M.E. 1/2 top high gloss and other 1/2 stock satin [Archive]

brianf

01-13-2008, 11:34 AM

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00859.JPGWell I'm half way done. This is just the first go at it. When I have time I'll finish the 2 nd half and then redo the entire guitar again with pups and rings out and the trem removed. Sorry the photo does not show the contrast too well but I had no natural light. It has been dark and grey here for about a month. Don't think I have seen a shadow in all this time.

Finnster

01-13-2008, 11:38 AM

Nice work Brian. It really pulls out the yellow. Please post some more of that eye candy when you get a chance before you do the other side.

Sukisyn

01-13-2008, 11:51 AM

wow! I can really see the difference. I really prefer the glossed look myself... :dude:

brianf

01-13-2008, 11:52 AM

Nice work Brian. It really pulls out the yellow. Please post some more of that eye candy when you get a chance before you do the other side.

I should get a chance this week. I'm using up some holiday time from work. Had to take it or I would loose it. Doing some chores around the house and of course FINNISH THE GUITAR. But I do want better shots of it 1/2 done.

brianf

tjensen

01-13-2008, 11:55 AM

Great job!

Why doesn't PRS do this?

brianf

01-13-2008, 12:02 PM

Great job!

Why doesn't PRS do this?

?????? They could almost offer both.

brianf

MCSS1970

01-13-2008, 12:02 PM

I really like the gloss - it looks great. Can't wait to see it finished.

atquinn

01-13-2008, 12:02 PM

Looks much better glossy IMO.

-Austin

guitargeek62

01-13-2008, 12:14 PM

wow, that actually looks really nice! tbh i thought i wouldnt like it but its turned out great :)

elpelotero

01-13-2008, 12:17 PM

That's amazing! So how exactly do you do it again?

Guitarheel

01-13-2008, 12:25 PM

Wow, that looks great. If I send you my ME will you make it look like that?:)

paintguy

01-13-2008, 12:34 PM

very nice!

brianf

01-13-2008, 12:39 PM

Wow, that looks great. If I send you my ME will you make it look like that?:)

I would be happy to!

brianf

cswolfe

01-13-2008, 12:43 PM

Congrats to your guts to go for it on a new freakin' expensive guitar. COOL also that you did it "half an half" so we could all see the diff.

Add one more that:

1) prefers the glossy (unless you have something to tell us about the results "up close and personal" which would give us information against that;

and 2) wonders why PRS chose the satin route on modern eagles.

============

Plus, add one more to the request for EXACTLY how you did your apparently cool looking work.

Rabidhamster

01-13-2008, 12:45 PM

I guess theres more nitro on there to rub out than I expected. Looks freakin awesome! I've always hated the matte finish on those, but figured they kept it matte to leave the finish ultra-thin, with not enough coats for a high shine.

:dude:

leroy4403

01-13-2008, 12:45 PM

Excellent! I like the gloss much better! Thats a fine ME!

david eaton

01-13-2008, 12:48 PM

Beautiful work.

brianf

01-13-2008, 12:51 PM

That's amazing! So how exactly do you do it again?

I used the white Fender Micro Fibre Cleaning towels . NOT MICRO MESH.

1st try rubbing the micro fibre cloth over a spot on the guitar. You will feel the resistance lessen and it will start to squeek. Lift the cloth and you will see shine. No finish comes off on the cloth.

Now this would take a long time so I used the Fender Maguires cleaning kit with it.

I first picked a 3 inch square section of top and squirted the swirl and haze remover on and started rubbing the cloth over it. With this lubricant on it it goes quicker and easier and does not get as hot until the end when the solution has been totally absorbed by the cloth. You know you are done when it starts to sqeek.

Pick another section of guitar and start again. Keep going.

When your arm is about to fall off take a break and move to the Fender Polish and with a new Fender Micro Fiber cloth start again over the same sections. This will go much easier as the satin is now gone.

Voila. Some sort of small polishing machine or car detailer would sure speed up the work but I would be nervous of going to quick. So much heat builds up.

For me to do the entire back only took an hour. It is almost as shiny as my CU 22's. I did this in 4 separate 15 minute sessions over the day.

