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Gibson Flying V - Need to remove some paint?

Started by DorsetRatt, February 10, 2016, 04:14:27 PM

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DorsetRatt

Hey Guys, hope you can help with this one?

I've got a flying v that the previous owner has completely covered in thick black nitro paint, I think the original finish would have been natural (or cherry perhaps). I'd really like to identify the guitar from the serial number, but because of the thick paint there's just no chance of making out the serial number on the back of the headstock.

I've done some research from the website below. The flying v has the raised fretboard (and slimmer body) and a volute to add some strength to the top of the neck and headstock. From the headstock pictures on the website I'm reasonably confident it's from 1980/1981 ... but I'd really like to be sure.

http://www.flying-v.ch/

I'd like to be able to remove just a small rectangle of paint from where the serial number is likely to be, but I'm not sure of the best way to do this ... sandpaper vs chemicals vs any other ideas?

Sandpaper would be ok if the underlying serial number was stamped, but I don't think it is ... I have a hunch that the serial number maybe etched on instead. Did Gibson use etched serial numbers back in those days?

If it is an etched serial number I think it would be safer to use some sort of chemical paint stripper, but would that also remove the serial number as well?
Preamps: MP-1, MP-1 Classic, MP-2, Soldano SP-77, Piranha
Guitars: Sutch Siran Headless, Palm Bay Tidalwave, ESP M-1, Gibson Flying V

Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict

Kim

A chemical stripper will remove the paint and leave the wood (and serial stamping) intact unless that chemical is strong enough to disolve wood.  Don't think you would be able to purchase something that strong without some kind of permit.  Lol.    If you attempt to sand it, I believe you'd run a much greater risk of damaging the serial stamping.

rnolan

Hey DR, I'd email Gibson and ask them. From my limited foray in LPs lately, seems the serial number doesn't survive a refinish (as with Jimmy Pages No1, the serial disappeared when it was refinished before Joe Walsh sold it to Jimmy). So very painstaking sanding may be the best option, maybe with 600 or finer wet and dry paper.
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

DorsetRatt

Thanks Kim + Richard, much appreciated :thumb-up:

I've had a go at removing the paint this afternoon. I used some nail varnish remover, cotton pads and a small scraper ... and before you ask ... I borrowed the nail varnish remover :D

The black paint was really really thick, but I got there eventually. To my surprise the serial number was indeed stamped (and not etched). To be honest, I'd been a little concerned that the previous owner may have sanded out the serial number prior to applying the black paint, but luckily this was not the case.

I'm pleased (and proud) to report that my flying v was made (stamped) in April 1981 :)
Preamps: MP-1, MP-1 Classic, MP-2, Soldano SP-77, Piranha
Guitars: Sutch Siran Headless, Palm Bay Tidalwave, ESP M-1, Gibson Flying V

Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict

MarshallJMP

Nicely done,wow i would not even think about doing this.

Dante


DorsetRatt

lol :lol: :lol:

Nice one Dante, very subtle ... I'll take some pics :thumb-up:
Preamps: MP-1, MP-1 Classic, MP-2, Soldano SP-77, Piranha
Guitars: Sutch Siran Headless, Palm Bay Tidalwave, ESP M-1, Gibson Flying V

Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict

rnolan

 :whoohoo!: 1981, that's 4 years before my Anderson was built. So glad it worked  :wave:   and I'm sure there are others out there that this will help  :thumb-up: .
So what's the difference with stamped and etched ? (pardon my ignorance..)
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

MarshallJMP

Never saw anserial number etched into a gibson.I tought they always stamp it??

rnolan

So just trying to get my head around it, etched means it's engraved into the wood ? stamped just some die on one of the finish layers ??
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

Dante


DorsetRatt

When I say etched ... it was just me having a complete guess, sorry I didn't intend to mislead. I was thinking of chemical etching or acid etching i.e. identification/security numbers on car windows, or metal parts, etc. I've no idea whether these processes have been used for guitar serial numbers.

Thinking about it ... to use an etch process on wood I guess you would use chemicals to burn (dissolve) the wood through a template or stencil to leave a 3 dimensional indentation (serial number)? Perhaps it has been used for guitars?
Preamps: MP-1, MP-1 Classic, MP-2, Soldano SP-77, Piranha
Guitars: Sutch Siran Headless, Palm Bay Tidalwave, ESP M-1, Gibson Flying V

Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict

rnolan

I was thinking about your solution last night and I remembered having a bottle of scented oil that you put in those tea candle oil burners sitting on a side table. The little bit of oil that spilled out (ran down the bottle sides) took the finish of this table over time, so that would probably work as well.
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

rabidgerry

Quote from: Dante on February 11, 2016, 03:58:31 PM
:postpics:

holy shit how did you do this?  I want to know the secret way's Dante!

I second this motion!  Pics please!  :wave:
"whadda ya want? we want Heavy Metal"

Guitars:1986 Westone Dimension IV, 1989 Korean Squier Fat Strat Silver Series, 1998 Korean Squier Fat Strat, MIM Fender Fat Strat - FR, Squier Stagemaster Deluxe - Thru Neck x 2, Squier Stagemaster 22 Fret - 1st Gen, 1999 Squier Showmaster - Anniversary Edition, Squier Showmaster, Tokai FV40 Flying V

Effects:  Ada Mp1, Peavey Rockmaster, Boss GX700 Boss SX700 * Amps:   Rocktron Velocity 300 - Koch ATR4502 - Peavey Classic 50/50
Cabs: 4 x Bugera 2 x 12"
Midi Controller: Behringer FCB1010

DorsetRatt

Preamps: MP-1, MP-1 Classic, MP-2, Soldano SP-77, Piranha
Guitars: Sutch Siran Headless, Palm Bay Tidalwave, ESP M-1, Gibson Flying V

Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict