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Author
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Topic: Refinishing a Stringmaster D8
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HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 06 March 2006 02:02 PM
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David, I've never been accused of being normal  I don't buy guitars because of it's value or potential value. I have to have a feeling and affinity for it. Of course the sound, tone and playability is most important. The value factor is a nice incidental but not a motive. A stock color may very well give my D8 more value at time of resale, but it will then be like so many others. Makes me feel drab. I need something with panache, something that slides to a different bar, something that takes it a little further on the path to evolvement. I guess I should't refinish the Jerry Byrd Fender then..... I was thinking of brown to orange sunburst .....  |
J Fletcher
Member From: London,Ont,Canada
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posted 06 March 2006 02:09 PM
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I'm curious. How much does it cost to have a D8 Stringmaster professionally refinished with an original type of finish? $400 or so? I guess a "relic" finish would cost even more. Fender charges an extra $400 or so for a relic finish on custom shop guitars....Jerry |
pdl20
Member From: Benton, Ar . USA,
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posted 06 March 2006 09:34 PM
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What was the dark brown color called .i didn't see it shown or listed on the restoration sites |
Ron Brennan
Member From: Edison, New Jersey, USA
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posted 07 March 2006 06:25 AM
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The Dark Brown was called "Walnut" by Fender. Stringmasters were made in three colours by Fender. "Tele" Blond, Walnut and Ebony. Hope this helps.....TX
Ron |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 07 March 2006 06:27 AM
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Wasn't butterscotch one of the colors? And you forgot Inca Silver from the later models. |
Ron Brennan
Member From: Edison, New Jersey, USA
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posted 07 March 2006 06:38 AM
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Howard,Yes, that came later, say, early "60's...you are so normal....gheesh...TX
Rgds,
Ron |
Doug Beaumier
Member From: Northampton, MA
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posted 07 March 2006 07:42 AM
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Butterscotch is the best! It looks good enough to eat.…maybe I’ll strip the finish off my T-8 and have it painted butterscotch!  |
Roy McKinney
Member From: Imnaha, OR
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posted 07 March 2006 08:06 AM
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OK folks, you have provided a lot of information to consider, but I have only received ONE reply/recomendation as "Who does refinishing of old Fender Stringmaster? Who do you recommend?"
I have about decided that at my age, I might just as well have one like I want it as I don't have anyone to leave it to. My wife would probably give it to good will or something! |
Rick Collins
Member From: Claremont , CA USA
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posted 07 March 2006 08:22 AM
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Now I ask you, which do you like better butterscotch or chocolate?  I have a Fender Dual Eight Professional, completely restored to better than new; and a 26" scale triple-neck original, both blonde. I find I play the restored guitar much more. BTW, anyone know someone who installs pedals on old Fender steel guitars? ...just kidding, of course. [This message was edited by Rick Collins on 07 March 2006 at 08:23 AM.] |
pdl20
Member From: Benton, Ar . USA,
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posted 07 March 2006 08:42 AM
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Thanks Ron for the information.i have a t8 i want to restore. |
Ron Brennan
Member From: Edison, New Jersey, USA
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posted 07 March 2006 11:42 AM
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PDL20, no problem. And thank Howard for remembering the Butterscotch... Doug B is sooooo right about the Butterscotch, especially with a clear coat. My steel buddy, Ron Victoria has a fantastic Butterscotch D6 original condition Stringmaster. He's eaten half way through it. Roy, maybe you want to check with Nick Reed on how he did his Refurb. I think he sent it out for a professional finish. Sure looks it. And Roy, I don't know how old you are, but do treat yourself. You will have a great time. It's the best thing I ever did when I got my D8. My steel life is renewed and revitalized. I'll never regret it. And no Howard, I'm not speaking of the Blue Pill...Hmmmm, Viagra Blue.....Naaahhhh...TX Rgds, Ron [This message was edited by Ron Brennan on 07 March 2006 at 11:44 AM.] [This message was edited by Ron Brennan on 08 March 2006 at 12:12 PM.] |
Mark Vinbury
Member From: N. Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA
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posted 07 March 2006 11:53 AM
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>[This message was edited by Mark Vinbury on 07 March 2006 at 11:56 AM.] |
Whit Snell
Member From: San Antonio, TX
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posted 07 March 2006 04:52 PM
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If I were to refinish a Stringmaster I would want the decal for sure. I recently updated an 87 Stratocaster with a new unfinished neck. I bought two sets of decals off eBay. One was terrible - printed on a home laser printer I think. The other was great. Both of the sellers were kicked off eBay a day or two after I purchased the decal - I assume for copyright infringement. So... Where you find a Stringmaster Fender Spagetti logo decal?Thanks for the source for Fender paint - what a resource. I agree that a guitar would really need to be pretty beat up to warrant a refin but I would not hesitate to do it in that case, especially with the resources available for quality restorations. Whit |
Doug Beaumier
Member From: Northampton, MA
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posted 07 March 2006 07:00 PM
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Bobbe Seymour sells them. Check his site: Steel Guitar Nashville
When you get to the site, click on “Decals” on the left side of the page. ------------------
My Site | My SteelTab |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 07 March 2006 08:21 PM
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I put that decal on the front neck but it began to come off (in sections) with even the slightest handling well after it dried.I'm thinking of putting the original Fender made in Fullerton plate on the front instead of another decal. |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 07 March 2006 08:23 PM
