Sandpaper is good, steel wool is good too, but I prefer sanding, and that is handsanding with sandpaper. Start with a low number grit, which will strip the paint quicker, and as the wood is shown, use a higher grit to smooth out the rougher spots from the earlier sanding. This will insure better paint coverage, and minimize sanding later during the paint process. I am in the process of redoing a Jackson "V" for a friend now. Not easy, and time comnsuming, but it is worth it in the long run.
