Varnish on an F4 [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

red7flag

Mar-30-2006, 6:36am

I am getting close to working out the final details on my Pomeroy, and the issue of finish keeps nagging at me. #I am trying to get as close to the pre 20 Gibson F4 sound or maybe something that Don Paine makes that is better. #I know this finish question was asked about A models, but I didn't want to highjack that thread an with F4 question. #I am curious what the mando historians and gear heads (I mean that affectionately and with respect, most of the time) know about this issue. I would love some imput. #Thanks in advance.
Tony

Tom Smart

Mar-30-2006, 9:56am

With all due respect, I would suggest letting Don Paine (or any builder) use the finishing materials and techniques that he's accustomed to, rather than trying to tell him to do something else.

Chris Baird

Mar-30-2006, 10:54am

I agree with Tom, but, to answer the question most were probably straight shellac.

red7flag

Mar-30-2006, 11:42am

Chris,
Is that being used today, just curious?
Tony

PNewson

Mar-30-2006, 12:28pm

Tony, I also agree with Tom, but check out the Gibson Finish thread in the "Vintage Instruments" section of the message board. It's good stuff.

Jim M.

Mar-30-2006, 1:58pm

Paul - Welcome to the board! Did you finally get broadband out there? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

See this thread where some of us happy owners gush about your instruments:
Newson (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=33470)

red7flag

Mar-30-2006, 2:25pm

Paul, That thread on Gibson finishes was awesome. #Not sure if I understand all of it, but enough to be dangerous. #Thanks for the recommendation.
Tony

Tom Smart

Mar-30-2006, 3:41pm

Chris,
Is that being used today, just curious?
Tony
I'm not Chris, but yes, shellac is very commonly used today, both straight and in combination with other things, and applied using a variety of different techniques.

I've only seen and played one Pomeroy. Based on its appearance I guessed it was varnished, and based on its tone I guessed it was X-braced. I was wrong on both counts: it was nitro lacquer and tone-bar braced.

Which illustrates that it's not the model or materials, but what the builder does with them.

Tom

red7flag

Mar-30-2006, 8:11pm

I think my main problem is that I don't trust myself. I keep obsessing about details because I don't want the instrument to get here and then realize that I made a bad decision. Over and over, people, especially builders, tell me to trust my builder. I actually do. It is me I don't trust.
Tony