The top which is half done took about 45 minutes total.

The other half will take longer as you have the recesses around the pot stems and switch to do.

I learned about the micro fibre from one of our members on another thread. I think it was either cswolfe or Zilmo.

brianf

brianf

01-13-2008, 12:56 PM

1) prefers the glossy (unless you have something to tell us about the results "up close and personal" which would give us information against that;

I'll get more closeups using a close macro camera setting as soon as I get decent light. The shine is that good. No negatives at all. Absolutly no color came off on the Fender cloths. NONE!!!!

For any near Toronto you are more than welcome to drop by and check it out.

brianf

locrain

01-13-2008, 01:08 PM

Could we maybe get a shot looking straight down at it, so we can get a good look at it? Looks great though.

brianf

01-13-2008, 01:31 PM

Could we maybe get a shot looking straight down at it, so we can get a good look at it? Looks great though.

I'll take some good shots tomorrow. Been busy today. I'll take some shots outside with hopefully some nice natuaral light.

brianf

locrain

01-13-2008, 01:33 PM

I'll take some good shots tomorrow. Been busy today. I'll take some shots outside with hopefully some nice natuaral light.

brianf
Cool, look forward to it.

laidbackache12

01-13-2008, 03:20 PM

Man! It looks great, but I want to do just the opposite and satin my finish up. Just dont know how.

tjensen

01-13-2008, 03:46 PM

Mods:

At the appropriate time, can we save this in the "valued threads" section?

Thanks!:dude:

Shark Diver

01-13-2008, 04:31 PM

I'll take some good shots tomorrow. Been busy today. I'll take some shots outside with hopefully some nice natuaral light.

brianf

Wow, it does look better on that color. I wouldn't do it, I really like my FBJ the way it is. But that looks great.
Guess you guys need more sun so you don't get so bored and do these things.:p

Bill McDowell

01-13-2008, 04:31 PM

fantastic work - that looks fantastic glossy - much better than original!

JMintzer

01-13-2008, 05:06 PM

Mods:

At the appropriate time, can we save this in the "valued threads" section?

Thanks!:dude:

Will do, once Brian finishes his tutorial...

Jamie

cswolfe

01-13-2008, 05:34 PM

Will do, once Brian finishes his tutorial...

Jamie

Great idea. Thanks, J.

Canadian PRSGUY

01-13-2008, 05:39 PM

I'll get more closeups using a close macro camera setting as soon as I get decent light. The shine is that good. No negatives at all. Absolutly no color came off on the Fender cloths. NONE!!!!

For any near Toronto you are more than welcome to drop by and check it out.

brianf

Brian I will have to take you up on that offer. The finish looks awesome I never liked the matte finish on ME's.
http://www.davesguitar.com/product/PRSDGS.JPG

cswolfe

01-13-2008, 07:24 PM

Brian I will have to take you up on that offer. The finish looks awesome I never liked the matte finish on ME's.
http://www.davesguitar.com/product/PRSDGS.JPG

I predict we might have a glossy ME mini-rebellion. Cool!

quakana

01-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Shark Diver

01-13-2008, 09:20 PM

locrain

01-13-2008, 09:22 PM

I think it is color dependent. I like those pics for that colr, but I thnk FBJ would be too mateo-ish and red too bright. Charcoal might be cool.

Might be hurting resale as well. But that being said it is beautiful.Well, I've got a charcoal on the way, don't know if I've got the stones to do it or not. We'll see. I really do like the way it looks.

LHanson

01-13-2008, 09:26 PM

How many ME owners here already have "shiny spots" in the matte finish of their guitars? I figure if the matte will buff out with microfibre, it will eventually buff out with skin or fabric.

cswolfe

01-13-2008, 09:49 PM

How many ME owners here already have "shiny spots" in the matte finish of their guitars? I figure if the matte will buff out with microfibre, it will eventually buff out with skin or fabric.

so lemme do that. I'm fascinated, and awed ;) by those who have played their MEs enough to naturally buff them into shiny brilliance in certain areas.

