Matte finish vs gloss

[Mark53]

I am interested in the Collings MF mandolin. But I am wondering whether the matte finish is a significent downgrade from the standard gloss finish.

The matte or satin finish is usually used on lower end guitars. Would this be the case with mandolins as well?

The MF sure sounded better than most of the gloss finish models I have seen in that price range.

[250sc]

Some feel the thinner matte finish alows the wood to move more freely. On the other hand some feel they need the extra protection of the many layers of gloss finish.

Personally, I think you should concentrate more on your final statement about the sound.

[8ch(pl)]

I have refinished my Mid Missouri with a semi-gloss nitrate cellulose lacuer, which leans toward gloss. The original was a flat finish. It seemed to look dirty and was hard to clean.

[Big Joe]

It depends upon a few factors. Sometimes less lacquer is used because you don't have to build it up to buff it out. That allows a thinner finish right from the start. That can result in a more open tone from the start. That assumes the builder used less lacquer in applying the matte finish. That is not always the case. They can even be thicker. The best way to tell is just play one next to a gloss one and see what you think.

[John Ely]

Matte is less expensive because it requires less buffing than gloss. I agree with the above posters that the quality of the finish varies with other factors and not along the gloss-matte axis.

[Mark53]

Thanks to all for the input.

Collings' quality is usually very high so I would guess that their matte finish is consistant with their high standards.

[PatrickH]

I compared the two (Collings MF against the MF5) and choose the MF (not that my budget could seriously support the MF5). Mine is #323. I truly thought the MF had a more lively tone.

There is no doubt that a matte finished instrument will feel lighter and less durable. If you take care of it, really what difference does it make?

I happened to fall in love with the one I played (it has the ivoroid white binding on top which I think looks better) so it was an easy decision for me. Comparing the MF to the MF5 is not really apples to apples, you have to compare the MF to other instruments in it's much more modest price range. To me, when you do that it's a slam dunk.

Pat

[Mark53]

Pat,

That MF didn't come from Mandolin Bros by any chance did it?

[Lee]

No one mentioned Pomeroy. Don's mandolins are finished not-really-glossy. I want to steer clear of the word "matte" because there is some shine to the finish. I just got my hands on one and love it. Something to consider; the back of the neck isn't glossy which makes playing nicer, for some people.

[Jack Roberts]

I compared the two (Collings MF against the MF5) and choose the MF (not that my budget could seriously support the MF5). Mine is #323. I truly thought the MF had a more lively tone.
Hey, PatrickH, I've got 320. What a great mandolin, and the matte finish is really nice.

Jack

[Blueglass]

one voice for matte