Goth Explorer ungothified

[Scottz]

I got a 2002 Goth Explorer in trade a while back and decided to refinish it. Not quite finished but thought I would show it. I sanded it down, used Timbermate Ebony to grain fill, Transtint Red Mahogany and now I'm working on the Tru-oil. 2 coats so far.

 

[Scottz]

I started this because it looked like the body was cracked, the damage turned out to limited to the paint.

 

[Brian16sg]

Looking good! That wood grain is coming out .

 

[Scottz]

Does anyone know if it's possible to strip the black finish off the hardware?

 

[Raiyn]

Does anyone know if it's possible to strip the black finish off the hardware?

Anything is possible.
The question becomes: how well is the hardware finished underneath? Or, as likely: is the time and result of stripping the stock hardware worth more than simply taking the opportunity to upgrade?

 

[fattboyzz]

looking forward to your progress !

 

[Scottz]

Decisions, decisions.....gold, chrome or nickel?

 

[Raiyn]

Decisions, decisions.....gold, chrome or nickel?

Fixed that for you.

 

[Scottz]

I don't know, gold looks pretty sweet against the dark cherry color.

 

[Raiyn]

I don't know, gold looks pretty sweet against the dark cherry color.

Never liked gold hardware on a color.

 

[Scottz]

I just picked up a set of Gibson 57 Classic pickups, that should be an improvement.

 

[Scottz]

Never liked gold hardware on a color.

To each their own.

 

[Raiyn]

To each their own.

Reminds me too much of mimes.

 

[Scottz]

10 coats of Tru-oil.

 

[Keefoman]

10 coats of Tru-oil.View attachment 11022

That is tarting to look really cool! And I think you will be happy with a set of '57 Classics. Just make sure you put in some decent pots and cap as well.

 

[Scottz]

I've already got in 3 CTS 500K pots and orange drop .022uf caps. I'll be using Gavitt push back wire.

 

[Raiyn]

I've already got in 3 CTS 500K pots and orange drop .022uf caps. I'll be using Gavitt push back wire.

What was the tolerance on that cap?
I rarely use Gavitt, (I shield everything and prefer super fine strand silicone insulated wire) but I was rewiring a Squire Strat for a customer that had the tiniest hole to the output cavity due to them using a super thin co-insulated output wire from the factory. I used some braided shield Gavitt push back I had laying around because it was either that or drill.

 

[Scottz]

5%

 

[Scottz]

Just waiting on the hardware to get here, and yes, I'm going chrome. At some point I'll add pickup covers.

 

[Scottz]

Finished . I'll get a better pic in natural light later.