The Finish

I have added a photograph of the guitar some eight months after it was made. The spruce top has darkened considerably as the guitar ages. The difference in color is evident from comparison between the new photograph and those below. The sound has improved as the structure stabilizes and the guitar responds to regular playing.

The guitar is completed. Chuck did an excellent job of applying a lacquer finish. This, a time consuming process, involved sealing the grain, sanding, applying wash coats of sealer then several build coats of lacquer. These are allowed to cure, then leveled. Additional coats are applied and the curing and leveling process repeated followed by the final rub out and polishing. The neck is left with a satin finish which is pleasant to the touch.

The outcome can be seen in the photographs (double click to enlarge). Chuck is a perfectionist and went to a lot of trouble to achieve a high quality outcome. He took extra care to drop fill a section of the purfling that was absorbing lacquer, followed by a repeat of part of the build and leveling process. I think he takes almost as much pride in this guitar as I do.

Having had some time to play and examine the guitar I am very pleased with the outcome. The woods are not exotic by any means, and the slightly knotty grain in the mahogany back and gently curved grain in the sides might not conform to the unblemished symmetry which is popular in commercial guitars. However, they reflect personal choices and together with the transparent natural finish contribute to the instrument's unique character. Tonally it is the equal of several high quality acoustic guitars I have acquired over the years and will improve with time as the woods settle and the act of playing enhances the instruments resonance. I am pleasantly surprised with what I was able to achieve at a first attempt. Chuck's process and guidance helped me build to a standard that would otherwise have required many attempts and a gradual learning curve. Instead I was able to concentrate on the fundamental skills required at each stage. Could I do better and will I build another guitar? That remains to be seen. For the time being I am looking forward to enjoying a fine instrument with special significance. All that remains now if for me to design a label and glue that inside the soundbox of the guitar. I'll probably wait until I'm putting on a fresh set of strings.

I have included a low resolution video of me playing the guitar. The tune is Si Bheag, Si Mhor, by the 17th Century Irish Harpist, Turlough O'Carolan. This one's for Seamus.