Does the finish affect the tone of the instrument?
I would be the first to say that the finish plays an important role on the tone of the instrument. In the past 30 years I’ve seen so many changes in the various coatings used on instruments and all the regulations that hurt the small builders. The nitrocellous lacquers have all gone from California and the so-called lacquers have plasticers in them that soften or dull the sound of a fine piece of wood. Instruments coated with substitute finishes lack the snap and sound like they have a blanket placed over them. I’m looking for an out of state finisher that can mix or still get the nitrocellous lacquer to help restore instruments. I like the tone and feel of nitrocellouse so much better then anything on the market especially the poly and urthane finishes. I feel bad for the fine builders that have to substitute the finishes for un-natural products and many have moved out of California just for that reason.
