Varnish on an F4

**red7flag** · Mar-30-2006, 7:36am

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, 10:56am

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, 11:54am

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

**red7flag** · Mar-30-2006, 12:42pm

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

**PNewson** · Mar-30-2006, 1:28pm

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, 2:58pm

Paul - Welcome to the board! Did you finally get broadband out there?

See this thread where some of us happy owners gush about your instruments:
Newson

**red7flag** · Mar-30-2006, 3:25pm

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, 4:41pm

Originally Posted by (red7flag @ Mar. 30 2006, 13:42)

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, 9:11pm

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