Does Satin Finish Sound Better than Gloss? - Alvarez TV

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  • Опубліковано 26 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 96

  • @Andre4548
    @Andre4548 Рік тому +14

    I was surprised the glossy finish was louder than the satin finish; but I also thought the low end on the glossy finish sounded "muddy" compared to the satin finish. To my ears, the satin finish had a more balanced sound.

    • @erichtheinert8969
      @erichtheinert8969 3 місяці тому

      I agree. I get all my instruments in satin not because I'm a purist, but because I prefer the sound.

  • @ronchave6354
    @ronchave6354 Рік тому +4

    There is one thing that stands out, and that is the research and proof testing that Alvarez does with the guitars is what makes these videos a pleasure to watch. Chris and Dee, no one does this better than you Guy's. World leading stuff "Thanks"👌👍🎵🎵🎵PS, My MD60 EBG was gloss finish and a lot louder than my Cole Clark FL2-A with Nitro finish. Both very good Guitar's.

  • @DwightP980
    @DwightP980 Рік тому +2

    I started this video thinking the clear-cut winner would be the unfinished, and was blown away with how nice the gloss sounded.

  • @Jeffrey-hd3ct
    @Jeffrey-hd3ct Рік тому +6

    btw, yall play and sound great! seriously yall should do an album!

  • @LegsON
    @LegsON Рік тому +2

    My God, so good to see rosewood as a fretboard and bridge again. So beautiful.

  • @RR-mi5ni
    @RR-mi5ni Рік тому +1

    What an excellent presentation! I mentioned an episode on guitar finish once below one of your previous videos, so thank you so much! Very informative and helpful. You guys rock, going beyond theory and putting things to practice.
    Super!

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому

      We love doing it @RR-mi5ni and glad you enjoyed this one, we did too! Any other questions or ideas, let us know, we'd love to hear 👍

  • @ektalon1
    @ektalon1 Рік тому +3

    OK, I listened through my Mac speakers, not my usual earphones but I thought the unfinished sounds like when I practice with my Strat unplugged. The Satin finish sounded softer and I think better than the gloss which sounded louder or maybe brighter which is surprising.

  • @brianhoey1107
    @brianhoey1107 Рік тому +1

    I've never known another guitar maker be so bold and go to such lengths to demonstrate how their instruments are made and how variations in construction (tonebars, choice of wood) or finish impact on the sound. However, your videos take away the mystique and illustrate the design features that affect all wooden acoustic guitars so are applicable to other brands also. This helps any buyer make unbiased, informed choices when choosing a guitar. Good on ya! BTW in the late 60s/early 70s there was a trend amongst a few British folk and blues guitarists to scrape off the finish from the guitar top in the hope that it would make the guitar more resonant. I think I recall John James writing that Ralph McTell had persuaded him to do it to his Levin but he wasn't happy with the result.

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому +1

      Thank you, Brian, for your kind comments - we love doing this and are glad to give guitar obsessives like ourselves even more options to get all the tones they are looking for, anywhere on the musical spectrum. If you have any questions or ideas, please send them our way, we live for this! Great story about Ralph McTell!

    • @brianhoey1107
      @brianhoey1107 Рік тому

      @@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial I'll give that some thought.

  • @joibjalla
    @joibjalla 5 місяців тому

    You guys make awesome, informative videos. Lovely stuff. Glossy one was my fave.

  • @ret264
    @ret264 Рік тому +2

    I bet if Alvarez offered a few more Satin Finished models they would sell a BUNCH more guitars.

  • @jabomiles6947
    @jabomiles6947 Рік тому +2

    Great video. I do agree with your assessments and appreciate the fact that all three guitars were fed through the same mic. Good job Guys, as we all know that different mics can skew the results.

