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That's all you get - it looks better from a distance.

I love the sound. I'm still struggling with finishing issues. I think I've finally figured out that the shellac flakes I used weren't fresh enough, and the finish is still soft enough to fingerprint even 2 weeks after the last application! You can see this in the picture.

I used the Stew-Mac Behkol solvent with some flakes that I got on eBay (aaaarrrrgggg).

I'm wondering if I have to sand this off prior to applying some fresher stuff, or if it's okay to leave it?

Thanks in advance,
Ron

Ron You miight want to try some everclear on a pad to remove as much as possible before sanding. Nice looking guitar, my early finishes left a lot to be desired. It gets easier with practice.

Al

Dont'cha love it!
Great job Ron! The first on is always a huge mile stone and the most fun!

Whats next

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I still get a thrill the first time that they sing.

Al

Yes, Lance, I do love it!

Next up - I'll try not to butcher a parlor guitar.

Ron

Thanks for the Everclear tip, Al. I'll give that a try.

The sound exceeded my expectations (which were low, I guess). I've only played a 30 y.o. Yahama (FG-140). I always liked it just fine, but it will be second fiddle now! I could be biased though...

Ron

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Nice work Ron. Congratulations!
As far as the flakes go, to the best of my knowledge, they don't go bad with age until they are mixed up. I'm guessing the ebay issue might have added a level of impurity to them which is causing them to stay soft. You never know with ebay.
Everclear is a good tip. In fact, if I were you and you intend to FP more often, I'd use it all the time. It's not toxic like DA can be. Plus it's always good to have around the shop (for madicinal purposes of course )

I Like It!! Very Nice Job!!

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

You're all very kind. It's not nearly as nice as anything else I've seen posted here, but it's done (and there's something to be said for that, I think).

I'll take some better pics once I'm happier with the finish. I also want to point out many of the flaws in the hope that other beginner luthiers will take heart and not be discouraged by a few minor setbacks.

I love multi-purpose tools. Sounds like the Everclear fits the bill.

Ron

definitely a keeper, nice looking guitar Ron!

Serge

Way to go Ron. Look forward to seeing your next build.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Ron,
That looks like a great 1st guitar! You should be very proud completing this one. Now you should just go enjoy it as you ponder your next build!
Tracy

Really nice!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike

Yep, she's a keeper. Well done.

Good job Ron. This is fun isn't it?

Congrats on finishing your 1st Ron! Very nice

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Very nice guitar Ron...Yeah that everclear is good stuff. we used to make are Jungle Juice with that stuff when we were in are teens. I'm suprised I can still remember those days after that stuff.

[QUOTE=RonWeaver]The sound exceeded my expectations (which were low, I guess). I've only played a 30 y.o. Yahama (FG-140). I always liked it just fine, but it will be second fiddle now! I could be biased though...

Ron[/QUOTE]
There's nothin' like home cookin', huh?

Another possibility for your soft finish is that your flakes might not be de-waxed. De-waxed is best for lutherie purposes (though I've read that some experienced polishers can get a hard finish with the waxy stuff). You can buy de-waxed flakes, which is easiest, or remove the wax yourself. To do that, desolve your flakes as usual, then strain the shellac through some folded-over cheese cloth or paper coffee filters. Keep at it with fresh cloth or filters until the shellac runs through without leaving any residue.

BTW, many experts say that all shellac, even the de-waxed should be filtered at least once before use.