Gitane Finish

McQ

Does anyone know what type of finish Gitane uses on their guitars?

Thanks!

gitpicker

It's a polyester finish. Easy to spray on thick and very forgiving on the buffing wheel. Looks great too! Unfortunately when too thick it's not good for the sound but most Gitanes are already pretty loud. Factories like the polyester, among other reasons, because it's real durable and as I said, easy to buff out.

McQ

Thanks--I had contacted Saga, but I didn't hear back.

djangology

Actually, Gitanes have 2 different finishes. One is a standard french polish and the other is some kind of varnish.

frater

French polish? :shock:

gitpicker

There's no French polish Gitanes; at least none that were ever done by the factory in China.

Stringswinger

French Polish is a very time consuming process and would never be used on a budget guitar. Furthermore, the finish of a French polished guitar is very fragile, making it a poor choice for a Gypsy guitar.

Gitanes use Urethane paint. Better Gypsy guitars like Favino's and Duponts most likely use Nitrocellulose.

bjewell

Uh, think that was a joke. Wonder what is on my new MLD?

klaatu

He may be thinking of the satin finish used on the Ciganos. Definitely not French polish, but still pretty light.

djangology

Regardless of what it is, there are 2 distinct types of finishes on Gitanes. I've seen a lot of Gitanes through the years. I've been around since the first Gitane was printed. One of them is a solid clear coat (I assume varnish) and the other is a breathable very light finish...

So, to imply there is only 1 finish is incorrect.

klaatu

Absolutely correct, the latter is the satin finish.