  • @JohnRotonto-ql9ds
    @JohnRotonto-ql9ds Рік тому +1

    They all sound great. No matter the fit and finish, Alvarez sets the bar high. Great job to Chris and the team! 👍👍🎶🎶🎶🎶😎😎😎😎🤯🤯🤯🤯🤬🤬🤬🤬

  • @vtlongtrail1
    @vtlongtrail1 Рік тому +2

    Great video, guys. Very interesting results. I thought the bare guitar would sound great but ugh... Chris and Dee autograph that satin finish guitar and sell it to me please.

  • @georgev8479
    @georgev8479 Рік тому +1

    Great video as always. Thanks I have many Alvarez guitars. the newest is an AF30C satin finish folk size body. It sounds great but I'm wondering if a Gloss top would give it more punch such as your all gloss guitar did in this video. I like the satin sides and back. Gloss guitars like to slide away from me while playing. I also have an older Alvarez RD8 Drednaught all gloss guitar that is probably the best sounding acoustic I own and I own many. I wish the back of the neck on that guitar was satin finish, but it still plays great . I as well was surprised how different each finish sounded. Keep the videos coming, and the great guitars too.

    • @billallen1594
      @billallen1594 Рік тому

      I agree with you about them being more slippery. On the Alvarez I have, they seem to have added a little abrasion where it rests on your knee but I’m still tempted to get the sandpaper out! Have you been?

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому

      Thanks for the great comment! Pleased to here you found it interesting, we would recommend trying our Artist 60 series. Which have gloss top satin backs, sides and neck, this may work great for you! 👍

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      Sure! Slap on another coat or two! Won’t hurt! 😂

  • @Jeffrey-hd3ct
    @Jeffrey-hd3ct Рік тому +1

    thanks for explaining about the different finishing techniques. that mightve been what i was noticing

  • @garylee3145
    @garylee3145 6 місяців тому

    Great Video, Thanks for being so objective and honest. Helps inspiring builders more than you can imagine. Results were not as I suspected. Also, you saved me a bunch of effort as I wanted to try this experiment. I wonder, do you think that the coating cancels out slight +/- frequencies around the note making it clearer? Seems more prevalent in the low frequencies IE.. the satin verse full gloss. Do you see less lefty to right of target note? And finally, do you think there is less decay due to subtle stiffness from the coating is the big contributor to tone improvement when proper thickness is achieved? Again, thanks for all the contributions to us who ponder these types of questions…. Great stuff!

  • @markseelye8270
    @markseelye8270 Рік тому +2

    To really do an honest comparison, you need to take an unfinished guitar, record it, then put a satin finish on the same guitar THEN record it again. Then, take another unfinished guitar, record it, THEN, put a gloss finish on that guitar, then record IT again to hear how each finish effects the same guitar. Because three same model guitars will all have their own sound, even unfinished. Music Villa in Boseman Montana brought in 7 J45s direct from the factory in Boseman. All 7 sounded different. Same finish, same wood on all 7. That's why it's sometimes risky buying a factory acoustic guitar without playing it. Happily, my Yairi DYM60HDE sounds wonderful. Not being able to play one nearby, I ordered it on the recommendation of J. P. Cormier, "Guitar Stuff with John". My previous main guitar was a 1990 Yairi WY1 for almost 25 years. I also have an Alvarez AP70 parlor. I'm hooked on Alvarez. Love the ones Josh Turner (Country) plays. Hope to get the slope shoulder sunburst someday.

  • @MrLeavemikealone
    @MrLeavemikealone Рік тому +2

    A hard paste wax also changes the dynamics. A spectrum scope overlay would show a visual of the areas boosted.

    • @mk-wv6yv
      @mk-wv6yv Рік тому

      Interesting concept. Have you tried it? If so, please provide a comment about the results.

    • @MrLeavemikealone
      @MrLeavemikealone Рік тому

      @@mk-wv6yv I haven't had the equipment in a few years but; I did something similar with speaker cabinets. There also is a scientific study published on violin varnish that explains a lot here...bridgewoodandneitzert.london/blog/violin-varnish-affects-tone-instrument/

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      @@mk-wv6yvYou tell em

  • @heidih2887
    @heidih2887 Рік тому

    Loving these real-life testing/comparisons and examples! Interesting how much we THINK we "know" until those beliefs are put to the real test! :D Thanks! :D

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому

      We love it, too! If you have any questions or requests, please send them our way.

