Refinish a '76 Fender Stratocaster so it will still be around 50 years.

I refinished guitar a '76 Fender Stratocaster.
It is a vintage guitar. I was very nervous.
The micro-tilt on the neck is round, so it must be the first half of '76.
I am a vintage guitar lover, so I know what it means to refinish a vintage guitar.
However, while 60's Stratocasters are ridiculously priced, 70's pieces are not.
I believe this work will help to change that.
Of course, everyone has their own value, and some people prefer the original condition.
I respect that.
I believe that this work will allow this child to remain with its owner for the next 50 years.
Thank you very much for your request.
Parts and tools used
TONE Power Grip Driver Set PLPGD6
amzn.to/2Q5MrRr
Wera Craftform Diamond Screwdriver Set
amzn.to/3s2RoLu
VESSEL Precision Hex Screwdriver
Set, amzn.to/2O6hFoC
1.27(inch)amzn.to/2X4xBvQ
1.5amzn.to/34KDAZs
Fret Polishing 3M Sponge Polishing
320-600 amzn.to/2YC5c0k
800-1000 amzn.to/2JnIEd9
1200-1500 amzn.to/32iG29c
Metal Polishing also Picard
amzn.to/32Ip7f7
For masking tape, 3M is good. For high frets on guitars, 6mm is recommended.
amzn.to/32H0gZ9
Dremel 4000 rotor. Great torque, but hot! If you can, get a 4000 because it can do a lot of things.
amzn.to/2Kh3NH5
I heard there is a new one called 4300. If you can use the base plate of a StuMac, this might work too.
amzn.to/3712F48
3M body polishing compound, this is enough for a guitar.
amzn.to/34WHuhO
It's good to have a lot of stuff, orange English oil for fingerboard
amzn.to/2Kh4G2n
This cloth is very good. Recommended. Seriously.
amzn.to/2PRUJM8
Website
pedaru.wixsite.com/andybassan...
Twitter　
/ andybassguitar
Facebook
/ andybassguitar
Instagram
/ andy_bass_and_guitar
#fender
#guitar
#asmr
#restoration
#andy_bass_and_guitar

[@canufathomit6728]

That is the most detailed and meticulous restoration work I've ever seen. The fret work alone was worth the "price of admission." The owner ended up with a better-than-new 70s Stratocaster! Phenomenal Work!

[@TNguy1957]

Absolutely!

[@tommckeown6970]

completely agree

[@bldallas]

What makes you call this a “restoration?” Better yet, when does a 1976 Strat stop being a 1976 Strat? Most wood is old, so that doesn’t really factor in here. I’m sure his finished guitar will be nice, but it’s closer to new than being 50 years old.

[@HectorRodriguez-mp6ee]

I'm sure he charged accordingly.

[@MrChopin2323]

Man, I thought you were kinda kidding about the fret job thing until I saw the fret job.

[@masonianbund]

You know, there was more care and attention to detail put into this refin than there was when this guitar first was made. 🤔

[@esticaandres3169]

Thats the thing with fenders, they were never focused on boutique instruments but in mass production. I really dontget the point about collecting them. The design is nothing special either, the materials are not the most exclusive. They more of a working instrument than anything else.

[@guitfinger]

@@esticaandres3169 think about that: for us nowadays the design of the Stratocaster is nothing special, in the fifties it was totally radical and futuristic.

[@EbonyPope]

@@esticaandres3169 They are elegant but simple. It's no wonder that in pop culture the image of an electric guitar is represented by the Stratocaster shape.

[@caiusmadison2996]

@@esticaandres3169 that's the point, countless hitmakers are cheap, quick guitars with fit and finish that supercedes the competition. Today, you wouldn't understand. 30 years ago, yeah, they fuckin rocked. They did all the right things, no other makers did, to make QUICK, EFFECTIVE GUITARS. They are the most popular for an obvious reason, unlike competitors, they seldom recreate the magic of their instruments from one to the next. Fender is basically the anti to that mentality. Because it's this streamlined, your success uitar to guitar goes WAY UP. Are you saying a Les Paul looks impressive by comparison? I'd argue it looks dated. PRS, look like the 78' year they began, why? They're just Hamer guitars. He ripped off Hamer, amd now he's rich. You wanna buy Paul a 200th yacth, go ahead. I'll grab 6 fender for one of his shit wallhangers, and record a hit that adds to your family tree.

[@Nomad-cd2my]

What do you think Fender has the time to put this much time into each guitar?? Lol do you know how much each guitar would be if they did? You want this much care and attention go to an independent guitar builder 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

My gosh that is one of the most skilled luthiers I’ve ever seen, his frets were like mirrors. So much work

[@jb791505]

Thank you for showing so much detail on how this work was done. I'm doing my first guitar re-finishing (on a guitar that is not nearly as valuable) and you taught me several techniques for solving various problems. Great video. The finished product is breathtaking.

