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Topic: Mica Composition Question |
Lawrence Lupkin
From:
Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 8:27 am |
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What actually constitutes a mica finish? If my high school science serves me right, Mica is actually a group of several different minerals. Is it in fact a laminate over some sort of press board? I imagine it was chosen for its durability. Who first used it on a steel guitar?
Thanks in advance! |
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Dave Van Allen
From:
Souderton, PA , US , Earth
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 8:35 am
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Lawrence
I don't think "mica" is the same substance we generally call "mica" or " 'mica"- short for "Formica" a trademark and brand name for a plastic laminate
found this with a Google search on "brand name formica"
http://www.formica.com/history.jsp?page_id=1
quote:
...1913...Within weeks, O'Conor and Faber quit Westinghouse to start their own insulator business. O'Conor sought investors. They found what they needed in Walton, Ky., where a lawyer-banker named John G. Tomlin agreed to put up $7,500. He became a silent partner. O'Conor and Faber ran the business.
The material commonly used in those days for electrical insulation was mica. The new product was a substitute “for mica,” so that's what Faber named their new company. (He had no idea that 75 years later, applied to an altogether different product, Formica would be one of the world's 10 best-known brand names.)
hope it clears things up[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 14 April 2004 at 09:38 AM.] |
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Lawrence Lupkin
From:
Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 8:47 am
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Ah so, Dave. I remember Formica furniture being very popular during the 80s. Who was the first steel maker to popularize it's use? Was it a cost issue?
Thanks.[This message was edited by Lawrence Lupkin on 14 April 2004 at 09:48 AM.] |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 11:21 am
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| It seems like formica was used on some lap steels from way back. But I think Buddy Emmons was the first to use formica on a pedal steel. According to his statements on the history of Sho-Bud and Emmons guitars, he wanted something that was more resistant than lacquer to scratches, bar dings, and especially cigarette burns. I think the costs savings were lagniappe at first. |
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Dave Van Allen
From:
Souderton, PA , US , Earth
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 11:21 am
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| Quote: |
| Who was the first steel maker to popularize it's use? Was it a cost issue? |
Buddy Emmons designed the Emmons guitars to have a Formica finish.
as to why... it's in the depths of the forum or "Ask Buddy" on the buddyemmons.com site.
as I remember I think he said just liked the look of black formica...
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 11:24 am
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Hey, Dave. Get back to work. What you doin' hangin' out here in the middle of the day. 
Formica means "for mica." Cool. So obvious, but who knew? |
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Dan Dowd
From:
Paducah, KY, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 1:44 pm
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| Formica is a trade name. Formica and other brands are made from several sheets of saturating (with polyester resin) kraft paper, (similar to brown paper bag paper) with a decorative top printed sheet. It is then put in a high pressure laminating press with heat to bond it all together. |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 14 Apr 2004 3:09 pm
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I certainly hope that you know Dave well enough to call him that!  |
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Nicholas Dedring
From:
Beacon, New York, USA
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Posted 15 Apr 2004 8:11 am
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Hey Lawrence...
I have to go with David Doggett on this one. The story I've read in a few places is that somebody set a cigarette down on a lacquer Bigsby that Buddy Emmons had, and got a burnmark on the finish. When he looked for the features he wanted in the Emmons guitar, one of them was a finish that would show less wear, marking and damage... formica fits the bill, and black makes sure even a cigarette burn won't show up.
I suppose if you can make a non-marring countertop for a kitchen out of it, it stands to reason that it's going to be tough on a guitar too... |
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