Regarding the soundboard refinishingthreads: I have found that the using orange shellac, perhaps adding a little analine dye, gives the color you want, and you can wipe on and rub off very quickly to achieve the desired look. Shellac also dries within minutes, and in many climates, you can apply a coat of varnish within an hour or so. It prevents the soaking-in so often observed in refinished boards. If there is a complaint about using spar varnish, it is that the finish has a certain "tack" which remains for years. It might be argued that this only matters when you clean the soundboard later; more dirt sticks to it. Personally, I don't know. I have occasionally used Artist's varnish or Damar varnish. This was intended as a protective coating for oil paintings, and has the flex to withstand the rigors of canvas stretched over a frame, and this seems to allow for shrinking and swelling of boards as well. My personal favorite is "Old Village" varnish if you can find it, as it dries hard and clear, looks great, and seemd to lend a crispness to the sound, although I acknowledge this might be subjective since there is no way to quantify it. They also make the best paint for fine furniture I ever used. I knew an old violin maker, and had him varnish a couple of boards, using his "secret recipe". Even though we often maintain the thin coat of varnish couldn't possibly make an audible difference, and the variables were many, I never heard such sustain in a piano in my life! Other techs around the area had him varnish piano soundboards with similar results. Point is, I would like to see some experimenting in this area, similar to what has been done with violins and the like. I believe the coating we put on a soundboard makes a diff, and I would love to know to what extent. Anyone else ever considered this? Steve
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