the neck.
Next, test out a few different types of finishes in person to decide which one sounds best and produces the kind of tone you’re looking for. Finally, assess the wear and tear that the finish will endure and consider how much maintenance it will require over time. By carefully considering each of these factors, you can ensure you select the right finish for your guitar.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of guitar you’re playing, choosing the right finish is hugely important. Each type of finish has different properties that can affect the sound of your guitar, so it’s important to take some time to understand the various types of finishes and how they interact with your instrument.
By selecting the best finish for your guitar’s body, neck, and fretboard, you can ensure you’re getting the best sound possible from your instrument. Consider all of the factors discussed in this blog post and you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect finish for your sound.