  • @CameraLaw
    @CameraLaw Рік тому +1

    Loved this comparison. Every guitar has its own character. On my classicals, the one with a polyurethane finish by José Ramírez is by far the loudest (the others are shellac and French polish) yet the other two are both sweeter, more delicate, with more colors. Every guitar can be tweaked by using different picks, fingernails, or skin to activate the strings. Oddly, on acoustics, I like mandolin picks and Taylor Darktones. Gets rid of the country twanginess. Jazzier.

  • @LifeWideOpen780
    @LifeWideOpen780 Рік тому

    Man I love your guys videos!

  • @vernonknight5827
    @vernonknight5827 Рік тому +1

    Can I have the unfinished one, since it is unsellable and hard to finish now?

  • @mk-wv6yv
    @mk-wv6yv Рік тому +1

    Wow, not the result that most of us anticipated. Great instructional video! For years we have heard about the thin finish as being the best. My preference of this video is the gloss finish. The timbre is more robust and commanding.
    I have a nice custom guitar, from a very reputable builder, that has a torrefied top. All satin finish; top, sides, and back. Sounds tinny to me. Bass side sounds very good. Have used the Jimi Hendrix method and tuned down a whole step to try and get some increased mid-range over the highs.
    Don't want to change the string gauges, as the guitar does not have an adjustable truss rod. Maybe what I really need to do is apply a thick coat of guitar polish on it. What are your team's thoughts?

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      It’s exactly the way I predicted 🧐

  • @jbanjo056
    @jbanjo056 Рік тому

    Awesome video, very interesting!

  • @tokairic3925
    @tokairic3925 Рік тому

    During the intro jam do you discuss what key you'll be playing the solo part in, so that the rhythm guitar knows which chords to play or do you just go by ear / experience.
    I find jamming with others really difficult if its not planned.

  • @billallen1594
    @billallen1594 Рік тому +1

    Interesting. Not what I expected either…
    Shame there wasn’t any single string/ finger style comparison (yes, I realise this size of guitar is about volume and strumming really)
    You have obviously nailed the gloss finish, as some other guitars are definitely muted by a thick finish.
    And it’s clear that you don’t like the one with no finish.
    Cheeky question. Can I have it please if you don’t want it, as think it might have a great bluesy sound?

  • @yogarich
    @yogarich Рік тому +1

    My favorite was the gloss finish. Thanks for the video. It m
    akes me reconsider some of my biases.

  • @antalnagy8075
    @antalnagy8075 Рік тому

    I own a glossy spruce top and pau ferro satin finish back and sides OM :).
    The glossy top all the time need to be cleaned of dust 😊.
    My daughter has an all satin finish spruce/walnut, also an OM, but it's not melower than mine at all.
    Ps. She has no problem with the dust😅 like me...
    Greatings.

  • @renmad0078
    @renmad0078 Рік тому

    And the oiled finish ? What difference ?

  • @randyfreed2626
    @randyfreed2626 Рік тому +1

    Surprising results. The unfinished one's "metallic" sound is clearly a resonance at an unwanted frequency. My guess would be 4k and very narrow but I'm only playing on my phone so it could be very different. Regardless, it's now obvious that the finish tames that resonance.
    3 thoughts:
    1) Great video. Very eye (ear) opening.
    2) Whoever told John Lennon to remove the finish for better sound, was probably wrong.
    3) Perhaps it reveals an area for improvement in construction. It's possible that the finish is the best solution to dampen that resonance. It's also possible that moving a brace 1/4" would also remove it. Which leaves the question, "Would an unfinished guitar win the shootout if it wasn't built in a way that the finish was needed to compensate?"

