I think I asked this

Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	I think I asked this Feb 28, 2023 9:03:26 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on Feb 28, 2023 9:03:26 GMT -5 but if I did, I don't remember the answer... in reference to, gloss vs satin finish. Why is it that lower end guitars have a gloss finish, but more expensive ones have a satin finish?
	Playin at playin guitar- SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME Guild D140 Natural Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son) Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric Lag T118ASCE-BLK Guild D240E A-M-I J45 clone Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
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I think I asked this Feb 28, 2023 10:30:22 GMT -5 ancient1 and Garland like this

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Post by Derick on Feb 28, 2023 10:30:22 GMT -5

Garland,

Don't know if I answered this before.

Very expensive and cheap guitars, both have Gloss and satin finishes.
Think there is a bit of a fashion statement.
People used to say guitar manufacturers used gloss to hide imperfections and gloss paint reduced volume and sustain, so more manufacturers moved over to Satin finish.
I have absolutely no idea if the above is true or not.
The finish on a guitar would have no effect on me buying a guitar, if I liked the guitar and tone, I'd buy it. That's if I was in the market for a new guitar.

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blues90 Supreme Member Posts: 1,668 AKA: William Location: Hollywood ,CA Playing guitar since: A very long time .	I think I asked this Feb 28, 2023 10:53:52 GMT -5 ancient1 likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by blues90 on Feb 28, 2023 10:53:52 GMT -5 The very expensive guitars with a gloss finish don't have the thick poly applied so thick, they use thin coats of solvent or water based lacquer and sand between then buff.
	2004 Seagull Grand S series 2020 Recording King Dirty 30's RSP-7 Tobacco Sunburst 2020 Ibanez AC340 000/ Grand Concert 2020 Luna Gypsy mahogany parlor 2021 Recording King 0G6Nat Three hand built Fender Stratocasters One Hand build own design odd ball.

TonyKgull
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Location: Ontario, Canada

I think I asked this Feb 28, 2023 14:03:17 GMT -5 ancient1 likes this

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Post by TonyKgull on Feb 28, 2023 14:03:17 GMT -5

I'll second blues90 ,. Not all finishes are the same. All gloss is not the same and all satin is not the same. The higher end guitars will have a much higher quality of gloss or satin finish.

The finishes are both a fashion statement and a pragmatic consideration. "Usually" the high gloss is for a more "showy" or "bling" look and for protection cuz the guitar wants to stay good looking on stage.

Satin is "usually" also for a specific look and seems to be generally preferred by players who want to get into the more "beat up" or "aged" look faster. And of course, some just don't like shiny. lol.

I was undecided for over a decade, but I think I finally landed on gloss or high gloss as my favorite. Not sure why, I don't hate satin or anything, would still buy a satin finish guitar, but my fav is gloss now for sure.

Last Edit: Feb 28, 2023 14:04:04 GMT -5 by TonyKgull

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Post by Garland on Feb 28, 2023 9:03:26 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 28, 2023 10:30:22 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on Feb 28, 2023 10:53:52 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 28, 2023 14:03:17 GMT -5

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