inside the instrument

[John Bertotti]

Out of curiosity and apologies if I have asked this before but just forgot, why don't builders finish or seal the insides of the instruments?

[fscotte]

Extra weight.

[John Bertotti]

I can't imagine a sealer coat would weigh that much.

[multidon]

Some do. The late Walt “Gypsy” Kuhlman used to coat the inside of his instruments with shellac. I talked with him once about why and he claimed that it was an “Old World” technique that protected the instrument from temperature and humidity changes. But I have doubts about the effectiveness of that technique. I don’t think shellac would seal against moisture well enough to help with that. Finishing an instrument serves two primary purposes. One, for appearance, and two, to protect against dirt, body oils and chemicals, grime, etc. Since the inside of an instrument is neither seen nor touched, finish there would serve no good purpose.

[William Smith]

Gibson's are still surviving after 100+ years!, without interior finish! As are 500 year old Strads and such

[MikeEdgerton]

Here are some past discussions.

[John Bertotti]

Thanks all, I will run through those old discussions then come back should I have any questions.