Going blond

[Perry Babasin]

I didn't find "The Loar" finish to be all that thick, it's just a lot of work to take off finish carefully without screwing up the instrument. It came off pretty easily. Find an older Korean Michael Kelly, now that's thick and impenetrable poly... I suggest a few coats of tru-oil just for durability. I also suggest that somewhere along the line modifications that dramatically improve the instruments playability and sound quality, will increase the value rather than hurt it.

[Ron Cox]

I heartily agree. The value to me would be the experience of making a mediocre mandolin, the most it could be. I'd like to build, but am a little nervous about pulling the trigger on a kit. Refinishing a beater, or entry level PacRim mando, would give me an idea of finishing process.

I personally believe you have a keeper there, but personal taste may vary. Hope it sounds as good as it looks (probably does) and you get to enjoy it for a long time to come.

[Barry Wilson]

I love the natural wood look as well. My mandola, OM and Godin 5th Ave are non stained. I did buy a cheapo blond F style before I got this one. So it was for both reasons... and my godin a8, strat and mandobird still have sunbursts

[Barry Wilson]

It looks pretty good now I think

[aphillips]

Wow Barry - that looks great! I have a Pono koa ukulele that I started scraping a while back (I had dropped it and the headstock cracked so the resale value was moot anyway). The finish is crazy thick - I'm going to have to get back at it. Thanks for posting!

[JeffD]

Good job.

I am firmly in the camp of not being held "hostage" to the resale value. Make it what you want it to be and enjoy it. To have not quite what you want in order to preserve some hypothetical future value that only occurs when you get rid of it anyway...

Good job.

[Barry Wilson]

Thanks guys. I don't consider resale myself. I just call myself an instrument collector hehe. I am super happy with it. She is my baby. The wood grain is really pretty under all that crap. I more often give instruments away rather than sell them. This one will remain with me a long time. I was going to sell the Godin at one point but it has it's place.

[darylcrisp]

Barry
that's a fine looking job. I think it looks killer!

thanks for posting, some good info in this thread on the finish work.
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