    • @billallen1594
      @billallen1594 Рік тому

      Maybe the finish on Lennon’s guitars were a lot thicker? I don’t know, but technology has moved on

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      Your droll comment was an unwanted frequency! 🤮

  • @flactemnad
    @flactemnad Рік тому

    Really nice comparison! The satin finish guitar sounds more mellow, almost like a mahogany body vs the glossy rosewood body sound.
    Now you need to put a shellac finish on that unfinished guitar for comparison; or send it to me if it's taking up space! LOL

  • @blackhawkxlh102
    @blackhawkxlh102 Рік тому +1

    I know I would like to make one other suggestion for a build how about a sycamore wood top with solid Rosewood back and sides

  • @chrishayes9855
    @chrishayes9855 Рік тому

    I love this video, but there are a few things that I think would make it better. Having the same person playing the same tune, in the same space, & with the same mic is perfect. The one variable that you're not able to control for is the speaker on our end. A poor speaker may not be able to convey some of the nuances you're able to hear when recording.
    There is also natural bias. I think the difference between the unfinished & the other two stands out, but would I say that if I didn't know which was being played? So maybe play something off screen.
    The other suggestion would be to include the EQ data. See if there is a quantitative difference for where the metallic, or fuller, or softer sounds are coming from. So what is the differences in volume? Does one have more bass? Is one fuller across all frequencies?

  • @JasonHaskell-o9k
    @JasonHaskell-o9k Рік тому

    The Satin sounds amazing to my ears. Visually I appreciate the "tamed down" appearance of both the Satin and the "Naked." I think all 3 versions could have a place in the marketplace. I think my money would go to a Satin with a pickup (MD60E-Satin).

  • @4jrbirdman
    @4jrbirdman 2 місяці тому

    Thanks, nicely done

  • @richardhinton1463
    @richardhinton1463 Рік тому +1

    I believe the glossy finish has more sustain. The satin seems more mellow and there is some crossover between notes. The glossy finish seems to separate chords better.

  • @nicholascowie5944
    @nicholascowie5944 Рік тому

    I like the look of a satin finish just a little less blingy and would like the choice. Maybe a naked series like Faith. All solid but cheaper! Tonally it and the gloss sounded similar.

  • @rickmyerscough7788
    @rickmyerscough7788 Рік тому

    Very interesting... I thought the satan finish would sound more open than the glossy... but it did not to my ears... I have a 1986 Satan finish Alvarez Yairi DY-45 which I purchased new in 1986.
    Which I love... I also have a Gibson Advanced Jumbo and a Martin HD-28... they are glossy finish and they each sound different. I enjoy them all... and I alway thought the satan finish would sound better in those guitars... Not so sure now. Thank you for taking the time to build and compare. I really enjoy your interviews and playing.

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому

      Thanks for the kind words, @rickmyerscough7788! Your opinions really matter, glad to hear you are enjoying your Alvarez. 👍

  • @sometimesdimneverthin
    @sometimesdimneverthin Рік тому

    A brave statement as pretty much every Alvarez video prides themselves on a thin finish.

  • @WelcomeToTheClub-j5i
    @WelcomeToTheClub-j5i Рік тому

    Hello. Random off topic question…. I’m from Dallas, TX, and finding Masterwork and Yairi models is tough. Is there a reason for that?
    Is Austin your main Texas market? Is this dealer driven?
    Any help connecting me to these products would be appreciated.
    Thx

    • @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial
      @AlvarezGuitarsOfficial  Рік тому

      Hi @user-sj4wi9sr5d, thanks for the questions! We have dealer locator, head over to alvarezguitars.com/dealer-locator/ Hope this helps! 👍

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      @@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial Hope you didn’t hurt a finger 😂

  • @Makka316
    @Makka316 Рік тому

    This is very interesting. I've recently bought a K Yairi guitar (a cheaper FY84CE model) and along the way I tried out numerous guitars, one of which was a Cole Clark Auditorium 2 model in blackwood. I really, really (!) disliked the unplugged acoustic sound of that guitar and was trying to describe to the sales guy what I disliked about the sound. All I could come up with is that it sounded "metallic". He was asking what I meant but I couldn't come up with a better description. Had I seen this video I could have pointed it out to him where the same description has been used about the unfinished guitar. Unfortunately for the Cole Clark I would say it sounded a lot worse! In it's defense it sounded great plugged in...

