French polish repair

[ken cierp]

I've searched for years for "blind test results" that have verified that a French Polish top actually sounds better than lacquer. As a matter of fact there are premier classic makers that use brushed applied "varnish" Kinkead uses Truoil, Doolin uv cured lacquer, Greven has his own process etc. I just don't agree with the idea that not French Polishing will result in an audible detriment to a guitar classic or other. I certainly see that FB is mainstream in classic guitar marketing. Sorry I have to be the devil's advocated on this issue --- FP is nice but if properly applied so are the other coatings including the modern water bore products.

[ken cierp]

As a follow up to my last post regarding blind tests --- of course a blind test comparing a "carbon fiber violin" to a Stradivarius would be for comedic reasons only -- almost sacrilegious, but is has been done and yielded some shocking results. This is a good read and evidence to me why its difficult to separate the myths from reality when it comes to comparisons of the subjective elements regarding musical instrument excellence.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notro ... -new-ones/

[Renee Labordus]

Repair as good as it is going to get.

[Dave Bagwill]

That's an excellent repair, to my eye at least! Good job.

[ken cierp]

Looks great to me!

What was your process?

[John Link]

I agree with Dave and Ken completely. Congrats. You certainly made it better, much better.

[Renee Labordus]

Thank you gentlemen.
I think probably more luck then skill.

Ken....only processed the bottom side, where the previously repair was and the nail dings.
Sanded it down as much as I dared to. Filled dings and crack with CA. Then sanded it smooth.
Padded 2# cut blonde shellac with oil (about 4 coasts). Sanded level with 320, another couple of coats of shellac.
Rubbed with pumice, then again with rottenstone. In about a week or so, I will polish and buff with car polish.

Can't tell difference between top (not touched) and bottom.