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  #1  
Old 05-28-2023, 06:29 PM
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PTony PTony is offline
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Default Highway One Project…

This was an 02 Highway One Strat with some finish issues. The previous owner had “star” STICKERS placed throughout the body…which ate through the nitro finish. Sigh. Idk.

Anyway, I initially was going to relic it until I saw the wood grain. So, I decided to strip and refinish using Stew Mac “Aged Nitro”. I have nearly 25+ hours of hand sanding and prep work in the body alone…but am very pleased with the outcome. I actually sprayed it in an old shower bay. That little dry stall worked perfectly. Very low humidity, no dust or dirt. Take it easy on me…this was my first refinish.

I set it up to play low and fast with no rattles/buzzes. It has undergone a complete re-wire using cloth pushback wire, CTS pots, orange drop capacitor, a Switchcraft switch, Puretone jack, Fender locking tuners, and Graphtech saddles. I’ve replaced the bridge plate, block, all pick-guard screws, knobs, covers, etc.

Whether I have “destroyed” the value or not….idk. Considering the original condition…not sure I could’ve harmed it any more than it was. In the end it’s still a VERY nice representation of a US made Strat. Much improved in all ways…imho. Did I mention that the neck is phenomenal! The pickups…meh. They’ll go too.

It rounds out my stable nicely. I hope you’ve enjoyed the short read. It’s been a really fun project that I am proud to share with you all. Thanks for checking it out.

PT
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Last edited by PTony; 05-28-2023 at 11:36 PM.
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Old 05-28-2023, 09:21 PM
Pine Cone Pine Cone is offline
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Looks like time well spent on the refinish and upgrades.

I love the look of it now! Hard to know what lurks under any solid color finish. Good thing the previous owner put the stars on it and ruined the finish for you...
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Old 05-29-2023, 05:45 AM
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Glad that guitar ended up in your hands so that its beautiful inner soul could finally be revealed. Nice work!!
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Old 05-29-2023, 06:07 AM
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I'd call it a rescue, and be proud.

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Old 05-29-2023, 07:15 AM
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From gaudy to classy. Looks fab!
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Old 05-29-2023, 07:26 AM
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Very attractive good job. --now ya have an "Old Bay Strat"
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Old 05-29-2023, 07:36 AM
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That finish looks perfect with the rosewood fretboard. Well done! Looks great!
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Old 05-29-2023, 08:02 AM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
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Great looking job, youi should be proud.

Stripping painted bodies can be a gamble. There are often flaws like knots or unattractive grain patterns that the manufacturer chose to cover with a painted finish.
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Old 05-29-2023, 11:12 AM
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PTony PTony is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Womack View Post
I'd call it a rescue, and be proud.

Bob
Thank you, Bob. I am certainly pleased with the final product. Always appreciate your input.

Quote:
Originally Posted by davidd View Post
From gaudy to classy. Looks fab!
Thanks, friend! I couldn’t agree more. I certainly feel as if I increased its value. How could it have been worse…

Then again….I’m sure I’m could’ve been worse.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KevWind View Post
Very attractive good job. --now ya have an "Old Bay Strat"
Thanks, Kev! I debated for quite a while. Nitro was the only “must”. The “Aged Vintage” was the right fit, no doubt. It has such a soft “glow”. And it feels like velvet. I went to 2000 grit before applying the finish. The prep/time & “dead hands” were all worth it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoPappy View Post
That finish looks perfect with the rosewood fretboard. Well done! Looks great!
Thanks, Pappy! The black guard was the obvious choice….for me anyway. I’m leaning towards a set of 57/62’s for it. I just can’t seem to bond with these pickups. No matter where I put them. I have them fairly low and they sound decent. Just not “Stratty” enough for me.

Once the pickup swap is complete I feel I have my perfect Strat. And I’ve owned a TOOONNNN of them. Still love my Gibson’s. But, having a quality Strat in the stable is always a good call.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudy4 View Post
Great looking job, youi should be proud.

Stripping painted bodies can be a gamble. There are often flaws like knots or unattractive grain patterns that the manufacturer chose to cover with a painted finish.
That def was a concern, Rudi! I figured worst case scenario I’d just do a solid color nitro or, a solid color with clear nitro. So, I didn’t have much to lose (but my time & energy, lol). Once I saw the uniformity of the grain I knew the “tinted” nitro was the way to go. Still debating on knocking the finish off the back of the neck. I’m certain I will at some point. Nothing better than that old worn in neck feel. Not to mention it’d flow with the body as well.

If only my hands could handle that right now…I’ll get there.
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Old 05-31-2023, 05:54 AM
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You did some top notch job refinishing that strat body, Tony. You’ve taken that guitar to a different level. It looks just beautiful.

frank d.
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Old 05-31-2023, 08:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chickee View Post
You did some top notch job refinishing that strat body, Tony. You’ve taken that guitar to a different level. It looks just beautiful.

frank d.
Thank you, Frank! I really enjoy working on guitars. This was def a labor of love. Sometimes you just “know” something good is under the surface. It just has to be brought out. Much like us as people, I suppose. I’m very happy with how it’s turned out. A set of 57/62’s will complete her.

I just received my new gray/blue lining Fender TSA case yesterday. One of my favorite Fender cases. We’re closing in on it.

Side note - I’d sent some pictures to the original owner. He didn't believe that it was the same guitar. It took a minute before he realized it WAS his old guitar. He also felt that it was much improved. I still don’t think he believes me
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Old 05-31-2023, 09:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PTony View Post
Thank you, Frank! I really enjoy working on guitars. This was def a labor of love. Sometimes you just “know” something good is under the surface. It just has to be brought out. Much like us as people, I suppose. I’m very happy with how it’s turned out. A set of 57/62’s will complete her.

I just received my new gray/blue lining Fender TSA case yesterday. One of my favorite Fender cases. We’re closing in on it.

Side note - I’d sent some pictures to the original owner. He didn't believe that it was the same guitar. It took a minute before he realized it WAS his old guitar. He also felt that it was much improved. I still don’t think he believes me
Full disclosure here Tony- I was so taken by the refin job on the body when I wnt back and reread the OP and saw the amount of electronics upgrades you had done on here I was really blown away! You have built yourself a giant slayer.
And the new gray/blue Fender case is just the cherry on top!!!
Nicely done, my friend.
fd
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Old 05-31-2023, 11:39 AM
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Looks amazing Tony! What a nice job you did on it. I remember reading real good things about the Highway One series.
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Old 05-31-2023, 04:24 PM
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J.R. Rogers J.R. Rogers is offline
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Looks really good! Kind of a cinnamon color now. It should age well with the "Aged Nitro" too. I don't think you destroyed the value. Probably improved it.

JR
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Old 06-02-2023, 12:42 PM
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Looks way better now! I had a highway one tele years ago and remember it being a top notch guitar. If the strats are the same you’ve got yourself a USA built keeper there!
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