Everyone,
I spent an entire day last Thursday at the finishers. There is a great deal of hand sanding that must be done as these are small parts. Gary spent last Friday with the finisher so that he could view just how much work is involved in this process. To date they had over 60 hours of sanding and still need a little more to complete this stage. I know that everyone wants these units ASAP. I wished that I could make this process faster, but it is simply time consuming as the parts are small. Parge panels are much easier (speaker panels, piano tops, etc.).
Pete the finisher said that the preamps should be getting the beginning spray coats this week. After the initial coats are applied, they must dry for at least 48 hours, then they will be "leveled" (more hand sanding). Levelling creates a flat defect free surface before applying the final coat. It won't be much longer. Again I apologize if I have mislead anyone. To be honest I was not aware of all of the hand work and stages involved that would be required with this high tech polyester finishing (this is not a polyurethane finish!). It is harder than lacquer and has less color to it. Even lacquer exhibits a subtle yellow cast compared to this finish.
Pete told Gary and I that this finish is now the choice for most highend guitar makers due to all of its attributes, but requires additional steps and care.
