Thread: Instrument finish?

I was just wondering what types of finishes and finishing processes are used on instruments such as pianos and other string instruments (ie. violins, cellos, etc.).

They seem to be able to achieve that smooth, shiny, high gloss finish that looks great. Also, has anyone used a similar finish for razor scales? Would using such a finish for scales be inadvisable due to the amount of moisture they come in contact with?

Originally Posted by ToxIk

Would using such a finish for scales be inadvisable due to the amount of moisture they come in contact with?

This would be my main concern. One of the guys at my local exotic wood shop is a luthier. I can ask him, though I guarentee that instrument finishes aren't applied with water resistance in mind. They may well be water resistant, but that would be a coincidence, IMO.

Any luthiers here??

If I get any info, I'll be sure to pass it on.

Originally Posted by shavethebadger

I can ask him, though I guarentee that instrument finishes aren't applied with water resistance in mind. They may well be water resistant, but that would be a coincidence, IMO.

Any luthiers here??

If I get any info, I'll be sure to pass it on.

Well, the stringed instrument's neck gets a lot of sweat, so moisture resistant is a must.

Modern stringed instruments are finished with a choice of polyurethane 2 component lacquers, nitrocellulose in some cases, Tung oil, Tru oil, Linseed oil, Beeswax, Shellac, Lemon oil e.t.c. The fingerboards are built from Maple, Rosewood, Ebony, Cocobolo. While Maple gets whatever finish is on the back of the neck (usually made from maple or mahogany), Rosewood, Ebony and Cocobolo are usually untreated, due to their high oil content and natural water resistant properties. However, these can often get dry, shrink or crack, so a treatment of Lemon oil is recommended. But if the guitar/violin is used often, the wood soaks the sweat from the hands and it's usually fine trough the (100'ts of) years...

I have built several electric guitars and basses, and have used some of these finishes (nitro, Polyurethane, linseed, beeswax...)

Nenad

here's two books to look up if your library has them:

* Understanding Wood Finishing by Bob Flexner (Rodale Press), and
* Spray Finishing by Andy Charron (The Taunton Press).

This is mostly for pianos. Some manufacturers will use an acrylic finish too.

Originally Posted by superfly

Well, the stringed instrument's neck gets a lot of sweat, so moisture resistant is a must.

Modern stringed instruments are finished with a choice of polyurethane 2 component lacquers, nitrocellulose in some cases, Tung oil, Tru oil, Linseed oil, Beeswax, Shellac, Lemon oil e.t.c. The fingerboards are built from Maple, Rosewood, Ebony, Cocobolo. While Maple gets whatever finish is on the back of the neck (usually made from maple or mahogany), Rosewood, Ebony and Cocobolo are usually untreated, due to their high oil content and natural water resistant properties. However, these can often get dry, shrink or crack, so a treatment of Lemon oil is recommended. But if the guitar/violin is used often, the wood soaks the sweat from the hands and it's usually fine trough the (100'ts of) years...

I have built several electric guitars and basses, and have used some of these finishes (nitro, Polyurethane, linseed, beeswax...)

Nenad

Superfly you are right, I use nitrocellulose on guitars I build(acoustic and electric solid body). My guess would be to use polyurethane. it would probably be more stable and not check or crack up after a while. Dan Earlywine at Stewart Mcdonald has articals on useing basicly super glue as a finish or on touch up work. The only thing with using it is DO not git it on you and make sure there is good ventilation, the fumes are harmfull as well not to mention burns your eyes and has an awfull smell. I belive it is some kind of cancer causing thing. I would also say that the superglue would crack up or check after some time.

Eddie