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Hello, I am building a new steel string acoustic, customer ask me if i could reproduce the checked crazed finish , like on the old gibsons, anybody try this or know of the process?

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I've seen it done two ways. You can actually cut the appropriate checking lines with a new X-Acto knife blade, and then lightly buff the finish. If you are observant and skilled enough you can replicate the same pattern that occurs naturally. Takes LOTS of practice, but can be really effective.

Some actually heat the instrument a bit and then jam it into a deep freeze or spray it with high pressure carbon dioxide to chill the finish.

Both techniques I've seen done only on solid body electrics - Gibson refinish jobs, to be specific.

Me, I would simply decline the request to do it on a new hand made instrument, partly because it would be a poor testimony to your work if it doesn't travel with a clear disclaimer.

Remember, the reason Gibson finishes craze so badly is that they are generally applied in a much heavier coating than others such as those done by Martin and others.
Thanks Frank, i did turn him down but it got me thinkin if guys were out there doin it on acoustics, this is along the lines of nick lucas. guess he will just have to leave it in the trunk of the car overnight in boston.here she is in progress
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how about taking the instrument to a propane tank and shooting on some propane which is freezing cold and crack up the top coat this way but I like what Frank said about Testimony
gonna expirement with the deep freeze on some scraps, you guys got my screws turning now, and i just repaired an lod gibson archtop jazz box with that checking it looked really cool.
Cheers Mark
Mark the best results I have seen were on a camp fire guitar from being cold then right in front of the fire
Lol

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