Eastman SB59/v Solidbody Electric Guitar, Antique Goldburst, Never Owned!

Vintage Gets a New Varnish

With a look, style, and sound all of their own, the Antique Varnish guitars and mandolins use the same world class, hand applied varnish as our violins.

The Spirit is in the Varnish

Do you believe in magic? If your answer is “no,” the magical work of our small group of varnish experts might change your mind. The fact that they won’t share their top secret process with us only adds to the mystique!

Newly Suited, Sweeter Sound

A six step process starting with a basecoat application to fill the grain, moving to color application, concluding with a french polish, resulting in a finish that’s softer than lacquer, with a smoother tone.

The Varnish Sings

A thinner layer of varnish allows for a more resonant, and wide-open sound, giving these instruments a voice all their own.

Behind the Varnish

At the source of every great feature are highly skilled craftspeople who sculpt, refine and perfect a vision. The Antique Varnish process is no exception. The same team behind our respected Violin Varnish Shop painstakingly hand apply and age the full series of Antique Varnish Archtops, Thinlines, Acoustics and Mandolins. The resulting sound is pure and like no other.

All Bases Varnished

Our Antique Varnish Series has something for everyone. From solid body electrics to mandolins, you’ll have a hard time not falling in love with one of these handmade instruments