Okay, when I got my new OM-MT I loved the satin finish and I still do, but, every time I see one of those hogtops with a polish job I'm really drawn to the look. It seems like the gloss brings out the grain and depth of color in the Mahogany. I said to myself at the start that I wouldn't alter the guitar by removing the pickguard or polishing it like others have done because it may effect the resale value. But the truth is I love this guitar so much I can't imagine ever letting it go. I have bumped this guitar into the mike stand several times and I can't see a flaw anywhere. Where as I bumped the headstock on my Crafter up north guitar once against a wood cabinet and it broke the heavy gloss finish loose from the edge, the finish is still there but it is milky looking underneath. I no that wouldn't happen with the satin finish because its not that heavily applied, but it will show any minor imperfections more than it does now if I gloss it.
I'm torn between whether to take the plunge and remove the PG and polish or not. I would like some outside opinions on the matter, not that it will definitely effect my ultimate decision. I would just like to know what y'all would do if it was your guitar.
Here's the guitar in question-----
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0490_5_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0487_3_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0494_8_1-1.jpg)
Your comments and time are greatly appreciated.
:cheers
:coffee :donut2 :donut :donut2 :coffee :donut2 :donut :donut2 :coffee :donut2 :donut
:beer :beer
I didn't polish my OM-03MT 12-string because I really liked the "humbleness" of it all.
Now that I have the OM-05MT I don't know - the gloss really makes a beautiful guitar even more stunning - the colour is much deeper and richer.
I don't think I have heard of anyone here glossing a guitar and regretting it, but there have been a few people who said they would not buy a glossed 03. Does resale value come into it at all?
Well first of all...that is a GORGEOUS Guitar....NICE Snag....from my experience you will NOT be dissapointed with your Larrivee hog top. As far as glossing goes....if you like the look go for it I think its great looking...I love the look of my 03BW that has been glossed...and I can certainly say that the mahogany greain on my 05 is very rich and has incrdible depth...much more so than 03s I've seen....in fact its almost hypnotic... :drool:. That said if you are concerned about resale value (which I wouldn't be if I were you) then satin is the way to go. Many folks just want the guitar stock when the buy a used guitar...and glossing is non-reversible so its a turn off to some buyers.
enjoy that hog!!!
:cheers
Blue
Mr_LV19E
It's beautiful now but I think I'd go ahead and remove the pickguard and polish it. It would bring out the depth of the grain so much more. Forget about re-sale value. A beautiful well-taken-care-of guiitar can't decrease in value that much when it looks so good. Check out Denis's Martin 000-15 in another thread. It's a sapele top/back/sides which is prettier than I thought sapele could ever be and all he did was remove the pickguard and polished it. Go for it.
Another vote to day go for it. I also think the glossing would bring out more of the beautiful grain. Screw resale value, this is YOUR guitar, and it sounds as if you like it enough that it will remain so for many years. And if that changes, I am sure you will be able to find a buyer who is okay with the glossed look.
Yes, they do look great polished, I've thought about doing mine. When I look at the naturally polished neck and see how it looks, it is stunning. On the other hand, what Larrivee built a stunning guitar as is. If you are going to keep her for life, as I am with mine, then no matter what you do or don't do now, in another 10 or 20 years, she will look a lot different with areas that are worn due to years of playing. Polished or unpolished, that will happen unless she just isn't played.
I think a polished sating finish looks awesome. It give the guitar a real vintage look and feel. I've got the top on my L-03 left to do. I've had it a year and it's darkening all the time, I love the way sitka does that, and I'm sure polishing it will really bring out more colour and depth to the look of the wood.
Polishing happens on it's own unfortunately. I still remember my OM-15, when I still had it, was already semi polished on the spot where I rested my arm. I thought it looked uneven and polishing made it consistent. Love it.
Just a minute, I have to go get the polish. :humour:
No, really, I appreciate all your views---- I don't think anybody said "Don't Do It".
I'm not really concerned about resale because I don't plan on selling it. I know, famous last words, I almost put a humor sign after that statement. Really though it just sounds better every day and I don't think it's ever going to see light strings again. I just want to be real sure of my feelings before I do it because I can't take the gloss off.
Thanks again for your comments, they are appreciated.
:cheers
I have attached a link to some shots of my L -03R which I glossed and never looked back. I liked it much better, and it didn't have that annoying swish sound when you rubbed it across your shirt, etc. I sold it and it didn't have a negative effect on the price or speed of sale. I have since bought a Sapele L-03 and have glossed it the same way... I love it. Very cool, vintage shine.
BTW, I used the wet-sanding with 2000 grit, and then polishing technique. That takes all the little swirls out of the finish.
RB
http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p285/rogerblair3/
Thanks RB, nice polish job on that L-03R
:cheers
Mr LV-
that's a tough call- i would remove the pg for sure- but i dont think i could bring myself to polish mine...
i have added some pics for reference (big martin's guitar i believe).
:smile:, R.
[attachment no longer available]
Buff it, baby! Buff it!
