finishes- satin vs gloss

davideo0 · 01-29-2005, 12:28 AM

what's the difference between satin and gloss finishes on a guitar? does it affect sound? Which is better? If my guitar has a satin finish now, can I get a gloss finish on it? Around how much would that cost? lotsa questions, need lotsa answers!

**thesteve** · 01-29-2005, 12:54 AM

gloss is shiny...satin is not shiny...that's the basics.

guitarfreak217 · 01-29-2005, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davideo0

what's the difference between satin and gloss finishes on a guitar? does it affect sound? Which is better? If my guitar has a satin finish now, can I get a gloss finish on it? Around how much would that cost? lotsa questions, need lotsa answers!

What David said. Also, the affect that a finish will have on the sound of a guitar depends on how heavily the finish is applied. Which is better is a matter of personal preference. Each one has it's advantage. I like how a satin finish doesn't need to be cleaned as much as a gloss finish but a gloss finish(especially one that really brings out the figuring of the wood) is just plain stunning to look at. If you wanted to get a gloss finish on a guitar that has a satin finish, I believe you would have to get the guitar completely re-finished, but I'm not entirely sure on all of the details of getting a guitar refinished. And I also don't know how much it would cost.

PianoMan · 01-29-2005, 01:49 AM

Since a Satin finish is much lighter then a gloss, it lets the top ring more, therefore creating a better overall tone. Not a huge difference though. I personally prefer a gloss finish because I love the look of it and it is much more durable.

**Rainer.** · 01-29-2005, 10:16 AM

On electrics, a satin finish allows for more vibration in the guitar, with less dampening by the finish, wwhich allows for a more lively tone in the high end. Also satin finishes on necks usually allow your hand to be much faster then on glossy finishes. However, glossy is usually most durable.

davideo0 · 01-29-2005, 11:20 AM

so what goes into redoing a finish? do you have to sand it down something

tht00 · 01-29-2005, 12:11 PM

well, first off, it would help to know if it was an acoustic or electric we are talking about.

**thesteve** · 01-29-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

On electrics, a satin finish allows for more vibration in the guitar, with less dampening by the finish, wwhich allows for a more lively tone in the high end. Also satin finishes on necks usually allow your hand to be much faster then on glossy finishes. However, glossy is usually most durable.

for some reason i've never liked satin neck finishes...they feel too abrasive to me...a good clean glossy neck has always seemed faster than the satin finishes i've played.

Jesse Joshua · 01-29-2005, 02:04 PM

...if yer into big belt buckles (not sure what's cool in virginia)....then stick with the satin.

**Rainer.** · 01-29-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davideo0

so what goes into redoing a finish? do you have to sand it down something

Yep, sand it down or strip it some other way, then re-paint it, or re-oil it.

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