Is French polish really better than a lacquer finish?
Although traditional wisdom has it that French polish is more conducive to sound, hence is better, the issue really isn’t that clear. More to the point, the question is how hard and thick the finish is, especially on the top. Although thick, hard finishes will dampen sound, lacquer may be applied just as thinly as French polish, and if properly applied seems to work just as well. There are other considerations as well that should be kept in mind. French polish is notoriously delicate– scratches easily, and does not tolerate heat well. Exposures to moderately high temperatures (120 plus degrees) will soften and may even ruin the finish. Perspiration will dull it. Such factors cause the finish to deteriorate. So, in time, the guitar may need to be refinished. On the plus side, although applying French polishing is an art, and not a do it yourself job, it is very forgiving. Scratches can be repaired by applying new coats over the existing one, and even where the finish has dulled, the ol
