Thinning the finish

[mandozilla]

I have a pac rim "Loar". The fit, finish, workmanship, and playability are first rate but...very little volume. The finish looks to me to be too heavy and I wonder if that might be muffling the Volume. Is there a way remove some of that heavy finish without making the mando look like Fido's rear end? Any suggestions would be appreciated.



"You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose but you can't wipe your friends off on your saddle"-Jonathan Fike

[Michael Lewis]

Attempting to remove enough finish to make a difference in sound and end up with a good appearance is a lot to ask. It would be much easier to strip and refinish the instrument, but that would cost some real money for a professional looking result. Enjoy what you have while you have it and next time get what you really want. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[JEStanek]

Mandozilla,

Check your bridge fit too, if you haven't already. A bridge that isn't well seated to the top can really diminish the instruments volume potential.

Jamie