D-18/D-28 Satin vs Gloss

[llew]

I'm just curious what the general consensus is (if there is one) between the D-18/D-28 gloss verses satin finish models. They may not have been out long enough for folks to get out and play some. But if you have an opinion regarding the gloss vs. satin finish I'd like to hear it...thanks!

[zmf]

Fun topic and no replies. Probably because the topic was recently covered, with subjective responses to perceived tonal differences countered by detailed accounts of the similarities in the finishing processes for gloss and satin.

I'm guessing there would be no consensus.

[KenL]

Gloss for me, just because I've never had anything else.

I would certainly be open-minded about it, though, and would love to give satin a try if I had the chance.

[Mark Stone]

Satin all day every day.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Gloss is prettier.

The sonic properties have more to do with the material and its thickness than the look. For instance, a thick, glossy coat of polyurethane, favored by cheap guitar companies everywhere, will suffocate the sound.

[JayBee1404]

I hate the somewhat cheap 'n' nasty feel and appearance of Martin's ‘satin’ finish. I always buff out their ‘satin’ necks and headstocks on my gloss-bodied guitars to make them look and feel better.

So it has to be gloss for me, every time.

[budglo]

I had a satin Martin D1 that served me well for over a decade until I gifted it to my step son . Gloss after that only because the standard series was only available in gloss. I don’t think you’ll hear a sound difference . I don’t think either finishes are more durable. With satin you’ll get glossy finish where your arm rests , whereas gloss you’ll get a hazy finish where your arm rests.

[lowrider]

I went out looking for a satin D-18 but couldn't find one. Quite a few people are posting online that they think it sounds better than the gloss.

[maplebaby]

satan eventually turns to gloss if used at all.

[llew]

Originally Posted by zmf

Fun topic and no replies. Probably because the topic was recently covered, with subjective responses to perceived tonal differences countered by detailed accounts of the similarities in the finishing processes for gloss and satin.

I'm guessing there would be no consensus.

Hmmm....guessing I missed that post? I'm not I'm the market but just curious to see what people thought about the gloss vs. satin finish and any sound differences.

[lowrider]

Even though I wiped it after playing it, my J-17 Whiskey Sunset got glossy spot and cruddy spots. It looked like crap. I used Virtuoso cleaner and polish on it and now it looks like a vintage gloss finish. I like this better than when it was new.

[Glennwillow]

I find it really interesting that several players have purchased satin finished guitars but later buffed out the surface to get a gloss finish. I have always thought that a gloss finish looked better. I have read that the thinner satin finish sounds better, but I personally have not played enough of the different finishes to know.

- Glenn

[llew]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Even though I wiped it after playing it, my J-17 Whiskey Sunset got glossy spot and cruddy spots. It looked like crap. I used Virtuoso cleaner and polish on it and now it looks like a vintage gloss finish. I like this better than when it was new.

Yeah...I think thats about the only way to get rid of that spot where your arm touched the top. But...I think I'd like the "vintage" gloss finish you created as well.

[lowrider]

Yeah, it really looks fantastic now;



I played it yesterday. It's now 4 years old, and it just keeps getting better.

[llew]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Yeah, it really looks fantastic now;



I played it yesterday. It's now 4 years old, and it just keeps getting better.

Yeah...I like that a lot...great job!