I doubt it'll have any effect on resale value (Martins that have been buffed are, AFAIK, not selling for less than the unbuffed ones). It'll look better. As for the pickguard, if you wait much, you CAN'T remove it because it'll look stupid with tan lines. You can always put one back on if you want but you can only effectively take them off when a guitar is new. Go for it!
I think I would actually pay more for a used 03 that was buffed out like some pictured here on the forum. Looking forward to the opportunity to seeing one in person one of these days. Anyone ever decided not to purchase an 03 because it was buffed or decided they would only purchase it if the price were reduced?
jeff
here is a link to previous discussion of this topic which took place right after I had bought my glossed 03BW...in which several people say they passed on it because it was glossed.... :blush:...I think it looks fantastic and would certainly buy another in the future
heres the thread: http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=16750.0
:cheers
Blue
Thanks Blue, I saw that thread but I appreciate your link for others.
Well, I removed the pickguard and there is allready a tan line, :crying: 5 months old and never outside. It is slight but none the less it is still there. Could I cover the top everywhere but where the PG was and expose it to light until it's a match? Just a thought. Guess I'll have to order a new PG from Larrivee.
Oh well, such is life :smile:
:cheers
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on October 25, 2007, 12:14:27 PM
Thanks Blue, I saw that thread but I appreciate your link for others.
Well, I removed the pickguard and there is allready a tan line, :crying: 5 months old and never outside. It is slight but none the less it is still there. Could I cover the top everywhere but where the PG was and expose it to light until it's a match? Just a thought. Guess I'll have to order a new PG from Larrivee.
Oh well, such is life :smile:
:cheers
I have heard of people doing that. It might also fade in over time.
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on October 25, 2007, 12:14:27 PM
Thanks Blue, I saw that thread but I appreciate your link for others.
Well, I removed the pickguard and there is allready a tan line, :crying: 5 months old and never outside. It is slight but none the less it is still there. Could I cover the top everywhere but where the PG was and expose it to light until it's a match? Just a thought. Guess I'll have to order a new PG from Larrivee.
Oh well, such is life :smile:
:cheers
When I got my D-09-12 there was a tan line from the factory. I left it out of the case and it is almost all blended in. It happens fairly quickly (months not years) and the lighter will turn darker quicker than the dark continues tanning.
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on October 24, 2007, 07:25:11 PM
Thanks RB, nice polish job on that L-03R
:cheers
That's big :+1: from me on that. Beautiful job!
Here's a picture of her naked. Indoors daytime no flash.
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0577_1_1.jpg)
It'll blend in over time. Now, Buff It! :thumbsup
I polished a L-03R with great results and plan on doing my OM-03-12 sometime this winter.
Go for it, you won't regret it!
John
Heres a couple pic's of the back I did last night, the one shows the reflection of the same guitar on my computer screen. It's raining outside now and I'm headed up north for the weekend but I'll take some better photos when it's done and I can get it out in the light.
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0579_1_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0581_2_1.jpg)
It came out better than I expected but it was a lot of rubbing to get it there.
:cheers
So you decided to go for it, good for you. Looks great so far, really does bring out the depth in the wood. :coffee
It looks terrific! How long did the back side take you to do?
Wow... looks GREAT !!! Please post pics of the finished product when you are done.
RB
Quote from: bluesman67 on October 26, 2007, 04:15:00 PM
It looks terrific! How long did the back side take you to do?
Thanks bluesman, I spent about 3 or 4 hours on the back wetsanding then steel wool then rubbing scratch x over and over and over, lots of rubbing to get it the way I wanted. It was worth it, it's just time and elbow grease.
Quote from: rbpicker on October 27, 2007, 10:49:06 AM
Wow... looks GREAT !!! Please post pics of the finished product when you are done.
RB
Thanks RB, I'm going to work on it tomorrow, will post pic's when it's done.
:cheers
That does look great. Do you have the process you used typed out anywhere. I want to know things like, what direction did you sand in and how do you know when enough is enough without going through the finish?
I've thought of doing my OM-03MT but have worried about getting it even, especially around the bridge and what not.
If you get a hold of a cheap (US$15) rotary polisher, you get it done in about an hour or so.
Okay, these pic's were taken in direct sunlight. Camera batteries went dead, I'm going to get some more daylight shade photo's later.Not sure my LV-19 has any more gloss.
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0583_1_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0588_5_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0585_2_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0594_11_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0592_9_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0591_8_1.jpg)
And a couple in the shade
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0608_14_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0604_10_1.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/IMG_0598_4_1.jpg)
Quote from: jeremy3220 on October 28, 2007, 08:32:58 PM
That does look great. Do you have the process you used typed out anywhere. I want to know things like, what direction did you sand in and how do you know when enough is enough without going through the finish?
I've thought of doing my OM-03MT but have worried about getting it even, especially around the bridge and what not.
