The Baritone and the Concert are ready for their finish. I use French Polish because it is reputed to be the best finish for tone. It is incredibly thin, Just layer after layer of thin shellac rubbed on thinned with alcohol which quickly evaporates. It is not as tough as the sprayed on plastics but it is a lot easier to fix a scratch and I think has a rich wholesome luster. It also does'nt stink up the workshop and the house. And you could drink the alcohol if you were desperate enough.
I have begun the first of several wash coats to build up a little working surface. Even the first coat begins to bring out the beauty and character of the wood. This is the Juniper top on the concert. The rosette is made of Koa.
Whoa !, look at the grain on the Baritone peg head pop when it gets little diluted shellac.
And the "bear claw" marks on the Sitka Spruce top are beginning to show. They will show brighter and brighter as the finish continues.
Here is the before and after comparison on the side of the concert. The tiger striping will get more and more prominent.
