The Process - Art and the Acoustic Finish
The acoustic world has many traditions and one of the most sacred is the finish. For seventy years most makers have used nitrocellulose lacquer, shellac and now UV polyester and polyurethane. Much is debated concerning the best attributes of each one.
The purpose of this work is to use a traditional and proven finish technique in a totally new way. By moving decoration onto the soundboard of a stringed instrument, I defy the notion that you can't decorate the top without compromising the sound. Adding pigment into the lacquer or shellac and applying with a brush, I sand flat and repeat until the image is built up and defined. This technique results in an ultra thin finish that rivals any other in volume and tone, while giving a dynamic visual presentation.
Four years ago, after many years of experimentation, I began this project to show that an alternative to the traditional gloss, matte or sunburst finish can be accomplished. Now with this innovation, painting is possible on the soundboard. One can incorporate motifs from all cultures and any visual art design onto the surface of fine stringed instruments.
All instruments shown here and in the Art Instrument Gallery fill niches in configuration and size representing modern luthery. Commissions are welcome.
peter@creestudios.com - Thank you for visiting - Peter Cree
