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Topic: Mullen Guitars new Finishes, First Look! |
Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 11:40 am |
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Feast your eyes on this incredible new Mica that Mullen Guitars is offering! Mica with a lacquer finish!...this guitar was the first produced and, i have to say...im a bit jealous!...This guitar sold at the Dallas Show. Be looking for these Mica samples on the Mullen website soon!
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ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 12:18 pm
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I prefer genuine lacquer steels, artificial lacquer mica just breaks all the aesthetic rules (in my opinion)
OK, so it keeps the cost of the steel down, but pretending to be lacquer is a step too far.
If mica has to be used, keep to solid colours (that don't occur in nature), at least then it's not such an aesthetic crime (imo) |
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Rick Winfield
From:
Pickin' beneath the Palmettos
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 12:31 pm mullen
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Aesthetics or not, (although I do understand)
that's one beautiful finish !!
Rick |
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Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 1:04 pm
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| It still looks like mica. Nothing "incredible" about it. |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 3:07 pm
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I like it.
It looks more like faux tortise-shell, or pearloid pickguard material, than wood. Also kind of reminds me of those chinese lacquer box.
I would love to have an MOT finish option as well. |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 3:26 pm
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[quote="richard burton"]I prefer genuine lacquer steels, artificial lacquer mica just breaks all the aesthetic rules (in my opinion)
Now this i REALLY dont get Richard..Artificial lacquer mica?...How does a finish "pretend" to be lacquer?...it IS lacquer..
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 3:32 pm Mot
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Tony as far as the patterns, theres are likely to be several different ones available in the near future. The process I understand is, a white mica is used, and is painted a specific color. On top of that the pattern is painted on, and then a coat of lacquer is applied. The result is most certainly stunning to say the least...I like wood grain as much as the next guy...just look at my electric guitar collection..But this is way beyond anything ive ever seen offered on a steel guitar...Everyone that saw this guitar wanted it..including me..One guy did pull the trigger on it..
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Mike Schwartzman
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 9:17 pm
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That's a very sharp looking finish, Mickey. If I were to name it...it makes me think "Glowing Embers Finish".
I really never wondered if lacquer could be applied to mica material, but there it is.
_________________
Emmons Push Pull, BMI, Session 400, Home of the Slimcaster Tele. |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 9:32 pm
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Mickey, I really do like it. I wasn't being sarcastic.
What's the durability factor? I know w/ lacquered wood, even if it get's scratched, the wood below is the same color. How tough is the lacquered mica finish? |
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Pat Comeau
From:
New Brunswick, Canada
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 11:05 pm
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What is the purpose to put lacquer over formica,...i just don't get it, you can already get shinny glossy formica, i just don't get it  ,or am i missing something IMHO 
Pat C. 
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Comeau SD10 4x5, Comeau S10 3x5, Peavey Session 500,Fender Telecaster,Fender Stratocaster, Fender Precision,1978 Ovation Viper electric. Alvarez 4 strings Violin electric.
Click the links to listen to my Comeau's Pedal Steel Guitars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYiaomZx3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GhZTN_yXI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvDTw2zNriI |
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Del Walters
From:
Milford,Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 8:03 am Mullen
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I may not understand the reason, but even Mickey's Pictures do not give this guitar justice. My reason is it's just a big wow factor to look at, and the guitar sounds better than great. 
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Rittenberry SD 12 Lacquer, Rittenberry SD 12, Mullen G2 Del Mullen Signature SD-12, "Fox Vintage Amp and vintage reverb",Steel Mixer, "BJS Bars" , Sanberg 7 string bass, Fender tele-#4,Strats-#1,Fender V USA bass#2 Gibson 335, etc, etc, 1 fully staffed and equip veterinary hospital,plus 5 Yorkies, and a tolerate 100 pound Rottweiler.
Last edited by Del Walters on 19 Mar 2010 8:39 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Duane Dunard
From:
Troy, MO. U.S.A.
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 8:34 am
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| It's not the wood grain, or mica pattern/color that's most important to me, it's the glossy shine that I like. In the past, its been hard for all the manufacturers to offer a durable, attractive mica that really shines as pretty as lacquered wood finish. I've noticed that some mica is dull right from the factory, and all the polish in the world won't help make it shine. Black mica is usually certain to be somewhat glossy, but the reds (my favorite color), and some other colors, are often less glossy, even dull. I'm a compulsive cleaner/polisher when it comes to my steel. The more shine,the better. D.D. |
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Mike Mantey
From:
Eastern Colorado, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:12 am Another Picture
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What this is:
Our new finish takes the meaning of lacquer guitar and expands it. It is designed to give a customer a new original look. The painting is done by an artist and lacquered over. There is no picture to display the amount of depth there is to this finish. It comes in many colors and custom painting can also be done. You truly have to see one in person to understand the beauty.
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:30 am
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i don't see any painting from an artist...
the steel looks nice but i never cared much for phony wood finishes either. i think what a lot of us don't want to adjust to is calling it a lacquer finish (which it is) because throughout steel guitar history this has been equated with lacquer covered wood cabinets. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:32 am
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| .....i know, how bout 'clear coated counter top finish'... |
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Mike Mantey
From:
Eastern Colorado, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:45 am
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| It is a Lacquered Finish/Mica guitar period. |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:53 am
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Thank goodness, one can't please everyone
i find those finishes purty neat
love to see more & undoubtedly, will in the near future |
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Brint Hannay
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 10:30 am
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Well, while my personal taste is in agreement with Richard's and Chris's, I guess this is as legitimate as anything else, finish option-wise, and it doesn't sound as though Mullen intends to refer to it simply as a "lacquer guitar" or "lacquer finish"--I hope not, as it would muddy the terminology.
