So, while the finish wasn't bad, I couldn't resist (tho I almost did) stripping it. I am planning to put a beautiful spalted quilted Maple drop top on it. I also will make it a no pickguard top, meaning routing a cavity from the back for controls. Now comea frew options available to decide on. This is where I'm interested in your input and opinions.
First,
1.) belly contour?
2.) Route chambers to make it a semi hollow?
3.) Any other mods you wish you had? I do plan to stick with original pickups and controls.
A few pics:
Removing finish..
Nice bookmatched Ash body
Back wiped with mineral spirits
Surprisingly tight grained..
Top before next steps. I will have to plane some of the top off to accomadate the new drop top, once it's prepared. This would be the time if desired to route out a chamber for semi hollow. I could even leave the middle route for the extra pickup open and connect to the chamber(s). Kind of like a Bose wave radio!! I don't know if I want to go that route ( no pun intended) yet, but, before the drop top goes on would be the chance to do it. Anybody with experience here chime in please.
So, what do you think?
JP