The traditional way is to leave the soundboard unfinished. But after a few years they generally look dirty, frankly not very pretty. There does not
seem to be any disadvantage to light use of shellac, and a lot of benefit. Look at a 50 year old Martin guitar, and there are many. I don't think it's
realistic to play an instrument like a laboratory procedure. Accidents happen, and a shellac'ed soundboard can be wiped clean. I'd vote for French
Polishing with shellac or brushing it on dilute and sanding down to a semi-gloss. But ask for real flake shellac in alcohol, the canned stuff is not
as good, dries a bit gummy. Also, and this is my personal preference, and not traditional, if the fingerboard is not ebony, for myself I would ask if
he can coat it with something hard like Tru-Oil as used on rifle stocks so it resists wear from the wound strings, and you don't have to plane it
every few years. But if you want a completely traditional oud, just let him do it his way. |