"Lacquered Finish/Mica guitar", as Mike said it, is ambiguous; it could be taken to mean that the guitar had a combination of lacquered wood in some places and mica in others.
I would humbly suggest that it would be best to call it a "Lacquered Mica" finish. To me, the mica is the more significant defining factor. Rather than "expanding the meaning" of "lacquered guitar", this finish "expands the meaning" of "mica guitar". I wouldn't say "It's a lacquer guitar, but with mica", I'd say "It's a mica guitar, but with lacquer." |
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 10:59 am
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| I saw this guitar at the Dallas show and it was very striking. Since the Formica is painted and then lacquered over, what is the purpose of using Formica at all? Wouldn't it be easier to just paint the wood and lacquer over it? That would eliminate the cost of the Formica, plus several gluing and trimming steps. |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 8:20 pm
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If your girlfriend...overnight, got prettier...how long would it take you to "adjust"...LOL 
_________________
ARTIST RELATIONS: MSA GUITARS
2017 MSA LEGEND XL D10, S10, Studio Pro S12 EXE9
Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:02 pm
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| Good one... |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 9:30 pm
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I too saw this guitar up close (and played it quite a bit while in a "happy" state late Friday night..ha). I was very impressed by the depth perception of the finish. It is very attractive. Mullen had a selection of lacquered mica samples there. The blue was particularly sweet. I'm just happy to see a builder who is excited about trying new ideas. It's refreshing.
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Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
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Dave Simonis
From:
Stevens Point, WI USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 10:09 pm new finish
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Maybe this should be referred to as "Hybrid Mica"? 
Seriously, it is new, unique and pretty. While not traditional, I have a feeling other companies may soon be following...
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Dave Simonis
Fiddle: Zeta, Arthur Conner, many others.../Steel: GFI SD-10 Ultra.../Mandolin: Breedlove.../Guitar: Gibson, Fender, Taylor.../Amps: Peavey NV112, Evans FET 500.../Others: Hilton, Goodrich, Stereo Steel, Pendulum Pre-amp... |
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Danny Hullihen
From:
Harrison, Michigan
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Posted 20 Mar 2010 1:16 am Mullen Lacquered Mica
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I think it's a refreshing idea, and certainly something different from the standard mica finishes, especially if you want that deep lacqure shine that most mica finishes don't have. Personally speaking, I think this is an option that many will find attractive and will want. Love it or hate it, it is an "option" and one that is not currently available elsewhere.
One thing is certain, the Mullen Guitar Company has been staying at the forefront with innovation and improvements for the pedal steel guitar, as well as with many new accessories dedicated to the steel guitarist, and that in itself says a whole lot about the company and it's dedicated employees. Obviously this is not a company sitting on their hands waiting for better things to come, but rather "making" better things happen, and with that, giving us more options to choose from. These new finish options are good example of that.
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http://www.jagwirestrings.com |
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Jim Lindsey (Louisiana)
From:
Greenwell Springs, Louisiana (deceased)
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Posted 20 Mar 2010 12:24 pm
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Years ago I saw a mica guitar that some guy had disassembled and painted, then lacquered, to make it resemble candy apple red. I appreciated the idea behind his attempt, but his guitar "looked" painted and the finish seemed unnatural the way it turned out ... it pretty much turned me off to the idea of ever messing around with finishes on a mica guitar.
After seeing his guitar, I held for years to a totally parochial attitude that "it's either mica or it's lacquer" and no in-between. That is, until I went to the Dallas show this past weekend and saw the guitar talked about in this thread!
I, too, was very impressed with this guitar. Its beauty and attractiveness just knocked my lights out. I examined and played it in the Mullen room. Here's a quick photo that I snapped of it without using any flash on my camera ...
... photos honestly do this guitar little justice at all. It's just one of those things you have to see in person to really appreciate.
I was struck with the depth of the finish. I've seen some very beautiful lacquer finishes in my day, but I can't say that any actual "lacquer" guitar that I've ever seen has had a finish with a depth quite like this one. It looked like you could just reach right into it.
Like others have remarked, I found myself wanting that guitar, too (and if I'd had the money I'd have surely bought it on the spot). Along with it's beautiful finish, it played like a dream and I didn't want to stop playing it.
Naturally, some people love lacquer guitars and do not prefer mica finishes, while there are others who love mica and do not particularly care for lacquer. Still others have a love and appreciation for both. No doubt this new finish idea will have its share of fans as well as those who do not care for it.
Speaking for myself, I really like it and appreciate this new finish idea. But, I also appreciate and respect the opinions of those who are not finding this finish (or the idea behind it) to be their cup of tea.
This all being said, Del, Mike & everyone at Mullen, thanks for bringing a new idea into the world of mica guitars. I love these new finishes and hope to own one (or two) someday.
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Goodrich Match-Bro by Buddy Emmons - BJS Steel Bar (Dunlop Finger Picks / Golden Gate Thumb Picks) |
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