Thinking about refinishing a Les Paul Studio...

[iplayloudly]

Got a '98 model that is kind of an ugly teal blue color. Its a beater guitar, and I thought it would be cool to have a natural finish. Any idea what I can expect the wood to look like underneath? I know it won't be a nice flametop or anything, but do they generally use a decent grade of wood for these things, or should I expect character like black mineral streaks in it? Or is it just all up in the air?

 

[jmgman69]

Got a '98 model that is kind of an ugly teal blue color. Its a beater guitar, and I thought it would be cool to have a natural finish. Any idea what I can expect the wood to look like underneath? I know it won't be a nice flametop or anything, but do they generally use a decent grade of wood for these things, or should I expect character like black mineral streaks in it? Or is it just all up in the air?

I think it's like tossing a coin up in the air or scratching a lotto ticket,

 

[JonVengeance]

Do LP studios have a maple top? If so It should look pretty good. It won't be flamed or quilted, just plain maple, but plain maple looks good. Basswood is really the only widely used "tonewood" that looks really bad in a natural finish. It has the mineral streaks and no figure at all.

 

[jmgman69]

Do LP studios have a maple top? If so It should look pretty good. It won't be flamed or quilted, just plain maple, but plain. maple looks. Basswood is really the only widely used "tonewood" that looks really bad in a natural finish. It has the mineral streaks and no figure at all.

I think all mahog.

 

[JonVengeance]

Well mahogany looks good to me natural. As long as it's not basswood, which we know it isn't, you should be fine.

 

[blackba]

I think the LP studios have Maple tops. There are a few all models that done, but I think those are special order.

No idea how the wood would look once you strip the paint. I seem to be the only one of the forum that doesn't like the look of natural finished electric guitars, they just look unfinished to me. Natural finished acoustics are cool. Anyway, if the wood doesn't look good, you can always paint it another color. Black should cover it

 

[Tawlks]

Just make sure you don't damage/stain the wood with whatever you use to strip the old finish.

 

[Isaac]

If the wood isn't all that it could be, just paint it gloss black or cream.

 

[mysticaxe]

The thing I would be most worried about is wood filler scars - if they're on the front, you may have to get creative. You could get lucky though - my brother had his ebony standard finished vintage sunburst with a big ol' teardrop and it looks phenominal. Plain maple, just like the old 70s ones.

 

[iplayloudly]

I think it does have a maple top. I've never researched it for that year model, but I used to have an '83 studio that had been refinished natural, and it had a plain-jane maple top. I kinda liked it though.

 

[jmgman69]

I think it does have a maple top. I've never researched it for that year model, but I used to have an '83 studio that had been refinished natural, and it had a plain-jane maple top. I kinda liked it though.

That would be cool them,I like the plain maple look!!!