So, I've just got hold of a genuine 1963 Jazzmaster with the OHSC, though it has really been through the mill so to speak.. It was re-finished, the pickguard and pickup covers were spray painted black and a Gibson style tune-o-matic bridge was added - the previous owner said he threw away the original bridge because it was "stuffed" ☹ He also added new black strat knobs because he melted the originals in turps or something... Here are some pics:
Anyway, of course I would like to restore it nicely. So I'm thinking:
1) A pro sherwood green or sonic blue refinish
2) Get the black off the pickup covers & pickguard
3) Change bridge to a more traditional style
4) Get a proper decal for the headstock
5) Change volume & tone knobs
I've never restored a vintage instrument before, so I expect I'll be needing some of your help along the way... For now I have some questions to the geet gurus.
1) How should I go about removing the black paint from the pickguard and pickup covers? The previous owner said I should just use sandpaper but somehow I think he may be off the mark.. I did that with a Korean Squier Strat I saved (also black spray paint) but the pickguard ended up with a matt finish..
2) Who would you suggest for a pro vintage re-finish?
3) Where is the best place for getting replacement bridge, decal, and tone/vol knobs?
And so the adventure begins... ?
