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Post by jcgss77 on Oct 7, 2011 20:43:08 GMT -5
I am hoping to tap into someone's wisdom here. I have a Hamer USA Studio which was built in 1994. This beast has taken many dings into the clear finish of the guitar over the years (by others, not me-I am much more careful with this guitar) and I wish to get this axe back to showroom quality. Can someone please share with me what the finishing material is, and/or the best way to cover up the dings? Pics will be attached soon for proper diagnosis. Thank you!
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Post by KIIMH on Oct 7, 2011 21:00:15 GMT -5
Hi jcgs77,
i do'nt have anytihng useful to say but i just wantd yuo to kno i noticed the "special" in you avatar and i tohught you might liek to ko im special also.
Oh, by teh way, its' me - klye!
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Post by cynical1 on Oct 7, 2011 23:35:50 GMT -5
The pictures would really help.
Hamer, like most guitar builders, use a hard catalyst finish. Hard is good because it's durable, but it can chip. Buffing a hard finish can be time consuming, as the finish is designed to be abrasion resistant...and polishing is an abrasion process.
That said, if the over all finish is good you may be able to spot fill the dings. A some gel Crazy Glue and a good automotive clear will work. You'll probably wind up with a lifetime supply, but they do buff out nicely and normally won't lift the existing finish. You can save a few bucks and just use poly, but keep in mind poly won't buff out as well as an automotive finish.
I'll wait for the pictures and go from there.
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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Post by 4real on Oct 8, 2011 4:06:45 GMT -5
Got to have a pic refinishing guitars is one of the hardest things...for a really professional finish, you often need a professional. You might be able to prep everything yourself and get someone in the car spraying biz to clear coat it if you really want it 'as new'... Otherwise, there is always relic-ing. I heard a great radio podcast recently regarding Pat Metheny's relationship with guitar builder Linda Manzer... www.cbc.ca/radio2/insidethemusic/2011/08/14/kindred-spirits-linda-manzers-30-year-journey-with-pat-metheny/In it he explains that he invariably puts a ding in all his guitars, they are just not played if they are not scarred a little. My new project, I am purposely going for a bit of a 'lived in look'. My tele was sprayed by a car sprayer.
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Post by D2o on Oct 8, 2011 9:02:19 GMT -5
..... he invariably puts a ding in all his guitars, they are just not played if they are not scarred a little. My new project, I am purposely going for a bit of a 'lived in look'. My tele was sprayed by a car sprayer. I know this is a personal thing that varies by individual, but I completely agree. In fact, I only buy used guitars. I bought one that was in mint condition one time and eventually sold it because I was too afraid of being the first to ding it and reduce it's value. I scratched one of my current used guitars on an exposed nail a while back and was pretty proud of myself for only making a loud noise - no swears! Pretty good, eh? My daughter still heard me and came over to ask what happened. I explained and we both started laughing when I couldn't determine which of the scratches was the new one I had just inflicted. That's my kind of guitar. But to each his own, so good luck with the restoration! D2o
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Post by cynical1 on Oct 8, 2011 10:27:56 GMT -5
While I agree that nicks and dings happen, and an individuals OCD rating determines how much of a trauma it is, one thing to remember is that the finish is there to protect the wood.
Unless you live in a rain forest this may not be critical to the body, but it can be fatal on the neck, depending on the size of the damage. I've seen an innocent little nick turn into a huge failure of the finish. Moisture, dirt, sweat, oils from your skin...etc...all have a path under your finish once the nick exposed the wood.
Fixing small problems early removes the issue of fixing big problems later.
That's all I'm sayin'...
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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