Before I tell you any specifics I want you to know that if you polish the guitar to the extent I did it will show imperfections in the finish of the wood. Let me start by saying Larrivee does not put the time into finishing a satin 03 model guitar that they do on the glossed upper models, although the spruce top on my LV-19 has some dips and vallies in it that you can see only at an angle. The sides and the back are pretty smooth with the exception of sanding marks, the top is not a smooth perfectly flat piece of wood. As long as you understand this then lets move on.
Mask any areas you don't want to get polished IE where the neck meets the body, edge of fingerboard, bridge. Use the blue painters tape, I taped the top of the fingerboard also to prevent any splatter from getting on it. Oh and remove the end pin. I left the strings on until I was ready to do the top.
1. I used 2000 grit wet sandpaper to remove as many imperfections that I could. Time spent here will improve the overall look and save you time later. try to get all the sanding marks from the orbital sander they used and any heavy spots of the satin finish. You would have to sand a long time with 2000 grit sandpaper to go through the multipal coats of finish they put on. Sand with the grain. I used a wedge shaped shim to get in the tight areas.
2. When you think you have got it smooth use the 0000 steel wool with the grain and rub until smooth and shiny, keep turning the steel wool to fresh areas to prevent build up. If you see something that you missed with the sand paper either go back and wet sand it out or try to rub it out with the steel wool.
3. Use the Scratch X until you achieve the desired amount of shine you want. I went over it about 4 or 5 times with the Scratch X maybe more in some spots to make it look as even as possible. The back was done entirely by hand and it took about 3 hours. Doing the sides and top I used my variable speed orbital sander on the slowest speed with a 5 inch velcro buffing pad to polish with the Scratch X, this made the job easier but took no less time. If you want just a little shine you can get that with a lot less work, every application of the Scratch X brings out more shine.
Now for those that are not familiar with polishing. Scratch X is a polishing compound albeit a very fine one, when you use a polishing compound it is not like applying wax, you don't wipe it on and then wipe it off. You work in small areas at a time and rub until the polish breaks down or dissappears and then move to another area, maybe a 6 to 8 square inch area at a time.
:cheers
Looking good, real good. Are you hoping the pickguard tanline will go away with time, or might you replace it later?
:drool: :drool: :drool:
WOWOWOW that looks just like my 05mt from this distance....NICE WORK!!!
Blue
Quote from: Blue in VT on October 30, 2007, 01:18:44 PM
:drool: :drool: :drool:
WOWOWOW that looks just like my 05mt from this distance....NICE WORK!!!
Blue
i agree! very nice!
R.
Quote from: G Man on October 30, 2007, 01:14:31 PM
Looking good, real good. Are you hoping the pickguard tanline will go away with time, or might you replace it later?
Yes I am, but I plan on cutting a piece of construction paper to fit the top with the area of the pickguard cut out. I'll pop that on while it's just hanging on the wall and hopefully in time it will even out. If it doesn't I will have to put a new guard on.
:cheers
Thanks for the instruction, I'm practicing on my A&L Ami right now. It's looking pretty good so far. I believe it has a pretty thin finish on it or at least no pore filler since you can see the texture of the grain.
LV19E... superb job. It really looks great!
BTW, have you noticed any difference in the sound? Might seem like a strange question, but there are those who swear the satin finish imparts a different sound than that of a gloss finish. I'm reserving my opinon, as it doesn't seem logical that it would make any difference... but then, stranger things have happened.
RB
Quote from: rbpicker on October 30, 2007, 07:16:55 PM
LV19E... superb job. It really looks great!
BTW, have you noticed any difference in the sound? Might seem like a strange question, but there are those who swear the satin finish imparts a different sound than that of a gloss finish. I'm reserving my opinion, as it doesn't seem logical that it would make any difference... but then, stranger things have happened.
RB
Thanks, I'm very happy with the results.
RB, the tonal qualities sound exactly the same to me but it may be a bit louder. When it was brand new it seemed tight and as I have played it, which is a lot, it has gotten louder and has more sustain. So maybe the vibrations it was exposed to from hours of orbital polishing just opened it up more. I'm not sure why some people think the type of finish would make a difference unless it's because the satin looks like it is applied thinner but I don't think that is the case, they put multiple coats on wheather it is satin or gloss. There is actually some light orange peel on the top on either side of the fingerboard that you couldn't see until it was polished and that is caused by, in this case to heavy of an application.
:cheers
A before and after shot.
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Glossed%20OM-03MT/ombeforeafter2_1_1.jpg)
Added December 26 2008 no tan line
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/Hog%20tops/IMG_1263_2_1.jpg)
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on October 25, 2007, 06:20:09 PM
Here's a picture of her naked. Indoors daytime no flash.
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa242/daddyo12453/IMG_0577_1_1.jpg)
Is that the new OM-03 with sapele top? I thought that the older OM-03MT did NOT have the abalone rosette, and that only the newer all sapele special edition OM-03ST has the ab ring?
No it's Mahogany, it is a custom from Dave at GA. Member JWB bought one also, not sure how many were made but I only saw the two Dave had on his site.
:cheers