Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments

Subject: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Mikey joe
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 06:37 AM

Hi folks

I am hoping to buy a bouzouki soon. I've been to look at it and really like the sound of it. It has the usual scratches and knocks, nothing major just surface stuff. Varnish worn etc. How can I repair this? Can I do it myself? Do I just sand down and revarnish? or is this sacrilige? It is a solid top instrument. All help very much appreciated.

Mj

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Jock Morris
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 06:54 AM

Think the biggest question is what type of varnish to use. Seem to remember a thread on violin repair a few months back that went into this in soime depth. Different varnishes can effect the tonal quality.

Scott

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 07:08 AM

Permit me a highly personal opinion. (Do you ever get anything else here?)

Get expert advice on whether any of the wear or damage the instrument shows has a significant negative effect on tone, playability, or stability of the instrument. Any that does, get fixed professionally. Any that does not, leave the f*** alone!

Refinishing will harm the tone more likely than improve it. And the instrument's battle scars are badges of honor, it should be allowed to keep them.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Mikey joe
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 07:21 AM

There is no serious damage to the instrument. As I said just a few scratchs etc. I just want to tidy it up a bit. I don't want to change the look of the instrument.

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: bigchuck
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 07:45 AM

The general rule is DON'T refinish a quality instrument.

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Mikey joe
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 07:51 AM

ok problem solved. Cheers

Mj

Subject: RE: Help: Cosmetic surgery for instruments
From: Lonesome Gillette
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 08:55 AM

Here is a link to a excellent website forum of luthiers, they talk about instrument making/repair IN-DEPTH, and welcome non-Luthier's questions, they also have loads of links and info.

http://www.mimf.com
(my first blue clickie thing, hope it works, can you use any HTML code in these messages?)