Top Discoloration - French Polish

[Hsiashee]

I have a French polished engelmann top that shows dark streaks and spots as shown in the photos.  In your experience, is discoloration of this sort normal.  If not, what would be involved to repair the top.

[Donald A. Fortune]

Hi Hsiashee- first of all did you do the finish on the original?? If not then there may be a guarantee on the guitar and in that case, its back to the maker.
French polish finish is about the easiest finish to repair (scratches, ECT).
second of all it may be a dis coloration in the wood it self.. ( cant tell by the photo )
best to you in finding a cure for your dilemma.
Peace, Donald

[Hsiashee]

Hi Donald, thanks for your reply.

I spoke with the builder who analyzed the issue. We think it's not due to the finish, but a problem under the finish, most likely resins in the wood that worked its way to the surface. Refinishing would be a major endeavor and may change the sound of the guitar.

Paul

[Donald A. Fortune]

By the looks of the pics, the finish doesn't look all that bad- and you are correct about a re finish and changing the sound, not only that it may add caricature to the guitar who knows :-)
Peace, Donald

[Greg Mirken]

Looks like the sort of pitch marks that Sitka gets. The only way to hide them would be a dark finish.