Kohno Classical Guitar Refinished

Masaru Kohno classical guitar in need of a new finish. As with most quality classical guitars, the French polished finish tends to wear off because of perspiration and humidity (a very big problem in Singapore). Repairing French polished guitars is hard work but there is something very "old school" about putting hundreds of layers of shellac onto a guitar body (think of the highly prized pre-war Gibson and Martin acoustic guitars). Of course, with so many myths about guitar-making, there is some truth about a French Polished Guitar- they really do sound better!!!

The old finish is being stripped completely. This is a thorough re-finishing job. Look at the beautiful East Indian Rosewood. Still looking after all these years (the guitar was made in 1980).

The Spruce top is gradually showing the shine of the new polish.

That's me, hard at work. Look at the glossy shine that is coming back, slowly but surely!!!

The job's done!!!

I also installed a gorgeous set of new Gilbert Tuners. The old Fusteros were too worn out.