It's a "must have"
Dan Erlewine's
GUITAR FINISHING Step by Step
© Frank Ford, 11/1/98


OK, gang, I've eaten a lot of books on wood finishing, but this is the first one that really hits the spot!

Dan Erlewine needs no introduction. He is, simply, the best known guitar repairman in the world (but nowhere else.) His many books, articles and videos are all good reference material, to be sure.

But his GUITAR FINISHING book is unique. It's the first (as far as I remember) book devoted entirely to the finishing techniques that luthiers need to learn.

He discusses in detail all the process and material considerations for lacquering guitars. THIS IS A BIG DEAL. None of those dang general wood finishing books cover any detail on lacquer because it's becoming "obsolete" or something. Dan gives the lowdown on the pros and cons of all the finishing materials we use, and gives us everything we need to get started.

Dan really goes in deep on the subject of coloring. Colored guitar finishes are caught somewhere between the general wood finishing books and the pages of Hot Rod Magazine. Great to see it in print for guitar makers! He even covers the history of the most famous colored finishes, those found on Gibson instruments from the early days to the present.

I'd say more, but I don't want to give away the ending. . .

IF YOU ONLY BUY ONE BOOK ON LUTHERIE THIS YEAR, GET DAN'S GUITAR FINISHING, Step by Step.

Order it from the publisher, Stewart MacDonald's Guitar Shop Supply.


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