locrain

01-13-2008, 09:57 PM

so lemme do that. I'm fascinated, and awed ;) by those who have played their MEs enough to naturally buff them into shiny brilliance in certain areas.
I've got an old Gibson Gothic Les Paul satin that I've played so much that I've not only worn it shiny where my arm contacts it, I've worn down through the wood.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/locrain/noname-2.jpg

Valtiel

01-13-2008, 10:17 PM

I've got an old Gibson Gothic Les Paul satin that I've played so much that I've not only worn it shiny where my arm contacts it, I've worn down through the wood.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/locrain/noname-2.jpg

Same thing happened to my friends LP Gothic. Excellent job btw on the ME! It really brings about the color and the figuring.

majordelt

01-13-2008, 10:24 PM

Hey Man,
That looks Soooo sweet! Great Job!

brianf

01-13-2008, 10:34 PM

Cool stuff, although I prefer the Satin looking finish on the ME. I wonder of you are in fact taking some of the finish off or wearing it away a bit while you polish?

EIther way great job, it does look nice and shiney

There is absolutly no color coming off on the cloths, but yes some would have to be coming off. Justy mircos though.

More would come off if I take it back to satin .

brianf

brianf

01-13-2008, 10:37 PM

Might be hurting resale as well.

Not really an issue. This is not a 200K Ferrari. Just a guitar and I tend not to ever sell guitars I buy.

Worse case senerio, and I could take it back to a satin finish quicker that it took me to make it glossy. Plus I will alway now be known on this forum as the fool who glossed his ME:dude:

brianf

JoeYello

01-13-2008, 10:45 PM

I really like the glossy look. I don't know if I'd be ready to do it to mine just yet though.

tdarian

01-14-2008, 07:01 AM

Nice and shiny = ME "relic".

I have a few shiny spots, like where my forearm rests on the ME top. Might consider this technique to even things out.

phillybri

01-14-2008, 07:36 AM

brianf,

That is awesome work!

I'm curious as to whether this process would work on my SCT Satin as well, or if the satin finish on an ME lends itself to being glossed more readily...

Stringman

01-14-2008, 07:58 AM

Man! It looks great, but I want to do just the opposite and satin my finish up. Just dont know how.

Agree here:dude:
I would like to make my Cu24 Artist with perfect quilt top satin. Or even to re-coat it fully with nitro.
Same goes for 513.
Glossy look is something I never appreciated on guitars, it appeared with new synthetic resins technologies and heavily used by mr paul reed smith to attract more eyes on his otherwise good guitars.
IMO coating is the worst part of usual PRS guitars and mr smith just understood that 0,5-1% of potential clients (as me) might opt for it in cas that satin or ESPECIALLY nitro is used.
Bad thing for you high gloss polishing guys is that nitro coating will lose its gloss after a while and it cannot be polished endlelly.
Let the nitro stay as it is.
Or very gentle polishing with smoothest materials, just to get rid of matte effect, as matt is also not natural effect for nitro coatings (something like semi-gloss semi-satin)

brianf

01-14-2008, 10:42 AM

I wish these were better but no good outdoor shots today. Raining and very dark out. I hope these help those who asked for a closeup and other shots showing the shine a little better. I hope to have this finished bu Jan 16. On the closeup photo the left side is the gloss but the photo just did not work out well with avail. lighting. Sorry.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00860.JPG

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00862.JPG

brianf

01-16-2008, 09:09 AM

OK Folks. It's finished and we have a sunny day which will be good for taking photos. Get the popcorn and grab a chair. Photos will be up shortly.

brianf

locrain

01-16-2008, 09:21 AM

Popcorn ready.

butterfly

01-16-2008, 09:33 AM

Chair grabbed:)

brianf

01-16-2008, 10:04 AM

Jmilliondead

01-16-2008, 10:16 AM

ok, im impressed! would love to see this on a FBJ ME!

phillybri

01-16-2008, 10:31 AM

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00865.JPG
This picture says it all. AMAZING work...

brianf

01-16-2008, 10:32 AM

ok, im impressed! would love to see this on a FBJ ME!

I think it would work very well on that color because the FBJ's I have seen seem to have the most 3D flame effect of all the colors.

brianf

brianf

01-16-2008, 10:34 AM

Let me add that in areas where the color contrast is not to severe, the guitar now even has a bit of 3D going on.

brianf

Guitarheel

01-16-2008, 10:42 AM

ok, im impressed! would love to see this on a FBJ ME!

