'Twas a most excellent day at the Guild of American Luthiers conference in Tacoma, Washington.  For several years, I have wondered about hand rubbed sunburst finishes - nowadays, they are most commonly sprayed on. To my delight, James Condino taught a class on hand rubbed sunburst finishes and demonstrated the one shown in this photo over a two hour period this afternoon.  I can't wait to try this at home!