[@JobyP]

While I HIGHLY disagree with the owners decision to re-finish the guitar, your work as always Andy is absolutely stunning!

[@Meddled]

Why? 1970s Fenders were considered garbage until a few years ago. This isn't even an early 'almost pre-CBS!!' example. 1976 is circa corner-cutting boat anchor garbage with badly cut neck pockets and thick finishes.

[@mjwasapedo1351]

@@Meddled 😂

[@shckltnebay]

@@Meddled So much more reason not to put the time and effort into a refin

[@geschickt]

@@shckltnebay As an owner of two Fenders from this era (a killer '75 Tele Custom, and a '78 Strat that's a pig), I get the logic of not bothering...yet at the same time, clearly, it was an improvement (esp w/ the refret). Had it been mine, I'd have had Andy deepen the body and arm relief contours to be more like the '50's & '60's ones. Apart from that & assuming it was a worthy subject (playing/tone-wise), then I'm inclined to give the benefit of the doubt that this was time & effort well spent.

[@shckltnebay]

@@geschickt You have any idea what that would have COST?

[@callanrobison2674]

Wow! I usually love old and/or relic stuff, but its refreshing to see a restoration like this!

[@Bangkokguitar]

I have a very deep respect Andy. I feel the same passion and know how you feel. I appreciate people who don't take the shortcuts and do it for the love. Glad I found your channel.

[@stevenfrischling5908]

This is the most meticulous restoration I have ever seen. I am in awe.

[@vayabroder729]

Incredible to see your name in the body’s neck pocket “Andy”! What a fortunate coincidence! Lovely work as always, sir!

[@Andybassguitar]

That's right! I removed the neck and found Andy's stamp. I wonder if Andy assembled it? I do not know.

[@jameshalbert181]

I wonder if she comes alive and runs around with Woody and buzz when Andy's not around

[@Carlemanbog]

refinishing a sunburst it’s a crime in my books. Amazing work as usual

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

🎯

[@possum369]

Agree, just lost 50% of its value

[@Safetysealed]

The comment I also came to add. Stripping that beautiful burst to just make it yet another boring white strat, just feels like such such a waste of time and effort to me. Hell even the clear primer/filler coat looks a lot better and more characterful than the eventual white IMO

[@0000song0000]

well, if it was your strat... believe me, I also want to refinish my sunburst 😅 (i dont like the thick black outline on mine) I would rather just strip it and round the body edges a bit more... But mine is merely a 2011, so I might as well sell it ( but first have to find a BETTER one for replacement). People forget refinishing guitars is all about making an instrument for comfortable/better for yourself. We dont care about resale value because we are assuming we will keep it for life.

[@timothyjepson18]

@@Safetysealed Agree.

[@the_katman2181]

Man, I could watch this all night. I think that's what's known as a Fender bender. Beautiful work.

[@longotown]

You are a Master at the highest level! This is amazing - and i feel the best video on youtube showing this process! Bravo and thank you!

[@maxg.-musician02]

This is one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen! I love mid - late '70s Stratocasters and you did a brilliant job! 😍👌👌

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@willcarmack1242]

UNFKN believable...Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail...The American and the high end guitar manufacturers should play close attention to your level of skill and pride you put into your craft...Fantastic job my friend...Much respect and and love from Tampa Florida U.S.A.... I wish we had more Masters like you....

[@yourbasicguy1098]

Beautiful work. I loved watching this video. Much success in all your endeavors. Thank you!

[@CezarCazan]

This is the best refinish video on KZbin. Congratulations on a job perfectly done, you are amazing!

[@tombuck]

Absolutely stunning work! The attention to detail on even the tiniest parts is incredible. It’s also fantastic that you kept the original logo/front headstock. Can’t believe how well it all blended together!

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@tonanmoahawke5562]

should of let be in my opinion. but nice work

[@doyleeee]

再生開始：うわぁ〜味あって超かっこいいのに！！勿体ない！！ 仕上がり：うわぁ〜これもめっちゃかっこいい！たまらんっ！！

[@Andybassguitar]

作業開始：やっべーのがきた・・・ 完成の後：出し切った・・・

[@gilbglam470]

For sure better than before! I worked in CS department for close to 2 years and I didn't see anybody ever working in a single piece with that attention to detail. Amazing!

[@TheNoncritical1]

Were they allowed to take forever to work on one guitar; or did they have a schedule to keep?