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I had Linda's Stringmaster re-finished in a bone white color. She didn't want the banana pudding yellow it had.    [This message was edited by Nick Reed on 08 March 2006 at 06:42 AM.] |
Doug Beaumier
Member From: Northampton, MA
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posted 07 March 2006 09:21 PM
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I'm not an expert on refinishing, but I believe that the logo Decal is put on between the color coats and the clear coats. First there are several color coats, then the decal is applied, and then a few clear coats (which will seal the decal). Simply applying the decal to a finished surface won't work. It will stick for a while, but it will tear off in a short time. Now that you know how the refin is done... Don't Do it! |
Doug Beaumier
Member From: Northampton, MA
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posted 07 March 2006 11:50 PM
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Howard, Did your Fender have a Logo on the front originally? Some of them had no Logo. I have a blonde T-8 Custom with no Logo and no metal logo tag either. It's all original, including original finish According to Jody some of the early models had no logo on the front. |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 08 March 2006 03:10 AM
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My 60's Stringmaster came to me already refinished in this kind of sonic blue. I'm perpetually on the fence about refinishing it to spec, leaving it as is or selling it.  [This message was edited by Andy Volk on 08 March 2006 at 03:17 AM.] |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 08 March 2006 03:25 AM
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The plate is between the two necks. I like the idea of the plate in front instead of the decal. Since the guitar is no longer original, I have no guilt about refinishing it. My others that are original, will stay that way. |
Whit Snell
Member From: San Antonio, TX
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posted 08 March 2006 05:34 AM
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Andy, the answer is obvious on what to do with that sonic blue Stringmaster. You need to sell it. To me. As much as I love the original blond finish on my Stringmasters I think your guitar looks awesome.Whit |
Mark Vinbury
Member From: N. Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA
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posted 08 March 2006 05:49 AM
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Andy You should move that unit along man.
Once they been refinished they ain't worth much.
Who knows what sort of hack work has been covered by that Bondo and paint.
Could be two completely different necks bolted together.
You know they used to drill them up near the headstock to put coathanger pullers and stuff.Trying to make em into pedal guitars.
Kills the tone.
On a good day you might get $225-$250.
Tell you what-- If you put some new strings on it I could let you have $180. That's a beauty Andy I'd keep it as is.
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Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 08 March 2006 06:18 AM
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Andy,
How about letting me know when you decide to sell it. I've been trying to find another one to buy. Nick |
Ron Brennan
Member From: Edison, New Jersey, USA
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posted 08 March 2006 06:20 AM
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Doug B. is right on point....Put a clear coat or two over it after its applied...I got the Fender decal from Bobbe Seymours shop, put it on very carefully and like Howard says, it came apart. Soooo, I got another one from Bobbe for my D6. I might add, with a few exceptions, you can get almost anything you need from Bobbes store.IMHO: Its a free country, but I wouldn't put the metal plate other than where Fender intended it, between the necks. With a little painstaking care, it can be done. If you can't apply it yourself with a brain surgeons skill, try your local model or art supply store. They have talented folks with these things, but don't forget the clear coat once its on and dried. It seems to me, if you really have to refurbish, as was in Nick Reeds case, it would be nice to bring it back to it's closest state. Just as it came out of the factory. That's how I would define "refurbishing". It also seems to me, the Stringmasters visual classic design is just way too beautiful to modify or mess around with, even in the slightest way. BTW, I'm surprised how many post's came from players working on these Stringmasters out there....Good on all of you....TX
rgds,
Ron [This message was edited by Ron Brennan on 08 March 2006 at 06:35 AM.] |
Doug Beaumier
Member From: Northampton, MA
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posted 08 March 2006 08:48 AM
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Andy, I don't think that you should sell your stringmaster. If the color is an issue just have it refinished Blonde. I know that you otherwise enjoy the guitar and the guitar looks to be in excellent condition. The Case looks super clean, and that means that the guitar has not been abused, has not been hauled around to a lot of gigs, etc. A refin would cost a few bucks, but if having the "correct" color makes you feel better about the guitar, go for it. It sure does look nice in sonic blue though! Add my name to the list of potential buyers if you decide to sell it! |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 08 March 2006 05:42 PM
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I'm definitely keeping it for now, Doug (and all you drooling Fender fanatics!) It IS in great shape and sounds awesome. Some days i like the blue and other days I hate it. I do have the Fender decals but the previous owner took the 3D metal Fender logo from the Tolex case and nailed it where the spagetti logo decal should go. I have to deal with THAT one some time. If I do refinish, I'd likely go for translucent butterscotch ... or maybe Tartan ... Black Watch or Royal Stuart might be nice.  [This message was edited by Andy Volk on 08 March 2006 at 05:43 PM.] |
David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 08 March 2006 07:10 PM
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Andy, I love the blue and the logo. It's a nice Hawaiian color. Also, it reminds me of a '57 Chevy (same period) with a nice baby blue paint job (very period appropriate color) and a custom logo. What you have there is a slightly customized street rod. |
Ron Brennan
Member From: Edison, New Jersey, USA
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posted 09 March 2006 12:08 PM
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All:Check out Bobbe Seymour's wonderful newsletter/s today. It relates to some of the threads in this post. TX
rgds,
Ron ------------------
JCFSGC member since 2005 "Be of Good Cheer"
"55" Stringmaster D8,"59" Stringmaster D6
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's
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