WIP

This J Mascis Squier was in a bit of a state to say the least, when it came through my door. Now, I really don’t like being negative about other people’s “work”, however this thing had been chewed up! The original body paint had been rough sanded and someone had applied a cheap enamel rattle can finish (in 70’s shite brown), as had the pickguard and headstock.

None of the paint had cured (nor was it ever likely to) and everything had stuck together, in fact it took 20 minutes to peel the pickguard off! I had a look online to see if anyone else had stripped a jmjm, but I guess because the finish is perfect as it is and people buy sig. models to keep them as they are, no poor bastard had yet had to do this.

Let me tell you, fixing your own rookie mistakes is one thing, fixing someone else’s - involves many sailor words. Because the factory paint had been heavily sanded, and in parts right through to the sealer coat, my client and I decided a full strip was in order and then we’d asses the timber for stain. This was a pretty hefty job as not only was I dealing with melting enamel and factory poly, there was a glued veneer both top and bottom underneath the paint. I can only assume it was to create a stable platform for the factory paint, but honestly I had never seen this in a fender guitar before, (and would love to know if it’s common practice now on all paint grade squier bodies?) and wow does it take a bit of elbow grease to make sure all the glue is removed!

Finally stripped, the basswood revealed itself to be not the most hideous. There are a few spots where wood filler was used, but for the most part, front and back were clean enough to go with a natural stain and varnish. I’ve just started the stain process, and I’ll shoot some shots soon, but for now I just thought I’d let y'all know what lies beneath that factory finish on a #jmascis #squier #jazzmaster #jmjm #offsetguitars #luthier #guitarmods #guitarfinish #customguitar #brisbane #guitarrepair #boyhowdy #fender #guitar