Are guitar finishes more than just an aesthetic feature?
When it comes to choosing a guitar, the finish is often one of the first things that catches our attention. From high-gloss to matte, natural wood to bold colors, the finish can make or break the aesthetic appeal of a guitar. But is the finish more than just a cosmetic feature?
In short, yes. The finish of a guitar can affect not only the look but also the feel and tone of the instrument. Different materials are used to achieve different finishes, from nitrocellulose lacquer to polyurethane, and each type of finish can have its own unique impact on the sound of the guitar. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that guitar finishes can affect the overall performance of the instrument.
What materials are used to achieve different finishes?
The most commonly used materials for guitar finishes are nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, and polyester. Nitrocellulose lacquer is the oldest form of guitar finish and has been used since the 1920s. It’s a thin, flexible, and durable finish that allows the guitar to breathe and resonate more freely, giving it a more organic sound. However, it is also more prone to checking and cracking over time, and is not as resistant to wear and tear.
Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a much thicker, more durable finish that is resistant to scratches, fading, and moisture damage. It gives a guitar a glossy, polished look and is often favored by builders of more modern-style guitars. However, it can also inhibit the guitar’s tone, as it doesn’t allow the wood to breathe as freely as nitrocellulose lacquer does.
Lastly, polyester finishes are similar to polyurethane but with an even thicker layer of coating. This is usually seen on entry-level guitars because they are more cost-effective and easier to apply. However, polyester finish can have a negative impact on sound quality because it can easily dampen the guitar’s individual tone.
How do different guitar finishes impact the tone of the instrument?
As mentioned earlier, different guitar finishes can have a drastic impact on the sound of the instrument. For example, nitrocellulose lacquer is often used for vintage-style guitars because it allows the guitar to resonate more freely, resulting in a more dynamic and expressive tone. Polyurethane and polyester finishes, on the other hand, can dampen the natural tone of the guitar, resulting in a tone that is less expressive and dynamic.
Additionally, some guitarists believe that the thickness of the finish can have an impact on the tone of the guitar. A thicker finish may dampen the guitar’s natural tone, while a thinner finish allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely, giving the guitar a more complex, natural tone. This is why guitars with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes are often regarded as having a superior sound quality and a more vintage sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guitar finishes are much more than just an aesthetic feature. They can have a significant impact on the sound and tone of the instrument, with some finishes allowing for more resonance and natural tone, while others can dampen the tone and overall performance of the guitar. If you are looking for a guitar with the best sound quality, you may want to consider a guitar with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, as this will allow the wood to breathe and resonate more freely, resulting in a more expressive, dynamic sound.
Image Credit: Pexels