Tonal characteristics lost under thick finishes?

[oldmanriver]

I'm planning a VIP build and for a while the plan was to go with a Koa body and neck. Now I'm really starting to like the idea of Candy green on the body and neck backs, and I'm wondering if that thick candy finish, especially thinking of the neck heel, will dampen and tonal benefits of Koa over Mahogany, which sound similar (Warmoth's site describes Koa as sounding like Mahogany but slightly brighter). I'm still thinking about this Candy Green idea so I'm not completely sold on it yet, but if I were to go that route would you guys suggest I just go with Mahogany because it's difference from Koa would hardly be noticeable and it would cost less? Thanks in advance.

 

[hannaugh]

Honestly, on a solid body, I don't think it will make any difference.  I'm sure not everyone will agree with that, but that's my opinion. 

 

[Cagey]

It doesn't make any difference. If you were building an acoustic, then you'd worry. But not on an electric.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The paint of the neck heel dampening the tone transference in the pocket is a new one for me.  I don't mean to belittle it, as it does sound a legit concern.  I wouldn't think finished paint work there would be anymore a tone deterrent than a gloss finish.  However, in that rock-paper-scissors battle, neck screws always beat finish.  Beware analysis paralysis.  There's guys getting great tone with the thickest finish you've ever seen, and guys sounding like crap with no finish.