Wiktor Wise
Electric guitarists have become the superstars of rock, with their live performances demanding greater volume and showmanship. While the type of finish used on an electric guitar is important, with guitarists wanting an instrument that matches their style and tastes, there is a lot of interest in natural finishes. Natural finishes showcase the beauty of the wood, with the grain pattern and idiosyncrasies of each piece of wood making each guitar unique. They also have a distinct, minimalist look, and a slim, natural feel. However, natural finishes are more expensive, and demand is low, with most people preferring the iconic look of a painted guitar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Demand | Low |
| Cost | Expensive |
| Finish | Natural wood grain, satin, matte, high gloss, rustic |
| Maintenance | Damp cloth, non-polishing guitar cleaning product, lemon oil, bore oil, guitar polish |
| Feel | Slim, natural, lightweight |
| Sound | No impact on tone or EQ |
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What You'll Learn
Natural finish guitars showcase the individuality of the product
Natural finish guitars are highly sought after by those who appreciate the individuality of the product. Each guitar made from wood is unique, with its own grain pattern and idiosyncrasies that are highlighted by a natural finish. This finish showcases the beauty of the wood and adds to the instrument's overall allure.
The natural finish of a guitar is achieved by using specific techniques and materials. One popular method is to use natural hard wax oils or penetrating oil treatments, such as Tung oil or butcher block oil, which retain the wood's natural colour and texture. These oils provide a very natural feel to the surface, showcase the grain pattern. Guitar builders may also use a wax sealer to protect the wood further. The result is a waxy matte finish that accentuates the wood grain while maintaining a lightweight and natural feel.
Another approach to achieving a natural finish is to use shellac, a tougher material than oil and wax. Shellac provides more protection to the guitar, preventing minor bumps and scratches. When applied correctly, shellac brings out the natural wood grain, adding a glassy sheen that enhances the guitar's overall appearance.
Some guitarists prefer a satin finish, which gives the guitar a smooth and lustrous sheen. This finish is achieved by lightly sanding the wood and applying several coats of stain and finishing oil. It is important to protect the guitar's fretboard and other features during this process. A satin finish protects the wood while maintaining its natural beauty, ensuring that the guitar looks as good as new even after extensive use.
The appeal of natural finish guitars extends beyond aesthetics. Many players appreciate the slim and natural feel that these finishes offer. Additionally, natural finishes have minimal impact on the guitar's tone or EQ, allowing the instrument to resonate fully and produce the best sound possible. This tonal purity is particularly appealing to acoustic guitar enthusiasts.
In summary, natural finish guitars showcase the individuality of the product by highlighting the unique characteristics of the wood. The natural finish appeals to those who value the distinct appearance, feel, and sound that these guitars offer. While demand for natural finish guitars may be lower compared to painted alternatives, they hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship.
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Natural finishes demand perfection as there is no room for error
Natural finishes on electric guitars demand perfection as there is no room for error. The natural finish showcases the bare wood, highlighting the beauty of the grain pattern and the individuality of the product. However, this means that any mistakes or imperfections in the wood or the finishing process will be visible. Achieving a flawless natural finish requires careful selection of materials, meticulous sanding, and precise application of stains or oils.
One of the challenges in achieving a perfect natural finish is avoiding "sand throughs," which can occur on the edges of electric guitars. Guitar builders must carefully sand the edges to prevent sanding through the finish. This process requires skill and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and even finish. In addition, the type of wood used can impact the final result. More expensive and aesthetically pleasing woods are often chosen for natural finishes, as the grain and colour of the wood are left exposed.
Another critical aspect of achieving a perfect natural finish is the application of the right type of finish. Various options are available, including natural hard wax oils, shellac, oil and wax finishes, penetrating oil treatments, and lacquer. Each of these finishes has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of aesthetics, protection, and ease of application. For example, oil and wax finishes offer a minimalist look and a natural feel, while shellac provides tougher protection against bumps and scratches.
The process of applying the finish also requires precision. In most cases, multiple coats of stain and finishing oil are necessary, and it is important to follow the correct procedures to avoid bubbles, streaks, or other imperfections. The finishing process can be challenging, and even small mistakes can impact the final result. As a result, natural finishes demand a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Overall, the pursuit of perfection in natural finishes for electric guitars is driven by the desire to showcase the unique beauty of the wood while also ensuring a durable and functional instrument. While it may be more forgiving to cover the wood with paint or a thick lacquer, the natural finish leaves no room for error, requiring meticulous craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the materials.
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Natural finishes are more challenging to maintain
Natural finishes on electric guitars are more challenging to maintain than painted finishes. Firstly, natural finishes demand perfection because mistakes or imperfections in the wood are more easily visible. This means that more expensive, "prettier" woods are often used for natural finishes, which can be costly.
