Lute help

[pickerfromhell]

A friend gave me a 13 chorus german Lute.

It looks to be about 40yrs old.

It's in pretty decent shape after cleaning it up.

I'd like to put a satin coating on the top---

Anyone have experience with this instrument and application processes---it has no top coat of anything.

Thanks
pic

http://renaissance.dm.net/compendium/art/lute-master.jpg

[Michael Lewis]

French polish. Make sure the wood is clean first, or the dirt will be trapped forever.

[crawdad]

Ah, yes--French polish is the ticket. Sand the surfaces to be finished with finer and finer grits until you have wood that is practically a mirror finish, then begin your french polish, building up coats slowly. You will be amazed at the final product. I used to like lacquer, but I am sold on the feel and look of french polish now. I'll never go back.

[pickerfromhell]

thanks for the advice--http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[billkilpatrick]

hope you haven't done it yet.

the lute sound board shouldn't have anything on it, let alone french polish.

try the lute society site (dartmouth) for more accurate information.
what a wonderful gift! you' re very fortunate - bill