[mugsy]

Open grain finishes are seen on various models--from inexpensive RI Melody Makers to hand-made guitars pushing the 5k mark (e.g., Henman-Bevilacqua). Some argue that the thin finish improves tone while others say it just looks cheap and incomplete.

I've been kicking around the idea of offering this type of finish on a new model. It would still be hand-made with selectable options; color, scale length, choice of TV Jones pickups, wiring, etc. But, the finish would be satin, open grain. This type of finish does take less time to apply, so I would be able to offer this model for considerably less--shooting for about 1k.

So, my question is: Would you consider an open grain finish or is it just a big turn off regardless of price and custom features? Any feedback is appreciated.

[workknot]

mugsy; The open grain satin finish does have a few advantages. The claim is better tone and it does not show smudges or fingerprints as bad as glossy. My own opinion is it looks cheap and I never have cared for an instrument that did not have a glossy well polished finish. That of course is just me. I would pay more for a good nitro laquer finish.
Pop's

[mugsy]

Thanks for the feedback, Pops I suspect that's the majority opinion. I recently picked up a newer Melody Maker to see if I can get used to the open grain look...although I do like the feel.

[coolbus18]

Well, imho, I love open grain, but it depends on the wood.It will tend to pick up dirt over time. So are there any pictures? Quick before the marshall in these parts gets ya'! 8-)

[mugsy]

No pictures...but I have some mahogany on order. The body style would be the same as the pics in my profile. Hopefully JB will give me a pass at this point

[Jukebox]

Just this once!

[JBennett]

I love the finish on the melody maker reissue. Seems like a few steps toward a relic job, but with no dents, scratches, or sanding wear.

[Otterbean]

Thin finishes and open grain don't bother me at all. I am simply accustomed to seeing a nice polished guitar with a semi-gloss or gloss finish. The open grain finsihes are simply a different flavor. Do what you like.

[guitarfarm]

As a woodworker, I have (this is going to come as a surprise to some of you) a strong opinion on this. You see, I like wood and I love a nice oil finish. However, I certainly recognize the fact that some objects simply have to be glossy and have more protection than oil offers. This does not imply, however, that they must be dipped in plastic like certain guitars I can name (but won't). Hint - you may know of this brand already.

Some timbers are open grained while others have a fine grain that polishes up with a simple oil finish. Some of the more common open grained timbers are oak, mahogany, and walnut (to a certain degree). I work with a great deal of mahogany. In fact, I am currently building an amp cabinet out of mahogany with ebony accents. If I am building a piece of furniture (say, a wine cabinet or a hall table) out of mahogany, I tend to leave the grain open on all surfaces except the top. I will even leave the shelves open grained while finishing the top. But, filling the pores does not have to imply a heavy finish. I usually apply a seal coat of shellac with a one pound cut. Allow it to dry and spread a pore filler with a plastic putty knife. I will choose a pore filler to complement the timber and the seal coat keeps the pore filler from staining the adjacent timber fibers. Leave it set ten minutes and scrape the excess filler off with the plastic putty knife. Allow this to dry for at least two days or until you can no longer smell oil. Then rub any remaining filler off with a white abrasive pad (burlap works as well). Be sure to rub across the grain to keep the filler from being pulled out of the pores or you will repeat the previous steps. At this point you may finish the surface with as much or as little finish as needed. Two more coats of shellac, varnish, or lacquer are probably all that is needed at this point. Wet sand with 1000 grit and, if a glossier finish is needed, rub it out with automotive polish and an orbital sander. Thin finish and a classy appearance. It's really quite simple. There is really no need to do the plastic dip unless time is of the essence and profits hang in the balance.

[guitarfarm]

Forgot to mention that I have a mahogany bodied Les Paul that is in line to be stripped and refinished as indicated above. When I am done with it, it will have a very thin finish yet will shine like a brand new automobile.

[Jukebox]

Myself, I've always like the looks of the 'vette natural or the SG Faded. If you want to call them open grain. I would rather have them than the dipped ones.

[mugsy]

Looks like the open grain finish might be worth doing. Here are the features for the $999.00 starting point...plus 20 or so options.

• Open Grain, Opaque Satin Lacquer Finish
• Unbound Mahogany or Swamp Ash Body
• Unbound, Set Mahogany or Maple Neck
• Rosewood Fingerboard
• 12 Inch Radius
• 24.75, 25, or 25.5 Inch Scale Length
• Bone Nut
• 1 3/4" or 1 11/16" Nut Width
• Gotoh Vintage Scalloped Tuners
• Two TV Jones Pickups
• Clean Route Pickup Mounting
• Master Volume Control (CTS Pot)
• Master Tone Control (CTS Pot)
• Three-way Toggle Switch (Switchcraft)
• Schaller 475 Hardtail Bridge
• Electrosocket Jack Mount
• Switchcraft Input Jack

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it.

Any interest in a photo essay of the build process? I was planning to do one for our site anyway.

[ishtar]

Would love to see build photos, please do so! Thanks!