Is paint a tone killer?

[OregonMike]

So I know this isn't scientific but I own two vintage Gibson A's that I practice with at home on a regular basis. One is a 1916 pumpkintop A-0 and the other is a 1924 blackface snakehead A-1. Both are very good/excellent condition.

They are both set up identically (by the same pro luthier), new strings, ideal brige placement, identical action. The thing is, as much as I love the snakehead (loud with mojo) I keep coming back to the pumpkintop for it's warm, ringing tone.

I know that thicker finishes are avoided by the F5 owner/builders who seem to favor thin varnish finishes like the pumpkintop.

My question is - am I imagining these differences in tone or does a painted topped instrument have significantly different tonal qualities (similar to a mando that has been heavily laquered or something)?

Thanks,

Mike

[sunburst]

The simplest definition of paint is; varnish with added pigment.
I'm not absolutely sure what Gibson used on the blackface instruments, but I think it's similar to the regular varnish they used, but with black pigment added. There shouldn't be a huge difference in sound attributable to the finish alone.

There are so many variables in mandolins that can make a much bigger difference in the sound than finish of any kind that I suspect you just have two different sounding mandolins, and they happen to be different colors.

[Big Joe]

In that paraticular finish it should make no difference. You can do a colored instrument without altering tone if you only use the same amount and kind of finish. You can stain the wood before adding lacquer or varnish and make it as opaque or clear as you wish with a complete colorizing of the wood and then add the top finish (lacquer or varnish) and it should not be a problem. If you use a paint and want it heavily opaque you may have to add more coats to achieve the same goal. That could affect tone. Many companies will put a sealer coat on, then the color coat(s) and then clear coats on top of that. The top consideration is not color, but how to achieve that color and how thick a finish you wish to have.

[OregonMike]

Thanks John & Joe that helps a lot.

So the way I understand you a tinted varnish paint job is still thinner than a lacquer finish?

And John I learned on your awesome web site that a thin lacquer finish is comparable in tone to a varnish coat.

I'm not saying I don't enjoy this old snakehead at all - just that as you say it is a different sound.

(By the way John I spend my days machining aircraft parts for a major aerospace company and I'm in love with that amazing tail piece you designed.)

Mike

[JEStanek]

I remember a luthier in the builders section saying you could use KILZ to make a whiteface mando and then varnish over it with a little amber to get that older look. I've been wonering if black KILZ or fiebings leather stain would work better. I guess it depends on whether I want to see grain or not....

Jamie