FRENCH POLISH IS THE FIRST CHOICE FINISH FOR A CONCERT GUITAR

Definitely a myth. Finishing in general is a very complex issue. The term “french polish” is often misused, which adds to confusion. Extensive testing at Robert Guitars have revealed a very short list of advantages and a long list of disadvantages associated with the use of shellac, main ingredient of traditional French Polish.

SYNTHETIC LACQUER MAKES FOR A BRIGHT, BRITTLE SOUND

Not true. A generalization, has some relevance to poorly applied nitrocellulose lacquer which is brittle.

SOFT FINISH SCRATCHES EASILY

Not true. Try scratching a rubber car tire.

HARD FINISH MAKES FOR BRIGHT SOUND

Not true, polyurethane doesn’t.