[@brockadcock2735]

only a minute and a half in and have already learned so much from this video. Thanks for your work.

[@dwillc6621]

That was intense to watch. Incredible craftsmanship and the manner in which you film it is so appealing. I couldn't stop watching. Great job!!

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@mkilner]

Agree, stunning work, def worth doing, much better! 👏🏻😎🎸

[@0074craig]

I gotta say ,,,What an Amazing Job on Your Restoration ! NO Hype No Talking and NO LOUD Heavy Metal Music with Time Lapse ,,,,Just You and a Guitar ,,I could watch you do this all day long ! Awesome Video

[@radfury23g32]

the way the fretboard/frets looked when you were done made me drool until the video ended and I still can't stop salivating

[@LAUptegrove]

O U T S T A N D I N G !!!! The care, the touch, the precision........all culminated in a superb job. I'm impressed for sure. At first, I was caught off-guard by no verbal commentary. But as I continued watching, I found the genius in letting the visual alone, take center stage. Any verbal commentary would have only been distracting in the long run. You can bet I'll check out some of your other videos.

[@titorocktv]

I feel I should be paying to watch this guy work. Just awesome.

[@PTguitars]

Amazing job - I love the frets. I am not a big fan of late 70's Fenders, but it is pretty obvious you gave this specimen a new lease on life. Cheers.

[@brandonkoch3852]

Holy smokes.what attention to detail.you worked on that thing like it was your cherished baby. Those frets look phenomenal!

[@giffimarauder4528]

So much love for all the details👍👍👍. That video caught my attention so strong that when You cleared the laquer edges of the drill holes on the back of the neck I immidiatly started to blow the dust away🤣.

[@bordeauxspider]

愛の詰まった動画でした。今こうして見られる時代に生きていて幸せだとさえ思いました。

[@Andybassguitar]

そ、そんなに・・・ありがとうございます。

[@robi1483]

Wow, what a beautiful and classy refinish! It looks very appropriate for the guitar and the age of it.

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Absolutely brilliant. The care and patience you have is admirable. Very highly skilled craftsmanship.

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@soundgardengods]

Amazing attention to detail and craftsmanship! Working on guitars is so much fun. I would agree with others here that this is a guitar I would not have changed aesthetically, it was beautiful the way it I was, but that doesn’t detract from the fantastic work you did!

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@Duby-rv7bx]

Look at all these purist in the comments, none of them understand the sentimental value of this guitar, the owner probably was tired of seeing his trusty axe slowly deteriorate so he wanted this guy to breathe new life into it, and he did a fantastic job

[@sirspongadoodle]

its just wood with wires on it... if those wires on wood is just sitting in a case then its as useful as rubbish on the street.

[@guitarsehole]

In 40 years of playing, I've never owned a Strat, but this makes me want one! Sensational work!

[@lucasdebarros8712]

After you get one, you'll understand why they are the "guitar's guitar".

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@paolob8288]

Man, your videos are an awesome learning resource. And you don't spend a single word! 🤘🏻😆

[@emilwu]

Don't know why this video made me feel calm and at peace when I spent 30mins to watch it. Nice one!

[@markpell8979]

New subscriber, longtime guitar player and woodworker. Really enjoyed this "wordless workshop." Excellent show.

[@colinwiltshire4503]

One of the most enjoyable videos in a while. We all bring something to the love of instruments….those who can play, those who can build, those who can conceive a fresh design, and then those like myself that just love to care for their instruments. Andy shows that every single item, screw, string tree, nut, frets…all have a part to play. I’ll not weigh in to the merits of ‘restoration’ vs patina/as I appreciate originality but I would lean Andy’s way if I was doing this. It’s all subjective but props to the man for keeping and saving all original hardware. In the end, I’d rather play a ‘cared for’ Stradivarius than one that went from door stop to garage to storage unit. My$0.02

[@fuzzypoet19]

It is always a pleasure watching a master craftsman at work.

[@popsanddais]

i'm a firm believer that guitars should their story and the players story, but i have to give credit where credit is due. this is beautiful

[@SlowfingerJC]

It took 50 years for somebody to age the guitar now you go and do that .... :-) great work.

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!　 Aging? Because I think anti-aging is worth it too!

[@davespears2241]

Impressive work, love it.

[@makko1709]

Beautiful work, you are honored to bring such a beautiful instrument back to life. A cordial greeting from Spain.

[@mitchmurrell753]

Crazy mad skills man. It's very obvious you LOVE what you do.

