If you are near a Long and McQuade, or other big store, go look at a couple models with each kind of paint job, hopefully with the same paint scheme, so you can learn to compare. There are differences, but to be honest, I'm not sure how hard it is for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with them to tell. It's pretty hard when both are new, and undamaged.


Bigger stores will usually have some of the Vintage Hot Rods.Hopefully a couple. Those have the 'thinskin nitro finish.' And you should be able to find several urethane finished strats, like an Am Std. Find one of each with the same paint job. The local L&M had a hotrod in 2 tone burst 57 hotrod, and an olympic white '62 hotrod. They a;so had AM Std's of that color. I never put them side by side to compare, but if you have one of those stores nearby, and they have any in stock you could try that.Seeif oyu can tell.

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