Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: hhcave on May 11, 2008, 09:17:11 PM

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: hhcave on May 11, 2008, 09:17:11 PM

I think i want to have the neck on my Gibson Les Paul Custom refinish to a satin finish because i find that the finish becomes far too sticky when my hand starts to get sweaty...or even when the neck is slightly dirty it is difficult to play..

Anyway - just wanted to ask before i look into it more - is there anything i should consider before doing this (any major problems/setbacks)? I know the value of the guitar will go down but i'm not looking to sell it (my first 'real' guitar that i've had for years now - still my number 1)...

Cheers

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: WezV on May 11, 2008, 09:32:48 PM

i suggest a rub down with 0000 liberon wire wool and maybe a little bri-wax.
 you could also do it with a fine grade of finishing sand-paper but i prefer tthe wire wool

mask of the pickups before you do it so you can get rid of the mess easily

it will eventually buff up again - but really this is a good thing... if you ever do want to sell it you can buff it back up easily, and it will take a long time before you manage to get through the finish with wire wool like that.. as long as you aint doing it every day

another option i like it to re-buff the neck with micromech finishing papers right up to 12000 grit

it will still look very shiny but because buffing compounds were not used it stays feeling very sleek - slippery almost

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: Jonny on May 11, 2008, 09:33:24 PM

I think you could keep the finish (i.e. color) and still get that satin feel.

I think it's done with steel wool or something, to get rid of top layer. It might dull over time.

But all that I'm not so sure.

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: _tom_ on May 11, 2008, 09:37:59 PM

I used some wire wool on the back of my epiphones neck to dull the finish a bit and it feels really good now.

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: hhcave on May 11, 2008, 09:51:49 PM

I considered the wire mesh option however the finish on the back of the neck isn't in the best condition (cracks etc.) so i've decided i'd best let a luthier take care of it and i'm going for the Zakk Wylde option ie. have a clear satin finish on the mahogany neck hah,

Any major objections?

PS: i know i do not EVER want to sell it so don't worry about value

Title: Refinishing a neck
Post by: Stevepage on May 11, 2008, 10:01:45 PM

I sanded the finish off my Strats neck with a course sandpaper (not too course) to get rid of slight dents etc, then gradually worked my way down to the wire wool. then finished with boiled linseed oil (though I hear tung oil is better). Feels great now and incredibly comfortable.