Thunder 1 finish

What should the finish be like on the thunder 1? mine is quite a thick lacquer I would prefer it if it was a natural oiled type finish an am considering whether it would be possible, easy or even worthwhile to try to refinish the guitar. I bought it 10 years ago, but it never became my guitar of choice, however, I want to start using it again as it is my only HH guitar. I need to rewire it and do setup too as 10 years ago I did some amateurish tinkering.

First post here, so hello.

Hello Al, and welcome.

Not much love for the Thunder eh? Pity, they're among my favourite Westies. 'Course, mine have the active circuit (I-A) which is great for scaring drummers and my cats.

As to refinishing, if the paint is a solid colour it may be hiding a less than appealing grain which is generally why it's painted. Visually it may not likely be very appealing nekkid.

But, sometimes you get lucky, since Mats' paint quality can be better than other builders' "natural" finish. It's a crapshoot though.

If you have a trans finish then you can see what you'd be getting.

If you do decide to strip the paint do a search in these Forums (READ THIS FIRST) for some of the work done by the members. Mats used Imron (catalyzed polyurethane) on most of their solid bodies, which is extremely tough and usually thick. The Thunders may be a little bit thinner. Some have had success with chemical strippers, others have sanded it off. Just be prepared for a bit of work.

Cheers for the reply. It currently has a clear lacquer on. It is quite orangey. How were they shipped from the factiry? I have seen a few that appear to have no finish on. Mine is very glossy.

Not really that there's not much love for the Thunder to be honest, it's jut that I have played acoustic mainly. However around 6 months ago I bought a strat and ever since I have enjoyed playing electric. I think I would have played the thunder a bit more had i not got a bit too enthusiastic with the soldering iron all those years ago. After my first post I descided to tackle the wiring and now it works great. Going to do string height , intonation and pickup adjustment tonight But enjoying the guitar again.

Pix will help eh? otherwise we're guessing at what you have.

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This Post will help.

Is it this kind of orange?
If so it's just the original lacquer aging naturally.

Yeah pretty much that colour. Lacquer seems to have been applied quite thickly as it has chipped at the back of the pickup selector switch and is about 1-2 mm thick. 

tbh I think I will leave it as is. I have too many other things on the go to be spending time stripping a perfectly good finish.  

Will post a pic shortly. Thanks.

Not the prettiest of colours as it ages but still serviceable. Stripping and re-sealing would give you a strikingly good look (similar to my current avatar at left).

Some pics. Picture 3 shows where a bit of the lacquer has been chipped.

Have to say Barry, I really like the look of your one. Is there a post on the forum where you discuss how you did it?

I didn't refinish it Al.
The original finish was quite a bit thinner than many others we've seen, like yours. I think they may have changed the specs after 1981?

I used a fine rubbing compound and a light liquid waxing to bring out the beautiful grain.
Shooting it in natural light also helped.

There is a post on it somewhere but I can't find it ATM.

Never seen a natural Thunder with a lacquer that thick horno.
Maybe they tried a few with a thick coat who knows?

Might have a better playing guitar with the intonation set though..

I know. I want to adjust the action first but don't have the small key. Then going to do intonation and pups. 10 years ago when I got it, in the wordss of Manuel "I know nothing". I just guessed at intonation, action, wiring, pretty much everything. 

Plugged it in today to compare it to my strat and completely different sound. Don't want to admit it it to myself but I think I sort of prefer it. Maybe just because it is different to what I am used to.

Wow, red and black trans yeah, but a natural trans? I like it!
 or could this have been refinished at some point before it came to you horno?
either way, cool guitar.

Sgt. Vimes wrote:Wow, red and black trans yeah, but a natural trans? I like it!
 or could this have been refinished at some point before it came to you horno?
either way, cool guitar.

Not sure really. In the back of the cover on the control cavity, the original owner scratched his details in  and the dates that he owned it, and I think it looks like he had it from new. Whether he refinished or not, i'm not sure. A mate of mine works with wood a lot, and his opinion is that it is a factory job because it was done so well.

Meant to say, on wednesday, i was thinking once that it is set up i will sell it, as I want to save up to buy a Taylor, acoustic, but I think I am going to struggle to part with it as it sounds and feels so good.

Taylor's are nice, but you can always get one--Thunders they don't make anymore.
Don't get distracted by shiny objects. You'll kick yourself for getting rid.