String Satin
How to chose the best finish for your new ukulele
Finishes for Ukuleles — There are numerous ways to finish ukuleles, guitars, and stringed musical instruments. There are musicians who claim bold claims that one way is better than another in the way the instruments sound. There are conflicting opinions on which finish is best for your musical instrument. This article tries to explain about the basic differences and let you make a better decision as to which ukulele finish you prefer.
Modern High Gloss Finishes — Modern gloss lacquer finish have a beautiful, high sheen, mirror glow that which greatly enhances the color and grain patterns of the woods. And these finishes are tough also. The labor required for application and buffing of the gloss finish is more expensive than satin finishes because of the polishing required to produce the gloss. We think we see a trend in more or our customers preferring the gloss finish. Both gloss and matte lacquer finishes produce excellent tone and volume in the ukulele.
Satin or Matte Finishes — Satin finish has a soft, matte appearance that some customers prefer for a more ‘natural’ look. This is a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. As the satin finish can be easier to apply, it is more often seen with the lower priced instruments. Most of the vintage ukuleles from years gone by had a satin finish…. simply because the modern high-gloss lacquer type finishes were not invented yet.
Varnishes — French polishing is a method of applying finish to wood by hand with a cotton pad. Many violins are finished with French polishing. In the stringed instrument world the term ‘French polish’ is understood to be a shellac spirit varnish that has been applied by the French polishing method. Most of the fine old musical instruments made in Europe were French polished, as are a majority of fine classical guitars being hand made today. It is a most highly-prized and desired finish for both its visual and tone enhancing characteristics. The luster, texture and color of the wood are all noticeably enhanced under an expertly applied French polish finish. The cured shellac film is also very thin and flexible and is believed to produce the clearest and most natural sound from the vibrating wood of the ukulele especially the soundboard. Achieving a professional quality French Polish finish is highly dependent on the practiced skill and experience of the finisher. Multiple polishing sessions are required over many days or weeks to achieve the best results. Only a few custom builders offer French Polish finishes on ukuleles due to the labor required.
So what? What kind of finish do I want on my ukulele? — All finishes used in the manufacture of ukuleles can produce excellent tone and volume in the ukulele. Although there are those that do not agree with my opinion, In a darkened room… with a professional player at the other end… I can not detect the tonal difference in finishes.
The bottom line is select the instrument that pleases you in appearance of the wood and the feel of the instrument as you play it and don’t worry much about the finishing. Some of the fine vintage instruments have such a fine “feel” about them that you just like to be in the same room with them.
Remember, all finishes need respect and care… they all can be scratched and dinged-up. Rough picks and sharp fingernails can do a lot of damage to your ukulele. Every good uke deserves a polish cloth to help care for the finish. One word of caution, do not use any polish on your ukulele that has silicone in it. The makes any latter refinishing or touching up the finish very difficult.
Just Keep Playing!
I’m Roy T. Cone…. Through many years, and literally hundreds of ukuleles, we have enjoyed the fun that ukuleles can bring into people’s lives. We will help you if we can with your ukulele. You can find us at http://www.ukuleleworld.com/
About the Author
We have enjoyed the ukulele for many, many years and have helped hundreds of people enjoy the fun that playing the ukulele can bring to you and your loved ones.
victoria’s secret?
Maybe I should put some pics up of me in various VS panty’s like my satin bow v-string (Bubble pink color), actually just got it. let me know about my idea and what you think of new panty
Ok John….do we really need to see you in womens underwear ?
I’m not excited by that, but maybe someone IS…(I don’t care for pink much either…) why not keep it all to yourself and enjoy !!!
