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Thread: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

  1. #1

    Default Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    I know this may be a generalization - but in general - which has the most "wood" sound - gloss or satin? I love varnish finishes, but one does not always get lucky enough to have it!

  2. #2
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    While I’m sure someone can discern a tonal difference based on the lack of flattening agent in the varnish, I am not one of them. Such a person might be hard to find.
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    Registered User Joey Anchors's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    I don’t think gloss vs satin finish makes a big impact on how the mandolin sounds. The thickness of the finish has more of an impact than the type used.
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  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    It doesn't affect the sound all things equal and considered. If one finish is thicker than another it might, varnish vs lacquer might but gloss vs satin, again all things equal should be the same.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  5. #5

    Default Re: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    The two best sounding mandolins I have ever played had a nitro finish. One was a very plain Weber A type and the other was a Gibson F. Both just loud incredible sound. In my opinion I do not think finish makes a big difference. Very few high end guitars have a varnish finish and they can sound great. Just my opinion now please.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Gloss or Satin finish? Sound difference?

    NO difference to my ears ! But, to my tongue Charles Shaw wine ( $2.99 a bottle) tastes as good as $20-30 dollar a bottle wine ! My ears have a difficult time differentiating between mandolin strings also ! Picks are a different story ! Love those BC picks !

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