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Post subject: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:30 am
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Hi all,

I came across a '79/'80 Strato (serial number: S9659XX), which the owner claimed to be all original but it has some strange finish reabsorptions (in few localized areas) that make me think of a nitro refinish. Indeed, I have never seen such a a strange finish reabsorption on a polyester finish (the kind of finish that guitar should have). It looks to me more like a nitro finishing behavior, so my guess is that guitar has been refinished. I do not have much experience in vintage guitar, so, I would appreciate any opinions of you guys.
In the following some pictures:
Thank you.

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https://imgur.com/a/BqT8rw7


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 10:56 am
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Posting pics is not rocket science ...

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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 11:47 am
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Looks more like normal wear and possibly damage from body oils, perfumes, etc...
Both of those points are high-contact locations.
The bridge saddles are original to that era, and nothing makes me think it's been refinished.
I don't think I'd call it "reabsorption"... I'd call it "Mojo"

My '78 picked up a nasty stain and actually softened and crazed a bit on the upper bout from playing shirtless with Solarcaine on my chest because of a nasty sunburn.
I have no idea what was in the Solarcaine that attacked the poly finish... I thought poly finishes were bulletproof.

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Last edited by CB91710 on Sat Jan 12, 2019 3:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:40 pm
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CB91710 wrote:
I have no idea what was in the Solarcaine that attacked the poly finish... I thought poly finishes were bulletproof.


If it did that to your guitar just think about what it does to your skin.

:wink:
The condition of the finish on that '79 Strat looks perfectly consistent with its era. I'd proffer that it's 100% legitimate.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 6:55 am
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[quote="01GT eibach"]Posting pics is not rocket science ...

Thank you for support with the pictures.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 7:01 am
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Thanks for all your replies and last updates, I tried acetone on a body spot underneath the pickguard, and it melted the finish.
Someone said that's the proof it is nitro not poly finish... therefore it has been refinished. What do you think about?


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster 1979: original finish or re-finished?
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 7:33 am
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leopardv wrote:
Thanks for all your replies and last updates, I tried acetone on a body spot underneath the pickguard, and it melted the finish.
Someone said that's the proof it is nitro not poly finish...


Acetone will melt most plastic based materials to some extent so this may not indicate nitro.

The finish seems quite thick, this would be unlikely if it was nitro as it is difficult to build a thick coating with. But anything is possible.

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