Official Luthiers Forum!

I am finally at the point where I want to farm out my finishing. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated, Someone in the N. Virginia/ D.C./ Balt. area would be ideal, but if I have to ship it probably doesn't matter. Thanks in advance.

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It's not the miles ahead, it's the stone in your shoe


In Markham,Virginia

You couldn't do better than Joe White in Middlebury, IN.

(574) 370-5577

GETGOMUSIC@aol.com

Just amazing work!

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Another vote for Joe White.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Who's Joe White??

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Hi all,

I have to put in a plug for Tony Ferguson in Nunica, Michigan. I just got a guitar back from him and it is absolutely stunning! I can give no higher recommendation. I have had Joe White finish a guitar for me too. Joe also did a fabulous job. I will be posting pictures as soon as a get bridge glued on and string her up.

Consequently, I cannot say who is better. I chose Tony this time because Joe is not doing guitars with attached necks these days and my guitars are flamenco/classical made in the Spanish style. Tony's job was so good I haven't been able to stop looking at it.

Best wishes,
Max

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Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

BTW, Tony's contact info' is:

Tony Ferguson
13920 Cleveland
Nunica, Michigan 49448

(616) 842-4114

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Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

Just my 0.02 cents...

I have worked with both Joe and Tony, and both exectute their finishes are executed IMPECCABLY. Tony has been in the guitar finishing business a little longer than Joe, but that is nearly inconsequential. Both were born of the automotive world and can execute a burst like you would not believe. The biggest differences are listed below:

Tony:
sprays cat urethane
will spray anything (electrics, set necks, etc...)
~$375 base price


Joe:
sprays cat polyester
prefers acoustics only, no previously set necks (neck must be free of body)
~$350 base price

These guys are both amzing people as well. the only frustrating thing is choosing who you are going to send your work too!

Stephen

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www.ziegenfussguitars.com

Dale Bartholomew of Easton PA does some of the best Nitro work and is affordable. He was in charge of Martin's finishing till he went on his own.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I do my own and enjoy doing it, but from what I have seen Joe White does a great job, he lays on a thin finish and the guitars look real good. If I was to send one away Joe would be my first pick.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

My money and my guitars go to Tony Ferguson.

(Should be a bumper sticker.)

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I guess I'm in the minority here. I do my own, and always have. I also do a few finishes, and re finishes for others.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I can also recommend Tony. Great work, excellent communication, always finished when he says it will be, nice guy.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

+ 1 for Joe White

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

He's sitting in the chair with me. Honestly, I had no idea so many farmed this task out. Guess it makes sense if you want to use dangerous materials ( nitro, cat poly, etc.)

50 or so Guitars, Ukes & Resonators with Joe White. Don't let the red hair fool you, Joe's no stepchild when it comes to his finishes. He's more anal than me!

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitars.com

I haven't made a guitar in a 8 months but I have used both Tony and Joe. Both do outstanding work!!!!!!

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Does anyone have contact information for Dale Bartholomew? Thanks,

I sprayed my own for the first 75 or so. Been using Tony Ferguson for the past 100 or more.

I cannot say enough good things about him, or his work. He does amazing finishes, and if he tells you it will be done in such and such time you might as well book it because it WILL be done then. I cannot possibly imagine a better guy to work with. He has been doing guitar finishes for longer than many of us have been building guitars.

His finishes are very thin, and like a mirror.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Your guys' guitars are coming back buffed out already? That's almost enough to make it worthwhile right there...

I've been using Joe White. He has been doing a fantastic job.

Chris.

I've worked in plastics tooling for years, involving optical finishes for refractive lenses, interoccular lenses(cataract replacements), various medical devices, many requiring number 1 optical finishes and I can say Joe's work is first rate. Absolutely perfect!!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Dale Bartholomew
3898 Hollo Road
Easton, PA 18045

610-759-5287

Dale does flawless Nitro finishes and will finish with neck on.

As was stated before, he used to work for Martin in finishing. His nitro finishes will look like that brand new Martin you have been lusting after

He also does crack repairs and finish repairs. Also does the occasional finishing instruction class

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John Ressler

Me , cause its a hobby and I dont have a spare $375.00 to spend on getting a pro finish !

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Me..........!!

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