Replies

1. 
   CharlieD | Nov 09, 2004 06:40am | #1

   A.) Have your friend make sure that it is not a vintage instrument of any special worth; if it is, refinishing it will drastically reduce any collector value that it has. This could cost him thousands if he bought, say, a Fender Precision bass in 1961 and kept it in any kind of shape at all. And,

   2.) Questions like that can be researched and answered (if no info is available in the "library") at http://www.mimf.com; great site for all musical instrument building questions. Note: I can never seem to get the HTML tags to work when I post 'em. How on earth is this done? Anyway, you may have to copy & paste.

   Charlie

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
1. 
   highfigh | Nov 18, 2004 03:38am | #2

   I agree about the value decreasing if it's vintage. If it is, he should consider buying an aftermarket body of the same style and painting it whatever color he wants. If it's a knock-off, he can go nuts, but should check into the value of it anyway. Try Vintage Guitar Magazine for the classifieds. It's going to need wet sanding and buffing when it's done, so auto paint does work. Plus, the different colors and shades are pretty cool, even black since it's not totally black, but just short of it. Nitrocellulose has been used for years and it does come in black and polishes beautifully after wet sanding. Caution!!!!!!!!! Nitrocellulose is highly flammable and the vapors are explosive, so no sparks or flame while applying it or while the fumes are present.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   jackplane | Nov 18, 2004 09:41pm | #3

   In addition to these sound replies, I'll add that high gloss black shows the most defects of any color or gloss. So, the surface must be clean and as flawless as possible when spraying.

1. 
   highfigh | Nov 19, 2004 02:01am | #4

   Like the song says, "Black cars look better in the shade".I cut this piece four times and it's still too short.

3. 
   SRToolguy | Nov 19, 2004 08:13am | #5

   Earl, you must be one lucky guy. I just happen to have the world renown guitar finisher, Fred Campbell, working for me. He can't do finishing anymore but he will have the answer for you. I'll pass your post on to him in the morning.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy