Official Luthiers Forum!

I am about ready to start the finish process on No. 1. Yea, about time! So I was wondering, is it advisable to pore fill the top?This one is sitka spruce, nothing spectacular but nice enough for a starter. Since the back and sides are quilted ash, I will go for a gloss lacquer finish on this one since I want the grain to show.

I've read posts on this forum about scraping instead of sanding tops so the grain will come through, like on a violin. That to me is a good finish, I like it. But, not sure how it would go with gloss back and sides.

Opinions? Thanks,

_________________
Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

OK, simple enough!

I've only built one spruce top instrument (other than a violin kit) and it was a satin finish. Most of my dulcimers have been the same wood all around, such as poplar, cherry, walnut, etc. I have built some with cedar and redwood tops, that stuff was a booger to sanded out so it didn't have dark patches once the finish was on. Hopefully the spruce will be better.

Thanks!

_________________
Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

A wood conditioner or sanding sealer can give a more even appearance to some woods that might have light/dark patches under stain and finish, but I haven't noticed that tendency with spruce.

Spruce has closed pores. No need to fill.

That being said, the latest I'm working on has a Lutz top that some crazy medullary rays that are actually creating a bit of a challenge to French polish.

_________________
I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...