Finish required?

[RockinProf]

Hi all,

After trying different sustain blocks in different guitars I’m hooked. They really do add depth. On my newest block upgrade I found that the bigger block hits the body and forces the back of the bridge up. I’m considering taking the dremel and taking a little wood away so the bridge sits parallel to the body.

If I go ahead, do I need to finish where I removed wood? The body is alder.

Thanks all

 

[Mincer]

Re: Finish required?

Alder is pretty stable wood, so I don't think you'd have to finish it.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Finish required?

I don't have any finish on 4 of my guitars and they haven't blown up yet.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Finish required?

I don't have any finish on 4 of my guitars and they haven't blown up yet.

Better keep them dry & clean.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Finish required?

So don't jump in the lake or a garbage dump with them? Ok ya I think I'm good.

 

[nexion218]

Re: Finish required?

To me, rubbing the surface with some oil one would use for unfinished necks sounds like a good enough solution. Maybe I should've formulated it as a question though...

 

[formula73]

Re: Finish required?

It’s fine. People have had unfinished routs in guitar bodies for decades with no problems.

 

[The_Junior]

Re: Finish required?

When we are talking about an area where the trem posts or screws around an area where hardware stability is needed. I can see some compromise in structural integrity. where you just exposed an area to humidity and more risk with the wood pores cracking/separating as a result. Not by a whole lot, but it's a remote possibility. Very very remote.

I would think about mixing some epoxy to smear over where you buzzed away. Just to give me piece of mind. It shouldn't take long if you use a 5 minute set.

In a matter of likelyhood, you're probably fine. But in my paranoid mind, I would need additional assurance..

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Finish required?

A tiny bit of unfinished wood like that won't make any difference at all.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Finish required?

you dont need a finish on a guitar but you will get sweat and grime in the wood. doesnt hurt anything, or at least hasnt on my esquire over the past 10+ years but it sure dont look pretty