Re-finihing quality wood?

[911hillclimber]

Thought I would ask on here first for a bit of a guide, or where to get some info based on fact.

I have 'won' an old (1960's) quality acoustic guitar,, made in Italy, sound board front is Sitka spruce, sides and back are mahogany (I think) as is the neck.

The woods are in great shape, no splits etc, so this guitar is worth saving, and means I can have a bit of fun with it as an object.

No idea what the gloss (ish) finish is, what ever was used in mass production in the 60's.

If I manually strip the top gloss coating of (light sanding, razor blades) I will be at the bare wood quickly but would like to refinish again in satin finish, preferably with a goog colour but still allowing the strong wood grain to come through.

What can/should I used?
Any tips welcomed.

[Tosh]

Sounds like a job for Barry C

Am guessing the finish would have been a shellac or old fashioned varnish. I'd be looking at an up to date quality (not what it says on the tin) satin varnish and apply/wire wool/apply repeat to get the protection you need. Or re-apply a shellac
https://www.workshopheaven.com/material ... shers.html

[mycar]

The finish on a string instrument plays a large part in the tone of that instrument.

[scalino65]

Finish on guitars of that age would have been nitro-cellulose.
Have a look at "rothko and frost" and "manchester guitar tech" and you can buy it in aerosol form. You probably want a clear laquer or a lint tint.
Do make absolutely sure if you go down that route that you wear the correct mask as the vapours are not at all good for you.

You will also need to use a sanding sealer before the nitro top coat.

e.g.
https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/ ... /top-coat/

[scalino65]

p.s. if you want to make it then look old, you can spray it with cold compressed air to get the laquer to check.
Here's one i did recently:

[mycar]

^ Beautiful.

Lovely stuff, Nitro cellulose, smells like peardrops and works like poppers but you'd be wise to douse the incense burner before you start.

https://blog.andertons.co.uk/labs/nitro ... r-finishes

[911hillclimber]

Thank you all so far.
The guitar is an Eko Ranger 6.
I already have an Eko E85, a rare bird in jet black, bought it in the late 70's.
This free one plays really well despite string that are very old and rusty.

The original finish is quite good though the sides have something splattered on one side.

I'll start with a good clean and see what I have. Fresh strings, Ernie Balls , will help a lot.

The more I look at it the more I think it is worth leaving alone.
It is a nice solid guitar with a great tone, not the same as my E85, but that is in another class in the Eko line up.

Is the 60s finish the same as cellulose used on cars?

[Bruce M]

Have you seen how much fender custom shop charges for a “relic” lookalike. Brand new with decades of abuse.

Defo suggest it’s left as is cosmetically & only fix what affects the sound.

[911hillclimber]

This was my original intent, along these lines.
I did something not this good on my first electric back in the late 60's, but /I was more imaginative then!