  • @chrisgeorge4325
    @chrisgeorge4325 Рік тому +2

    I think it's very hard to do a true comparison where there are no differences but the treatment of the top...it makes the assumption that all three have identical bracing behaviour...as we know, bracing is everything and it's hard to truly know whether you're truly comparing like with like

    • @kazzz2765
      @kazzz2765 Рік тому +2

      Yeah but the no finish one is such an outlier that the cause is almost certainly the lack of a finish

  • @lhvent
    @lhvent Рік тому +1

    I like the look with no pick guard.

  • @beezymeech
    @beezymeech Рік тому

    MD60 is quite literally a perfect guitar. Everytime I play it I feel like I'm playing a $2000 guitar. That said I had to get a bridge doctor installed as the bridge was coming up, and the frets shaved down from the factory. But other than that it's so nice.

  • @blackhawkxlh102
    @blackhawkxlh102 Рік тому

    I'd like to request an experiment where as the guitar is being built finish the entire inside and outside of the guitar and see how it sounds

  • @lhvent
    @lhvent Рік тому +2

    The gloss finish model sounds the best

  • @GaveMeGrace1
    @GaveMeGrace1 Рік тому

    Thank you. 😊

  • @ianhumphreys3892
    @ianhumphreys3892 Рік тому

    Depends on your set up, gloss finishes need a fair old strum to get a decent sound out of them. Not good if the wife and kids are in bed. I’ve a satin finish Tanglewood and it sounds great and bluesy , with just a touch.

  • @10til2nj3
    @10til2nj3 Рік тому

    Love the satin....but all of the guitars sound great

  • @Run_Deep
    @Run_Deep Рік тому

    I would say the unfinished guitar has a very RAW sound quality. The Gloss is just a touch more damping to the guitars sound. The Satin to my ears is the most open and articulate.

  • @ILuvJazzNJava
    @ILuvJazzNJava Рік тому

    To really convince me, you would have needed to do the three different finishes on one guitar. Start unfinished, record it, then satin finish, record, then gloss and record. Many identical guitar models still sound quite different. I don’t doubt finish could make a difference, but the different guitars brings too much variability to it.

  • @Woodsywolfman
    @Woodsywolfman Рік тому +1

    If you want to give away the unfinished guitar, I'd be happy to take it...😂

  • @terraviridis2514
    @terraviridis2514 Рік тому

    Someday, I'm gonna buy one, regardless of finish

  • @Gary-zq3pz
    @Gary-zq3pz Рік тому +1

    Satin finish doesn't show fingerprints...other than that, no difference.

  • @isadorealire5722
    @isadorealire5722 Рік тому

    The one with no finish(before the A B comparison had sort of a jangly tone like a Taylor. Difference being this one is more harsh. Satin seemed to separate and be more articulate in the bass than the gloss. The gloss had fantastic treble and mids. Personally, I preferred the satin overall.

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      Jangly huh? Is that a technical term? Lol

  • @Jeffrey-hd3ct
    @Jeffrey-hd3ct Рік тому

    ya definitely #2

  • @JackTheRabbitMusic
    @JackTheRabbitMusic Рік тому +1

    Why no finger style? 😂
    I can’t judge any guitar by hearing it being strummed; I have to get my own fingers on it…and that’s how you ALL should buy guitars.
    Play it for yourself.
    Peace y’all. 🐰🎸🎶✌️

    • @DionSt.Michael
      @DionSt.Michael 2 місяці тому

      Sooo, you need to ‘finger’ it yurself, huh? 😂

  • @Shawndoh
    @Shawndoh 11 місяців тому

    Cheaper no plastic sounds better

  • @boygeorgemonde6608
    @boygeorgemonde6608 Рік тому

    Fix your 175mm nut width and very sharp edges finger board..your welcome..!! See it your self

  • @LegsON
    @LegsON Рік тому

    First!