+1.:)

Guitarheel

01-16-2008, 10:43 AM

This picture says it all. AMAZING work...

That is beautiful. Now it looks like a Private Stock Guitar.

hairychris444

01-16-2008, 11:00 AM

This picture says it all. AMAZING work...

Agreed. Great finish.... not that I'll ever have an ME but I was a little suprised that there was no gloss option but I thought that this was down to the nitro coat.

Stunning top with the shine. All hail brianf!

brianf

01-16-2008, 11:19 AM

I may do it with my FBJ. That just looks great. It definately improved the contrast.

Feel free to e mail or phone me for any sugestions.

brianf

cswolfe

01-16-2008, 11:47 AM

That is beautiful. Now it looks like a Private Stock Guitar.

It really does. No doubt. Great job, brian.

cswolfe

01-16-2008, 11:48 AM

Feel free to e mail or phone me for any sugestions.

brianf

As they say, be careful out there.

MCSS1970

01-16-2008, 11:48 AM

That looks incredible. It turned out great.

brianf

01-16-2008, 11:58 AM

As they say, be careful out there.

And I'll be hearing from you when?:D:dude:

brianf

Finnster

01-16-2008, 01:36 PM

Brian, I commend your brass-balls to tackle that project with a bit of an unknown outcome. It looks top-notch....cheers:dude:
I predict many of us will give this a serious consideration, at least i know I am:D

AMAZING

brianf

01-16-2008, 01:43 PM

G.I.G.

01-16-2008, 01:53 PM

That is beautiful. Now it looks like a Private Stock Guitar.

Agreed!!!

butterfly

01-16-2008, 02:24 PM

Yeah its really cool--I love it.

Too bad the kibosh is on the ME for now. Maybe you should sent a pic to PRS so they can offer it as an option;)

brianf

01-16-2008, 02:47 PM

Yeah its really cool--I love it.

Too bad the kibosh is on the ME for now. Maybe you should sent a pic to PRS so they can offer it as an option;)

Now there is a thought!!!! I'll send one today.

brianf

Crunchyriff

01-16-2008, 11:36 PM

Absotively beautiful.

If I had an ME I would NOT hesitate to do that to mine.

Two thumbs up!

mc_carlini

01-17-2008, 12:21 AM

Still working on better photos but lets start with these. Don't want the popcorn to go to waste. I wish the back showed better. It is glossier than the top.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00864.JPG

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00865.JPG

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00868.JPG

I think you have started something! To bad no more MEs :(
If my guitar was satin, that is what i would do. I have a satin
brown les paul, but it has a mahogany top so i dont think it would work

John Beef

01-17-2008, 09:43 AM

VHTStark

01-17-2008, 10:27 AM

That is some mighty awesome work Brian! Really makes the flames "pop" and gives them dimension. :cool:

MrFig

01-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Incredible undertaking and impressive results. It really does make look PS - You've got a totally different guitar now.

MrFig

brianf

01-17-2008, 11:09 AM

So, if someone was to purchase a Standard Satin or similar, could it be buffed out in this same way? From the pics on the PRS site it looks like they didn't grain fill the mahogany, making this sort of thing impossible. I haven't seen a satin finish standard for sale anywhere.

There is filler on the ME. I have to believe it is on all satins as well. What makes you think not?

The back finish would look awful without pore filler.

brianf

John Beef

01-17-2008, 02:53 PM

There is filler on the ME. I have to believe it is on all satins as well. What makes you think not?

The back finish would look awful without pore filler.

brianf
Well, it was this pic:

http://prsguitars.com/standardsatin/img/main3.jpg

If you look at the areas where the light is "reflecting" off the wood, there are obviously unfilled grains. Like I said, I haven't seen on in person so I don't know for sure.

brianf

01-17-2008, 03:02 PM

Well, it was this pic:

http://prsguitars.com/standardsatin/img/main3.jpg

If you look at the areas where the light is "reflecting" off the wood, there are obviously unfilled grains. Like I said, I haven't seen on in person so I don't know for sure.