Louis Stewart /Mundell Lowe. play Satin Doll. Duets#3
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Beadalon Satin Silver 30-foot Stringing Wire $10.02 Beadalon stringing wire is the perfect gift for any true craft loverIncorporate this metallic and modern looking wire into your jewelryCraft accessory adds the look of gold and silver without the cost of precious metal |
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Stainless Steel Multi-chain Polished and Satin Circle Necklace $46.99 This alluring stainless steel circle pendant features a satin vortex design on a polished background. Crafted of stainless steel, the necklace includes four box chains and one ball chain with polished sphere stations at the ends. |
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Black Satin Cotton 3.4-mm 20-inch Cord Necklaces (Pack of 2) $6.99 Create your own fabulous jewelry with these black satin cotton necklaces. Each of these cords features a silvertone lobster clasp and a 2-inch extender chain. |
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Black Satin 2mm 16-inch Rattail Cords (Pack of 2) $7.79 Create your own fabulous necklaces with these black satin rattail cords. Each cord features a stamped sterling silver lobster claw clasp. |
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Heavy-gauge Steel Pot Rack Chain $10.89 Heavy-gauge steel pot rack chain for installing pot racks from higher ceilingsKitchen storage accessory comes in lengths of up to eight feetChains available in satin nickel, graphite, copper or chrome color options |
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Sterling Silver/ White Pearl Cluster Necklace (USA) $46.99 Accentuate your style with a captivating cluster necklaceWhite pearls retain their underwater beauty Uniquely hand-strung on a durable satin cable |
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Soft Flex 28-gauge Satin Silver Beading Wire (30-foot Spool) $8.39 Soft Flex beading wire is the designer’s choiceJewelry tool contains one 30-foot spool of 0.014-inch (10 pound) wireFine (28) gauge wire is ideal for seed beads and freshwater pearls |
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Sterling Silver 18k Gold 6-strand FW Pearl Bracelet (6 mm) $29.49 Classy bracelet boasts six strands highlighted by freshwater pearls and vermeil satin beadsJewelry crafted with fine sterling silver plated in 18-karat yellow goldDress up any outfit with this elegant bracelet |
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Sterling Silver 18k Gold 3-strand FW Pearl Necklace (6 mm) $21.49 Fashionable necklace boasts three strands of alternating freshwater pearls and vermeil satin beadsJewelry crafted from fine sterling silver plated with 18-karat yellow goldDress up your attire with this classic necklace |
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Soft Flex 24 to 26-gauge Satin Silver Beading Wire (30-foot Spool) $14.89 Soft Flex beading wire is the designer’s choiceJewelry tool contains one 30-foot spool of 0.019-inch (26-pound) wireMedium (24-26) gauge wire is ideal for glass, mineral and metal beads |
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Leg Avenue Cheetah Print Satin Bra/ G-string Set $17.59 Warning: This product’s packaging may contain graphic sexual images inappropriate for children. |
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Women’s 2-piece Satin Peek-a-Boo Bra with G-string $16.66 Warning: This product’s packaging may contain graphic sexual images inappropriate for children.Women’s 2-piece Satin Peek-a-Boo Bra with G-stringBrand: Leg Avenue |
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Rina’s Garden Organza Favor Bags – 4×6 – IVORY – 30 Bags $8.99 Rina’s Garden Organza Favor Bags with 2 Satin Ribbon Pull Cords. Bags sized 4″ x 6″. Receive package of 30 bags. Great for gifts, favors, weddings, celebrations, sachets & many other uses. Rina’s Garden Creations has many colors and other sizes choose from…. |
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14” Wide Satin String Rattail Royal Blue By The Yard $0.18 This nylon satin rattail cord is perfect for many projects that need a finished cord. Use it as a drawstring for garments or pouches. Use it to embellish garments and craft projects as well…. |
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100 Watt Glowescent DecorLite H-19 Decorative Light Bulb, Satin Finish, Medium Base $5.51 … |
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Leroy Anderson: Orchestral Favourites $4.92 … |
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Baby Cello: 24 Cellos Play for Baby and All $9.30 … |
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The Mighty Tubadours $11.61 … |
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A19 G2DADA Silver Satin Jewel Contemporary / Modern String Quartette ADA One Light Wall Sconce fro Individually hand-made fused glass and ceramic wall sconce. The glass has been tack fused adding unique dimension and character to the piece. The ceramic portion of the fixture includes a durable satin white acrylic finish. Over 50 colors, finishes and glazes are also available. ADA Compliant (Bulb Not Included)… |
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A-19 G2D-A31 String Quartette Wall Sconce, Satin White Diffuser:Without Diffuser, Application / Light Bulb:Damp – (1)100w A19 Med F, Finish:Satin White This wall sconce features a combination of fused glass and ceramic art. The fused glass panel is created by joining layers of art glass through specialized kiln firing. The ceramic foundation is slip cast by hand and also kiln fired. Features a Satin White acrylic finish. These proudly American-made sc… |
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40 Watt – 120 Volt – Satin String Coral Pink Light Bulb – Candelabra Base – PQB L8524 Brand: Premium Quality Brand Part No.: L8524 UPC: 98197379955 Wattage: 40 Watt Voltage: 120 Volt Base Finish: Brass Base Type: Candelabra (E12) Bulb Color: Coral Pink Bulb Shape: CA11 Bulb Type: Incandescent Diameter: 1-3/8 in. Length (M.O.L.): 4 in. Life Hours: 1,500 Case Quantity: 25… |
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Male Power Black G-Thong with Straps and Rings, L/XL $14.95 Thong style men’s bikini with tri-strap in front attaches to metal ring on each side, single elasticized strap fits around hips on each side, “pouch” sewn in crotch for extra room. Male Power offers superior styling, comfort and fit. Each garment is designed to enhance body contours while providing exceptional support and maximum performance…. |