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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
 Posted - 10/17/2009 : 03:40:15
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Hi Guys
In another thread posted by Laurie.
http://www.bossarea.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8173
I made mention about the transparent PhotoFilm technique used to finish some guitars.
I have seen it used on guitars at both ends of the price scale.
Here is an example picture of this film on a Fender Squire Strat,
that I replaced the pots on not too long ago.
Regards Dr. Bob 
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chrissydamage
Silver Member
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 15:06:54
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Hi Dr Bob,
I've encountered that before, think the technique is called 'fotoflame' and was used on some MIJ fenders in the 1990's over a basswood cap to make them look like high end matchbooked maple tops
Those guitars were made in the same factory in Japan as the high end Ibanez J-custom guitars and are allegedly very well made despite the design
The point of having a maple top on guitars is to give a brighter sound- sticking a photo of some wood on the front of a guitar obviously offers no tonal benefits at all ;)
Its a technique which unfortunately seems to be used pretty widely amongst a lot of manufacturers at various price brackets- the often gorgeous 'flamed maple tops' are at best a laminate, at worst a photograph!!
All the more reason to get a custom made guitar or buy vintage :)
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 16:12:26
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Hi chrissydamage
Thanks for your reply & input on this topic.
I honestly believed that this post might drum up a few more comments.
I guess this manufacturing & finishing technique is not that widely known.
The Strat in the picture above is a 20th Anniv. Squire.
Surprisingly it has a great sound/tone & feel.
The film looks amazingly real,
& the transparency allows all the grain of the underlying wood to show through.
I'm really interested to see what the wear pattern/s look like,
in the future on this type of finish.
I will also add, that I belive that the manufacturers,
should be open & truthful, that they use this finish on Model XYZ of their guitar range.
Regards Dr. Bob
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 18:24:10
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| Its cheap, great for the guitar companies but bad for the guitar player |
Edited by - zerksies on 10/22/2009 18:28:50 |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 19:36:15
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I remember those photflame strats...the guitars were good but i always thought the photoflame looked a little false on a Fender....the niceest example i ever saw was the real deal on an old Les Paul..... |
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chrissydamage
Silver Member
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 20:26:13
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Theres some good pics on this site :
http://www.xhefriguitars.com/page7.html
They even fotoflamed the necks as well, truly ridiculous behaviour.......
Can't imagine they would last very long!! |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2009 : 21:35:21
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| very nice looking. thats all i really have to say about that |
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Topic |
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PhotoFilm finishes used on some guitars