Wow thats ugly. Sure hope its the photo. The finish almost has an orange peel to it.

brianf

Turbo Gerbil

01-17-2008, 03:49 PM

There is filler on the ME. I have to believe it is on all satins as well. What makes you think not?
The back finish would look awful without pore filler.
brianf

I can feel the grain on my 20th ann std-24 mahog satin in transparent cherry. In fact, it almost looks and feels like they filled the pores on the back of the neck, but not the body or headstock. Personally, I like it that way, it looks and feels very "organic".

Sniper-V

01-17-2008, 11:52 PM

Still working on better photos but lets start with these. Don't want the popcorn to go to waste. I wish the back showed better. It is glossier than the top.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00864.JPG

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00865.JPG

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC00868.JPG

WOW!!!!

Looks great!
And,
It looked sweet in satin too.

I was going to say that unless it comes super high gloss like a regular poly PRSi, I don't think I could do a dull gloss on my ME. But that sure does look high gloss and now looks like a PS as mentioned already.

I wonder what the finish feels like now?
Like a poly PRSi?
Or,
Like a nitro Gibson?

I may consider doing it to mine, but I do like the satin...

brianf

01-18-2008, 07:41 AM

eh_D

01-18-2008, 08:05 AM

I'll testify that the satin standards have different very thin finish and this process probably wouldn't work. There appears to be an additional sealer on the wood with the ME.

brianf

01-18-2008, 08:07 AM

LET ME ADD - IMPORTANT

Bringing the guitar to this nice glossy shine does not make the flame turn into a 3D monster.

Some 3D is added in areas where the stain contrast is at a minimum only.

brianf

Jon Silberman

01-18-2008, 03:26 PM

Nice work - the guitar is beautiful!

Sniper-V

01-18-2008, 11:30 PM

Sniper;

To give you an idea on the gloss I would have to compare it EXACTLY to the gloss on my Eric Johnson Strat. That guitar is also nitro.

It is not quite as shiney as my CU22's. BUT!!!!! I have only been over my ME once with the Fender Swirl and Haze Remover and Once with the Polish.

I know if I did it again (which I will do) it should shine up more.

To the touch there is absolutely no satin feel at all.

I just wish the photos were better.

brianf

I've had my hands on EJ Strats and the Nitro finishes can get quite sticky.
Gibson's can too if you don't keep them clean.

Do you find that to be true to your new glossed up ME?

By the way, the photos look great!

tmoore

01-19-2008, 12:44 AM

That looks awesome Brian. Hats off to you :dude:

lukeness

01-19-2008, 02:09 AM

Brian I will have to take you up on that offer. The finish looks awesome I never liked the matte finish on ME's.
http://www.davesguitar.com/product/PRSDGS.JPG
Is this ME polished up too? The flame on it is KILLER.

Sniper-V

01-19-2008, 02:30 AM

Is this ME polished up too? The flame on it is KILLER.

I don't believe those are ME's but a Limited Run for dealer Dave's Guitar Shop's 25th Anni.

A Semi-Hollow CU22 Artist Pkg with Braz FB and full gloss Yellow Tiger.

Killer Guitar!

I almost made a trade for that one I think...

brianf

01-19-2008, 08:22 AM

I've had my hands on EJ Strats and the Nitro finishes can get quite sticky.
Gibson's can too if you don't keep them clean.

Do you find that to be true to your new glossed up ME?

By the way, the photos look great!

Hi Sniper;

No, there is no stickyness on my ME at all. I guess all that polishing got rid of any:D.

My E J was sticky on the neck at first but that is long gone. The E J is about 2 years old.

brianf

brianf

01-19-2008, 08:23 AM

Those Dave's guitars look fantastic. I am using a photo of one as my desktop in fact!!!

brianf

brianf

01-24-2008, 02:37 PM

ok, im impressed! would love to see this on a FBJ ME!

You will get your wish. I have been asked to do one in FBJ. No time this weekend but will do it the following weekend.

Plus I get to have the fun of comparing the tone of a Singlecut to a std. style. I'll restring them with the same strings and do some recordings.

brianf