For harps and hurdy gurdys I use tradtional oil or alcohol based instrument varnish. If desired, I can use this laquer on all other instruments, too.

On guitars or instruments from the mandolin family I use Nitro laquers. Nitrocellulose is very similar to wood. It results in a hard topcoat and can be buffed to a deep, shiny gloss.

It is very important not to drown an instrument in laquer because laquer can change the sound of the instrument. The amount of laquer influences the overall density of the wood.

Instrument varnishing is a never ending story and I am always after the best products and best processes of applying them…