Will refinishing affect the sound of the guitar?

[rockstarazuri]

Anyone can give me feedback on this? Especially those who have done refinishing work on their guitars. I'm planning to send my guitar to the local luthier to refinish it with a new color.

Btw, it's polyurethane (old finish) -> Polyurethane (new)

 

[drenz]

Pickups would do more to change the tone of the guitar than the finish of the body would.

 

[Konfyouzd]

Probably... But not in a drastic "OMGWTFHAPPENED?!" kinda way...

 

[Necromagnon]

 

[Connor]

It will change, but you wont be able to hear it, nobody will. It'd depend on how many coats they put on and if they sand down the body further than the last finish is.

 

[rockstarazuri]

I like the sound of my guitar now, but I'm worried the sound will suffer after I refinish it lol

 

[Ryan-ZenGtr-]

The only noticeable change would be if you put it back together again wrong.

Record it before and after and post the results as a double blind test.

 

[DjentDjentlalala]

The only noticeable change would be if you put it back together again wrong.

Record it before and after and post the results as a double blind test.

THIS

 

[bob123]

What guitar did you buy with a polyurethane finish on it from factory?

Most guitar manufacturers use polyester based paint.

 

[Sinster]

The only noticeable change would be if you put it back together again wrong.

Record it before and after and post the results as a double blind test.

Make sure you do at least 7 different recordings.. doesn't matter what combo it could be one prior or six after.. Having a 50/50 choice the odds in your favor

 

[Slappywag]

If you are talking about an electric guitar it will to some degree, but as Connor said, you won't be able to tell too much difference. The thicker the finish and the more coats applied will lead in a higher chance of it changing as it will dampen the natural resonance of the instrument. Then again you'd likely hear a difference if it had no finish applied.

If you are talking about an acoustic guitar then you would probably notice a large difference if you have a good ear. As the soundboard and backplate play a large part in creating the sound, any dampening of them will change the sound greatly.

If it is an electric I wouldn't worry to much as the pickups will be the largest factor in what sound the guitar produces (along with an amp).