Guitar Finishes: The Lasting Beauty of Your Instrument.
Are you looking to find the perfect guitar finish to match your unique style of playing? Are you curious to learn more about the options available to you? Whether you’ve been playing guitar for years, or you’re just starting out on your musical journey, understanding the various types of guitar finishes available to you can be a huge help in finding the perfect guitar for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the world of guitar finishes. We’ll explore the various types of finishes, their various advantages and disadvantages, and their lasting beauty. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to find the perfect finish for your guitar. Let’s dive in!
When it comes to guitar finishes, there are four main types – acoustic, gloss, satin, and aged. Each of these finishes have different looks and different properties. Let’s take a closer look at each of these types and what they offer.
Acoustic guitar finishes are most commonly found on classical and acoustic guitars. The finish is applied to the wood through a series of processes that all work together to create a smooth, attractive surface. It also helps protect the wood from scratches and wear, making it an ideal finish for guitars that will be used and enjoyed over a long period of time. The downside to acoustic finishes is that they can sap the tone of the guitar as they mute the wood’s natural resonance, resulting in a less vibrant sound.
Gloss guitar finishes are very common, and you’ll often see them on electric guitars. As their name suggests, these finishes are highly glossy and reflective, making them great for guitars that need to look attractive on stage or in the studio. Like acoustic finishes, gloss finishes also do a decent job of protecting the guitar from wear and tear. A downside to glossy finishes is that they’re prone to fingerprints, so you’ll have to be especially careful when handling your guitar.
Satin finishes are another type of finish used on guitars. As opposed to glossy finishes, satin finishes are matte and tend to have very little reflection. This makes them perfect for a more natural look. Satin finishes don’t protect the guitar as well as gloss or acoustic finishes but they do provide a great tone and a natural feel.
Finally, aged guitar finishes were once only used on vintage guitars but now they’re becoming increasingly popular on modern instruments. Aged finishes give the guitar an incredibly authentic look, as though it’s been playing for decades. These finishes are created by artificially age the wood and adding a coat of lacquer to make it look authentic. Aged finishes provide a unique look but they can be difficult to clean and maintain.
Knowing the different types of guitar finishes is essential for any musician looking to find the perfect instrument. Each type of finish provides its own advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll have to choose the one that best suits your style of playing and desired look. Hopefully, this blog post has given you a better understanding of the various guitar finishes and what they have to offer. Good luck with your search for the perfect guitar finish!