Why does my mando look dull beside others?

[JustLearning]

Hello everyone this is my first post.

This probably a stupid question but I always see mandos that have a very high gloss. Mine is kinda dull in comparison. I have tried Martin guitar polish and a microfiber cloth. Can you wax a mandolin? BTW, I have Morgan Monroe Phantom of the Opry

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

I don't know about the Morgan Monroes, but each maker is a little different with the finish. My Lawrence Smart has a varnish finish which is sorta dull as far as the shine goes, then my Gibson is a little shinier, even though it, too is a varnish finish. Then my Collings which is a lacquer finish is the highest gloss of all. Maybe some of the luthiers out there could tell you how to get yours shinier.

[mandoman4807]

If it is lacquer, you can use 3M Imperial hand glaze. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT ON VARNISH!

Darrell

[frets1]

What type of polish did Bill Monroe use on "THE LOAR"? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Damnation Gulch]

What do you think of your Phantom besides the finish? I just got mine yesterday and while the finish looks fine to me and the tone and playability are eons above my old dime store A, the A is still louder. I'm hoping a new set of strings a few good beatings will change that as lord knows I whipped the old A into submission...LOL!

Edit after day 3: I havent changed strings yet but I HAVE beat the life out of the thing and I will say now that this mando smokes the ol A! This really makes me wanna beat on a Gibson to see the difference as I have seen the light! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[JustLearning]

There was nothing wrong with the finish. I am just obsessed. #I love it. Though it isnt as loud as my old Fender. It is very easy to play and that is one of the main reasons I chose it. It plays very smooth without wearing your fingers to the bone during the long practice sessions. The tone is great(to my ears anyway). I have even came to like flat finger board. I planned to get a MK Dragonfly but like the Phantom better because of looks and ease of play.

I use 3M Imperial hand glaze on my truck. I would assume it has a lacquer finish but i will look it up to be sure.

[Greenmando]

I imagine it has a poly urethane finish, I think the phantoms were made with a flat finish deliberately.

[Damnation Gulch]

Justlearning,

I havent read all of this yet but there's some pretty cool info on many questions you (as well as myself) may have on the Morgan Monroe's...

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2634.htm

[JustLearning]

I read through it, didnt see anything on the finish of the phantom. oh well, would 3M imperial hand glaze be safe on poly?

[mandoJeremy]

Yes.

[JustLearning]

I will have to try it then. Thank you all for your responses.

[solerydr]

Theres something a little disturbing about a well polished mandolin. Then again maybe Im just a slob.

[mandroid]

nobody will notice if your playing is brilliant.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif