theoretical tone question

[tzoranski]

I have a theoretical question about tone. If you had 2
identical jem guitars with the only difference being that
one had an unfinished body. When I say unfinished I mean
no paint or clear coating. Everything else would be exactly
the same. Assuming that they were both played through
the same amp, what would the difference in tone be?
I'm curious to know what the paint and the clean coat
add to the sound. would the unfinished guitar be more
thin sounding?

[jono]

I've not done it with "identical" guitars, but with similar guitars I'd describe the unfinished guitar's tone as "crisper" with more presence. But that's just my ears.

[The Euphor]

It's a very hard test to do, since you won't find two identical sounding guitars to begin with. I'm convinced there is a difference, but I'm not able to tell you why - or how a finish colors the sound.

I like bright colors too much to care.

[3rdeye]

I think the difference would be negligible.

[tzoranski]

Originally Posted by jono

I've not done it with "identical" guitars, but with similar guitars I'd describe the unfinished guitar's tone as "crisper" with more presence. But that's just my ears.

That's kinda what I heard. I didn't compare the guitars back to back
because I was playing the same guitar. I was used to the sound of
my guitar so when I played it unfinished it sounded very crisp. like
it lost some bass or fullness. Was wondering if it was just my ears
playing tricks on me.