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I've been playing my first build for about a month and a half. As I really like it, I'm playing it ten hours a week at least. I have noticed that on the upper bout, where my arm sits, I need to apply more french polish. Have other noticed this or did I not apply enough in that area on my first go around? The tutorial did mention to concentrate on the edges and I may not have paid enough attention to those areas.

Thanks

Peter L

This has been quite common for me as well. I lightly scuffed up the area with 400 grit and then did a few sessions. This also happens on necks that are FP'd. It just takes a short time to restore it to new condition.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Listen to JJ Peter. I have seen and played his french polished guitars and I can tell you that he has the french polishing art down pat!

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but why do you have to scuff the FP? Wouldn't additional sessions blend in anyway? As soon as alcohol touches it, it will dissolve, won't it?

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Waddy...It may well work as you speculate. I use the 400 to get a level starting point.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Thanks, JJ.  Just curious.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

no need to scuff!!!! you will want to stiff off first to break the sheen, then apply more body sessions followed by spiriting off and and glazing. You touch up FP just as you applied it.

Future references: anywhere there is a plane change you need to pay extra attention. Inside plane changes such as neck to body it is easy to either get a build up or not get completely into the corner. Out side plane changes like top/back to side transitions it easy to under build these areas.

Peter,

If wearing away the fp in this area continues to be a problem after you have "touched up" it might be worth making (or buying a John Pearse one) an armrest. These are pretty easy to make and attach on the top with double sided tape and you can use a tougher finish on them. They sit on the linings area so don't impact top tone and keep your arm above the top and so your arm doesn't rub the fp there or impede the tops vibrations. I did one in snakewood that looks like this:

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Thanks everyone, I'm hard at applying more body sessions.

Dave,

Not only does that armrest look great, that top is Killer!!!

Thanks All

Peter L