Westone Thunder 1A

Hello there,

Ive just got hold of a late 80's Thunder 1a bass (would be interested to know who to date it if anyone knows?)
It's extremely playable, but is in needs of some attention. a lot of it cosmetic wear.

I aim to get a full restoration underway shortly but have a few questions? whats the best way to remove the paint finish, electric sander, paint stripper, hand sanding or does anyone have any alternative methods.

Also once its stripped down we will be using car spray aerosols, do we use a primer, or spray base coat directly onto the wood?
As the neck needs stripping and the headstock can anyone point is in the right direction for someone who can supply westone headstock logo (waterslide transfers) ideally for the pick up cover (or alternatively a waterslide transfer for that too) as well.

Thank you

G'day Bozzie, have a browse around the Technical forum and there's sure to be something on the re-finishing of a guitar because most of us at some stage have in fact done exactly that, and usually posted tips and tricks in here!!

Some of us have had decals made as well so there's a thread in here someplace about that, too...

Are you able to post some photos of the guitar in question; we'd like to have a look at it, eh!!?

It's fairly certain that the first 2 digits of your serial number indicate the year of manufacture (1980's).
As for refinishing, you didn't say if you have a natural wood finish or a painted one. Some of the boys and girls here have had great success in redoing the wood versions, but if you're thinking about removing a painted finish, you'd best be prepared for a lot of crying!
The Westone paint finishes wear like iron and are just about impossible to remove easily or completely.
You can read a bit more about this in one of Tom Presley's posts here: LINK
(Tom was the head designer for Westone during the Matsumoku years.)

Meantime...

The first digit is the year of manufacture, the second and third digits are the month.

Warrn wrote:The first digit is the year of manufacture, the second and third digits are the month.

Ooopps! quite right Warrn. I was half right. I was thinking of (gasp!) another guitar maker!