<HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2715.400" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P><FONT face="MS Sans Serif" size=2> <DIV>Awhile back we were having a discussion on the merits of various kinds of varnishes.  I continue to explore the effects of varnish on soundboards (if any) and have a few questions.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>First, what differentiates the type of varnish used on violins and cellos from the spar varnish often used on pianos.  I notice that the varnish on violins is quite hard, even brittle, whereas spar varnishes are typically a bit rubbery (have I answered my own question?).  What is the composition of violin varnishes, typically--I know, for Stradivarius it was a secret.  How might this difference effect tone on a soundboard.   And, is there a reason to select a very hard, even brittle finish? </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Second, are there potential ill effects from putting too heavy a coat of varnish  on a board.  Can too heavy a coat of rubbery spar varnish actually impede sound transmission through the board, and how thick would it have to be to create a problem.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Third, can varnish effect epoxy underneath it?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would be more interested in experiences and side by side comparisons than speculations, but please feel free to comment either way.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>David Love</DIV> <DIV><A href="mailto:davidlovepianos@earthlink.net">davidlovepianos@earthlink.net</A></DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT> <P></P></BODY></HTML>