Difference between regular and hand rubbed satin finishes

[plaidseason]

The main difference I think with this sort of HR Guild finish and standard satin finishes is the lack of grain filler, which I imagine would reduce production time considerably.

I'm bringing this thread back up again, because I was able to spend some time yesterday playing both my DV52 (HR finish) and my JV52 (satin finish), and I have to say, I much much prefer the HR finish, specifically because of the lack of grain filler. It's probably just me, but I really do love the feel of naked wood. Does that make sense? Especially on the mahogany neck and rosewood back and sides, you can see the pores, and something about that just makes the guitar seem that much more... organic, to me.

I like that too. And I do think the thinner/lighter nature of the finish plays a really big part in the tonal characteristics of my DV4, which sounds ridiculously good.

The downside of the handrubbed finish is that it isn't the most durable finish in the world. The top of my DV4 is pretty clean, as are the bass bout and the back, but the treble bout is filled with marks from every time someone has played the thing sitting down with Chapstick and/or coins in his/her pocket.

-Chris

 

[Bobby McGee]

My DV52 is 'Satin', but it has devloped some 'Glossy' edges over the years.
Does anyone know how to get the 'Glossy' parts back to the original 'Satin' finish?
I have tried to take a picture to highlight this, but it is difficult to portray (plus I wanted to show off my back) :lol:
Also, this has probably been asked before, but has anyone ever converted a 'Satin' finish to a 'Glossy' finish, and if so, how?

Bobby.

 

[chazmo]

The main difference I think with this sort of HR Guild finish and standard satin finishes is the lack of grain filler, which I imagine would reduce production time considerably.

I'm bringing this thread back up again, because I was able to spend some time yesterday playing both my DV52 (HR finish) and my JV52 (satin finish), and I have to say, I much much prefer the HR finish, specifically because of the lack of grain filler. It's probably just me, but I really do love the feel of naked wood. Does that make sense? Especially on the mahogany neck and rosewood back and sides, you can see the pores, and something about that just makes the guitar seem that much more... organic, to me.

jc, I just wanted you to know that I think the Ensenada-built DV-4 & -6 must be hand-rubbed. When I first started looking at them, I thought they were unfinished (naked) wood. Sounds like this is very similar to what you experience on your DV-52.

 

[jcwu]

jc, I just wanted you to know that I think the Ensenada-built DV-4 & -6 must be hand-rubbed. When I first started looking at them, I thought they were unfinished (naked) wood. Sounds like this is very similar to what you experience on your DV-52.

The funny thing is, the hand-rubbed finish is designated for the more economical lines of the brand, but I personally find it much more likable.

There's just nothing that compares to hand-rubbing naked wood, you know?

 

[killdeer43]

Under one of my numerous 'hats' I'm a cabinet maker, and I always push for a finish that's more hand-rubbed or satin.
Not only does it cut down on my shop time, but I just like the way wood looks when it's not as glossy.

When I begin to see trees in the forest sporting a shiny/nitro cell look, I might have to hang up my router, etc.

MHO,
Joe

 

[chazmo]

jc, I just wanted you to know that I think the Ensenada-built DV-4 & -6 must be hand-rubbed. When I first started looking at them, I thought they were unfinished (naked) wood. Sounds like this is very similar to what you experience on your DV-52.

The funny thing is, the hand-rubbed finish is designated for the more economical lines of the brand, but I personally find it much more likable.

There's just nothing that compares to hand-rubbing naked wood, you know?

I'm not sure I feel the same way. I do like satin finish on a neck, but the DVs I tried recently were just too "raw" to me. There's nothing like raw, hand-rubbed wood, right?

 

[adorshki]

There's just nothing that compares to hand-rubbing naked wood, you know?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Couldn't have said it better myself. 8)

 

[hansmoust]

I've always loved the hand rubbed satin finish on my '95 DV52,

Hello jcwu,

Did you get my message?

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[jcwu]

I've always loved the hand rubbed satin finish on my '95 DV52,

Hello jcwu,

Did you get my message?

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

Yes, reply's been sent. Fridays are typically hectic for me and I don't get home til late so I didn't have a chance to check the serial number.

 

[hansmoust]

Yes, reply's been sent.

Thanks a lot!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl