“Are You Making These Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Guitar Finish?”

by Philin Guitar finishes, Guitarson Posted on

Are You Making These Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Guitar Finish?

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Are You Making These Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Guitar Finish?

Choosing the right finish for your guitar is important. It can affect the look and feel of your guitar, as well as its sound. However, many guitarists make mistakes when choosing a finish, which can end up costing them in the long run. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common mistakes guitarists make when choosing a finish, and how you can avoid them.

Table of Contents

Mistake 1: Choosing a Finish Based Solely on Appearance

One of the biggest mistakes guitarists make when choosing a finish is basing their decision solely on appearance. While the look of your guitar is important, it’s not the only factor you should consider. You should also think about the feel of the finish, and how it affects the sound of your guitar.

Some guitar finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, are known for their thin, vintage-like feel. Other finishes, such as polyester, have a more plastic-like feel. The feel of the finish can affect how comfortable the guitar is to play, and how easily you can move your fingers up and down the neck.

In addition to considering the feel of the finish, you should also think about how it affects the sound of your guitar. A thick or heavy finish can dampen the vibrations of the wood, which can affect the tone of your guitar. A light or thin finish, on the other hand, can allow the wood to vibrate more freely, which can result in a brighter and more resonant tone.

Mistake 2: Not Considering the Sound of the Finish

As we just mentioned, the sound of your guitar can be affected by the finish you choose. It’s important to consider the sound of the finish, as well as the feel of it. Some finishes, such as shellac, are known for producing a warm and natural tone. Other finishes, such as urethane, are known for their bright and modern sound.

When choosing a finish based on sound, it’s important to think about the style of music you play. If you’re into blues or classic rock, you might want to choose a finish that produces a warm and natural tone. If you’re into heavy metal or modern rock, you might want to choose a finish that produces a bright and modern sound.

It’s also worth noting that different types of wood can sound better with different types of finish. For example, mahogany is known for producing a warm and dark tone, which can be accentuated by a shellac finish. Maple, on the other hand, is known for its bright and snappy tone, which can be accentuated by a urethane finish.

Mistake 3: Choosing a Finish That Requires too Much Maintenance

Another mistake guitarists make when choosing a finish is picking one that requires too much maintenance. Some finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, require regular polishing and upkeep to maintain their appearance. Other finishes, such as polyester, are more durable and require less maintenance.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining your guitar, you might want to opt for a finish that requires less upkeep. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes to keep your guitar looking its best, you might not mind a finish that requires regular polishing and upkeep.

Mistake 4: Not Consulting with a Professional

Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes guitarists make when choosing a finish is not consulting with a professional. A guitar finisher or luthier can help you choose the right finish based on your preferences and needs. They can also help you understand the pros and cons of different finishes, and how they might affect your guitar.

In some cases, a professional can also help you apply the finish to your guitar, ensuring a high-quality and long-lasting result. If you’re not sure which finish to choose, or how to apply it, it’s worth consulting with a professional before making a decision.

Rethinking Your Guitar Finish

Now that you know some of the most common mistakes guitarists make when choosing a finish, it’s time to rethink how you approach your guitar finish. By considering factors such as the feel and sound of the finish, its required maintenance, and consulting with a professional, you can ensure that you choose the right finish for your guitar.

FAQs

  • What is the best finish for a guitar?

    There is no one best finish for a guitar, as it depends on your preferences and needs. Some popular finishes include nitrocellulose lacquer, polyester, and urethane.

  • What finish lasts the longest on a guitar?

    Urethane finishes tend to be the most durable and long-lasting finishes for guitars.

  • Can you apply a finish to a guitar yourself?

    While it is possible to apply a finish to a guitar yourself, it can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It’s often best to consult with a professional to ensure a high-quality result.

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