perspecting
Oud Admirer
Posts: 5
Registered: 11-19-2013
Member Is Offline
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Should I sand the finish off the soundboard
So I've changed the strings (to Thomastik-infeld) of my inexpensive ali Khalifa oud and I'm now much happier with the sound (my friends are as well!)
I'm wondering if I can further improve the sound by sanding or using steel wool to remove the finish on the soundboard. I have an acoustic guitar that
I have owned for many years that does not have any kind of finish on the soundboard, so I don't believe it is necessary - and I believe it will
resonate better without it. I am not concerned with cosmetic appearance (i.e. danger of staining), only the quality of the sound. Will this improve
the sound? Are there any dangers to the integrity of the instrument?
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
Posts: 2939
Registered: 1-30-2004
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Stringish
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Better than sanding is to determine the solvent used and try to scrape it off first.
First check to see if it seems to come off with alcohol. If not, it probably needs acetone/lacquer thinner.
Get a plastic paint scraper and use sandpaper or a file to round the sharp corners so you don't accidentally gouge the wood.
Best to do this outside (and wearing a respirator if you need to use acetone.)
using a rag or sponge, apply the solvent to the finish, wait a second or two for it to soften, then scrape. Best to do very small areas at a time . .
. there is a pretty small time window between softening the finish and the solvent completely evaporating.
I think removing the finish usually does improve the sound.
You could try to sand, but it is likely to be uneven, and you have more risk of damage to the soundboard.
Acetone/lacquer thinner can cause lung/brain damage so I am serious about using a respirator.
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