Secondly, the maintenance and cleaning processes for natural finishes differ from those of painted finishes. While painted guitars have a layer of paint that protects the wood, natural finishes often leave the wood untreated and vulnerable to damage. Natural finishes require special care to avoid scratching or damaging the wood. In some cases, natural finish guitars may have a thin layer of satin lacquer or penetrating oil to protect the wood, but these finishes can be more delicate than paint.
To clean a natural finish guitar, it is recommended to use a lightly damp cloth for general cleaning, ensuring that the cloth is only slightly damp to avoid damaging the wood. For deeper cleaning, a non-polishing guitar cleaning product can be used. It is important to avoid using too much water when cleaning, as this can damage the finish. Additionally, lemon oil or a similar product can be used to clean the unfinished fingerboard or neck of the guitar.
Another challenge with natural finish guitars is that they may require more frequent cleaning due to the wood's vulnerability to dirt, oils, and sweat from hands. Regular wiping down of the guitar is necessary to prevent the build-up of these substances, which can cause discolouration or damage to the wood over time.
Overall, while natural finish electric guitars offer a stunning simplicity and showcase the natural beauty of the wood, they require more careful maintenance and cleaning practices to ensure the wood remains in good condition.
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Natural finishes are more expensive
Natural finishes on electric guitars are more expensive because they require a higher-quality wood that looks good enough to be left "naked". In other words, the wood used for natural-finish guitars must have an attractive grain pattern and specific idiosyncrasies. This is more expensive than using any chunk of wood and covering it with paint.
Natural finishes also demand perfection because mistakes are more easily noticeable. This means that crafting a natural-finish guitar requires more time and care, which contributes to a higher price.
Additionally, natural-finish guitars are often made with ash wood bodies, which are open-grained. This type of wood tends to be more expensive and may drive up the overall cost of the guitar.
The process of applying a natural finish can also affect the price. Natural hard wax oils, for example, are often used to retain the wood's natural colour and texture. These oils can be more expensive and time-consuming to apply than traditional spray lacquers.
Finally, natural finishes are often associated with a sense of luxury and individuality. This perception of increased value can also contribute to a higher price tag. Ultimately, the demand for natural-finish guitars may be lower than for painted guitars, but the cost of creating a high-quality, natural-finish guitar is higher.
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Natural finishes are perceived as minimalist
Natural finishes on electric guitars are perceived as minimalist due to their distinct, plain, and waxy matte appearance. This finish showcases the natural beauty of the wood grain, creating a simple and understated look. The lack of paint or heavy lacquer allows the wood's natural colour and texture to shine through, resulting in a more subtle and understated aesthetic compared to painted or heavily lacquered finishes.
The minimalist perception of natural finishes is further enhanced by the smooth and silky feel of the wood. Guitarists who prefer this style often appreciate the slim and natural sensation that oil and wax finishes provide, making the guitar feel almost like bare wood. This natural feel, combined with the absence of thick coatings, contributes to the minimalist character of the guitar.
Additionally, natural finishes on electric guitars can be achieved with thinner coatings, such as satin lacquer, natural hard wax oils, or penetrating oil treatments. These finishes are designed to showcase the wood grain while providing a subtle sheen or matte appearance. The use of thinner coatings enhances the minimalist perception by allowing the natural characteristics of the wood to take centre stage.
While some guitarists may prefer the vibrant colours and glossy finishes of painted guitars, others find the understated elegance of a natural finish more appealing. This preference for minimalism in guitar design can be attributed to a desire for simplicity, a focus on the natural beauty of the wood, or a preference for a more understated and organic aesthetic.
Furthermore, natural finishes on electric guitars are often seen as a celebration of the craftsmanship and individuality of the instrument. Each piece of wood used in guitar construction is unique, with its own distinct grain pattern and idiosyncrasies. By opting for a natural finish, guitarists can appreciate the one-of-a-kind nature of their instrument, as no two guitars will ever look exactly the same, even if they are built with the same specifications. This adds to the perception of minimalism, as it highlights the raw and unadorned nature of the wood.
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Frequently asked questions
A natural finish electric guitar showcases the beauty of the wood grain and its natural colour. It also provides a slim and natural feel to the guitar.
For a satin finish, use a lightly damp cloth for general cleaning. For deeper cleaning, you can use a non-polishing guitar cleaning product or lemon oil.
There are several types of finishes for a natural finish electric guitar, including wax, oil, shellac, and lacquer. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, protection, and impact on tone.
While some people prefer the look of natural finish electric guitars, the demand for them is generally low. Painted guitars, such as the iconic Fender Stratocaster, are more popular and offer a wider range of colour options.
