Big Muddy/Mid-Mo Neck Finish

**Rosemary Philips** · Jul-08-2012, 12:26pm

Hello: Can anyone tell me whether the neck on the Big Muddy/Mid-Missouri is a satin finish or unfinished? I saw where someone recommended sanding the neck smoother with micro-mesh and am wondering if that would remove the finish or whether there is no finish to remove. Thanks!

**multidon** · Jul-08-2012, 12:40pm

Yes there is a finish on the neck, same finish that's on the rest of the mandolin. What kind of finish is it exactly? Mike Dulak is very elusive about what it is exactly, but I saw a picture of him wiping it on with a rag once so it's certainly not lacquer. It would be a safe assumption that it is some sort of wipe on varnish type product. If you smooth the neck with Micro-mesh you should not sand through or remove the finish if you are not overly aggressive, only smooth it. I like the way mine feels as-is so I haven't done it. I don't think it's the type of finish that is meant to be highly polished, so I wouldn't go through all the grits. Just a few strokes with 1500 should smooth it nicely. You could go up to 1800 or 2400 if that doesn't satisfy you. Go slowly and a little at a time. Good luck!

**8ch(pl)** · Jul-08-2012, 5:57pm

I believe it is Nitrate Cellulose Lacquer, but Mr Dulak uses a polish compound, the name escapes me. It has beeswax in it. I got this from them a number of years ago. It is a trade name item.

**Rosemary Philips** · Jul-08-2012, 6:26pm

Thanks!

**multidon** · Jul-08-2012, 7:14pm

I am sorry to respectfully disagree with 8ch(pl) but I really don't think it's nitrocelluose. I still have the original brochure from the Mid-Missouri Mandolin company that Mike packed with my M-2. Here is a direct quote from the section of the brochure entitled "caring for your instrument":

"The standard finish we use on all our mandolins is a rub on type that we don't know a whole lot about. The manufacturer is pretty tight lipped about its contents. What we do know is, it is relatively easy for us to use, and it protects the wood very nicely. The ease of use helps us keep the costs down and that benefits the buyer. For our standard matt (sic) finish we use Briwax to buff and shine the finish. A coat applied with a soft cloth every month or so will keep the finish looking good. Carnuba wax will also work fine."

Of course if Mike really wanted to know exactly what is in that finish, the Federal government mandates that the ingredients be listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet that all manufacturers are required to file with OSHA. Those are easy enough to look up.

Now, if anybody following this thread believes I am in error and there is indeed somewhere out there in existence an easy to use, wipe on nitrocelluose lacquer finish, I'm sure there are plenty of people on this forum who would love to know where to acquire such a miracle product. But based on Mike's description it sounds to me like an oil-based wipe on gel varnish of the type commonly used on dulcimers and such.

But again to the OP- if you are careful and work on the neck in baby steps with the micro mesh I don't think you will have any problem.

**multidon** · Jul-10-2012, 8:45am

Hello Rosemary! Are you aware that there is a social group for Mid Mo/Big Muddy? Here is a thread where they discuss micro meshing the neck, plus other "enhancements":

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/gr...161&do=discuss