REVISED POLL: '58 strat refin [UPDATE: new dilemma P3]

[will]

Just my 2¢, but I'd be really careful when removing the finish if you're hoping to refin in an original-style sunburst, since the wood will be exposed and rough sanding / scraping will cause headaches for whoever refinishes the guitar - if you get it close to the example pictures, it'll look incredible. ...and if there turn out to be a bunch of deep dings, scratches, and screw holes under all of that paint, then it's time to start lining up custom colors (though dark colors like black will show the most imperfections.)

[Larry Mal]

I think this would be the deciding factor for me. There's no vintage finish to ruin, so why not get all the old gunk off there and get the guitar to the nice, thin finish that it should have?

[Telliot]

Do it up the proper way, Brad!

[StevenO]

Just shoot some clear on it and play it as is.


Okay, now that the typical OSG response is over and done with. As much as I like how it looks now, get the finosh off and get it refinished properly. If Danocaster can do it, get him to. If someone else can do it justice, get that person to do it. This isn't just some-guitar, as you know, so give it the justice it deserves.

I know you'll do right in the end. It'll be a beautiful sunburst Strat.

[HorseyBoy]

I'm a big fan of white Strats, but I'll add another vote for refinishing it. You already know you want to. Get it done!

[mackerelmint]

Boy, it's sure humdrum looking as it is. I cast my vote for the burst.

[Ursa Minor]

Sunburst all the way. I was going to recommend Josh / Protocaster since he's local to you.



Needs burst!

[countertext]

The feeling at OSG seems clear. Maybe if the white was better, folks would say keep it, but it's just not any of the various right kinds of white. Do that 3TSB.

[Bothand Nether]

That little tease of beautiful grain is all I would need to make me strip it,
You gotta find out what's underneath all that deadweight.

[StevenO]

New idea:

[PixMix]

Refin it; if it was a burst it must have a decent, to say the least, piece of alder under that opaque finish. I'd think of it as a restoration rather than a refin.

[SWFC68]

Refin it; if it was a burst it must have a decent, to say the least, piece of alder under that opaque finish. I'd think of it as a restoration rather than a refin.

I agree, burst all the way. the guitar in your target pics is awesome

[sookwinder]

Brad I would go for the 3T burst.
As someone who has stripped vintage jags which have had many layers of previous paint jobs, it can be done and done relatively easily.
I found the main thing is to take your time.
Use safe chemicals (safe for you and the wood) and let them do their work... the longer they can set there eating up the paint, the less yoiu have to scrap off or re-apply the chemicals later.
Just follow the instructions, get advice from your local wood working people.

I used this chemical (it is made in the US)


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[Guitarmunk]

I'd do the restoration. And a slightly aged look to it.

[frelonvert]

+1 on sunburst refin.
It is a 58 strat! give the old lady a nice dress.