What's your preferred finish? Gloss, Semi-gloss, Satin?

[Cool555]

Hi Everyone. Glossy guitars tend to look more expensive. I wipe down my glossy guitars after playing them but not my Semi-gloss or Satin guitars.

My Satin guitars get the shiny patch where the strumming arm rest.

My Semi-gloss (Silent Satin) guitar needs no wipe down and does not have the shiny patch even after 2 years. So my prefered finish is Semi-gloss.

All types of finish has its pros and cons. Feel free to talk about them if you wish.

So, what's your preferred finish? Thanks for your votes and comments!

[koko61]

In my Martin I love the shiny finish, but it is true that I have to wipe it after using it, however in the Mcilroy, which is satin, it is a pleasure to play since it does not need to be cleaned after playing, and the koa is beautiful in that finish

[Tannin]

I don't really mind either way, but put me down for satin. Three of my four new-build guitars came in satin, the Messiah in gloss. The manufacturers seem to think that it makes some sort of difference to the sound and that they choose the best finish for any particiular type of instrument. I dunnno about that, I just play them.

[The Bard Rocks]

Even though I know better, anything that isn't glossy somehow feels cheap to me.

[Tim McKnight]

In our nearly 30 years in business we have never had an order for a satin or semi gloss guitar. We have exhibited at guitar shows all over the globe and I don't recall seeing a satin or semi gloss finish on any luthier built guitar either. Not saying they are not out there but its just not the norm nor well received in our small segment of the market.

[llew]

I don't have a problem with any of the finishes mentioned but I realize I am the minority on this subject.

[Goat Mick]

I prefer the nice sheen of a semi-gloss. Whenever I get a matte finish guitar, I buff it out to a nice semi-gloss.

[27R]

Gloss tops look best, but satin tops feel best... satin necks ftw too.

[Scotso]

Need to add another category--do not care

[Pnewsom]

Aged or rubbed out gloss is my preferred finish. I'm too protective with a shiny new guitar, but with some stage time that newness wears off and I'm not so concerned about a little bump here or there.

I have admit that when I see some guy taking the stage with a shiny new guitar I'm a little disappointed... I've been surprised on occassion, but not too often.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

Even though I know better, anything that isn't glossy somehow feels cheap to me.

I don't know - most of the cheapy guitars in Sam Ash and GC seem to have had thick glossy finishes.

I prefer satin. The wood somehow looks more natural and beautiful to me that way. I also have a feeling that the satin guitars I've owned have better, less inhibited sonic responses than glossy ones. I also definitely prefer satin necks.

[Bluemonk]

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

Even though I know better, anything that isn't glossy somehow feels cheap to me.

I know you said you know better, so I'm not trying to pick a fight, but just wondering. Have you ever held a Lowden in your hands? Anything but cheap feeling IMO.

[rllink]

I like gloss but I'm going to admit that I don't wipe it down until it gets pretty smudged up or I'm going out to play somewhere and people will see it.

[AndrewG]

I don't really have a firm preference, but I dislike the mix of gloss tops with satin back and sides. I don't see the point, neither practically nor aesthetically.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by Bluemonk

I know you said you know better, so I'm not trying to pick a fight, but just wondering. Have you ever held a Lowden in your hands? Anything but cheap feeling IMO.

On a predominantly American forum, the benchmark will probably be whatever Martin or Gibson does.