What finish used on pre 1920 guitar?

stormin1155 · #1 04-27-2016, 08:51 AM

I am rebuilding for a customer what we believe to be a parlor guitar from circa 1915. It has no markings, but the marquetry trim and other features are quite similar to an old Supertone I used to have, so good chance it was built by Harmony.

My question is, what finish does it likely have? I'm thinking shellac. If it is shellac, am I correct that denatured alcohol would dissolve it?

Frank Ford · #2 04-27-2016, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormin1155

I'm thinking shellac. If it is shellac, am I correct that denatured alcohol would dissolve it?

A guitar that old is likely to be finished in shellac.

As it ages, shellac can lose its solubility in alcohol, or any other solvent in our little arsenal. . .

stormin1155 · #3 04-27-2016, 05:12 PM

Thanks Frank! I need to refinish the neck and top. Back and sides I think I'll leave original and just do some touch up. Would going over it with a couple coats of fresh shellac be advisable?