ConNext-2021

78 The Electric Guitar Framus Atlantic 6 Technological investigations on the surface of the object, as well as reconstruction attempts for decoration technology KEYWORDS: electric guitar, Framus Atlantic 6, Sunburst-finish, nitrocellulose lacquer, HVLP system. The electric guitar model Framus Atlantic 6, was manufactured in 1971 by the German company Framus, once Europe’s largest guitar maker. The instrument was privately owned in the 1970s and aesthetically modified during the following time. The current condition shows strong signs of use. In addition to the removal of the original mechanics, the lever of the vibrato system and the potentiometer buttons, the most dramatic change is probably the removal of the so-called ‘Sunburst–finish’ on the top side of the electric guitar (see figure). As part of my Bachelor thesis, the attempt was made to research and reconstruct the intricate surface coating technique of the 70’s using various tests and dummies with the aim to reapply it on the original guitar. The object will continue to be used after the reconstruction of decorative coating has been carried out. Therefore a special focus is on maintaining the functionality of the instrument. Technological andmaterial examinations were thus limited to minimally interventive measures and sampling. A range of visual examination techniques was applied and solubility tests and cross- section analysis were carried out. The original coating turned out to be a nitrocellulose lacquer applied in several layers. They contain a specific sequence of coats of transparent and tinted lacquer, the latter using concentrated stain solutions. The layers were applied to sample boards using HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spraying technology. A total of twelve layers of coating material containing different components as well as four weeks of processing time were required before the final hand polish could be carried out. The results of the reconstruction attempts were evaluated and have proven successful both aesthetically and probably as a restoration measure. They can function as a guide for the reconstruction of the sunburst finish on the original object or similar objects. This talk will mention insights into the importance of the electric guitar for musical culture. It will also illustrate the theoretical research into the coating materials and techniques used at the time of the guitar’s manufacturing as well as on the technological examination and empirical research methods used for the reconstruction of the sunburst decoration. luisa.lessinger[at]fh ‐ potsdam.de