[@russtommy8852]

初めてコメントさせて頂きます。私も72年のストラト愛用していますがフレット&ナットを交換時には悩みました。しかし、ナットの切り込み、仕上げ作業を背景させて頂き感銘を覚えました。いつかオーバーホールをお願いしたいと思います。

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。 精進いたします。

[@katakanazuki]

50年続いたギターもそれを未来に託そうとする仕事もどちらも素晴らしいなって

[@Andybassguitar]

うれしいなって

[@thomaswesp946]

The best of both worlds: vintage guitar in perfect working order and simply flawless...

[@garrysmythe]

This is the first video of yours I have watched and your attention to detail is brilliant, well done and thanks for posting from Garry in the UK

[@creationinspired200]

You certainly have a gifted hand when it comes to refinish and fret dressing very good

[@SteveOuimette]

What an incredible and inspiring video. Thank you for documenting the whole processing, the guitar looks absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic job! Makes me want to do a similar restoration.

[@Sillybill9]

Really well executed work by someone who clearly knows his craft. The nut you made looks gorgeous!

[@mrmanch204]

Great job, a real showcase for your skill, it looks superb. Good filming too.

[@eric_in_florida]

50 years? That baby will be around 500 years! Amazing work. Never saw anyone go at a finish with a chisel before. Seems like the hard way but what do I know.

[@dennyhull1148]

Wow! Detailed work times 10. Like watching a guitar being reverse reliced. Can’t believe how good the neck came out. Wow!

[@charlesstafford3457]

Most impressive thing I’ve ever seen! Wow what a skill set!!!

[@hugomejia593]

This is the most beautiful art hand refinish that I ve have ever seen all around congratulations and many thanks for sharing this beautiful work

[@tiagoreis7273]

Simply lovely! What a masterpiece. Keep doing more videos like that bro. So inspiring. God bless.

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@rg2gytypyd7]

twitter見ています。こんなに素晴らしい仕事で感動しました。このチャンネルを見ている方は皆さんそう思われていると思います。少数の意見やネガティブなコメントに負けないでほしいです。

[@skunkworks4u]

truly a awesome job! this what a real craftsman job looks like! the Fretboard looked amazing!!

[@sebastiansteinberg1422]

Wow, this is just wonderful work. I wish there was someone in my area that would work on such a high level of craftsmanship with an eye for that many little details.

[@loopy7776]

You rarely get to see a master at work. Thanks for this.

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@yanasan4250]

物凄く細かい所まで気遣いが伝わる動画にまた感動です！

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます！

[@DizzyWombat]

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous results!!

[@TheSavagederek]

Stunning work. Absolutely amazing.

[@Gunzprobish]

Good job, it turned out excellent. I prefer how it was before with all the dings and scraps but that's just my preference. Oh and your video recording and editing deserves praise also.

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you! I like scratched guitars too.

[@silviolutti1522]

Thanks for existing, great man!

[@jjbignutz7098]

How is a good fucken job? He's basically ruined and made worthless a 76 strat. Not that it was worth much , but still. And you said, you'd prefer it "scratched up"? Then why is it a good job?

[@jjbignutz7098]

@@Andybassguitar wtf is wrong with you?

[@kurdtjohn]

@@jjbignutz7098 in my opinion, I think he did a great job. Also, 70s Strats don’t really worth as much compared to 50s or 60s Fenders - the difference is about two or threefold. You might wanna blame the owner for tasking him to do this in the first place - he’s just doing his job. 🤙🏻

[@tobiaswessel7167]

Hut ab und meinen Respekt für diese Arbeit!

[@paulorr7471]

Man that is magnificent. A real work of art. Great great job.

[@robertbruce1482]

Beautiful.. Incredible work my friend, the LOVE and care you displayed is beyond words. Peace

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@Jackh3r]

Stunning as usual! That neck looks amazing

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@parquevialsa5822]

estoy erizado entero ,hombre te felicito y admiro de todo corazon ,los que amamos las guitarras y sobre todo la strato entendemos tu trabajo.

[@thatdamnkid89]

Absolutely a joy to watch the care and dedication to your work is amazing.

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

Glad it was a full restoration ,I like shiny stuff rather than old thrashed look ,eye matched with age Olympic white what a dam master piece,man that fret and nut work is another level

[@thiagoaltero8298]

Eu nunca tinha visto um trabalho tão bem feito assim em escala Clara parabéns sensacional

[@cjm3122]

THE best paint job on a guitar outside of a factory that I've ever seen (I'm 73). Well Done.

[@sirspongadoodle]

Im 73 degrees

[@cjm3122]

@@sirspongadoodle Is that in the shade?

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@cjm3122]

@@Andybassguitar どういたしまして

[@FrancoGrimoldi]

Amazing craftsmanship, breathtaking!

[@illuminatiCabal]

Wowowow! This was absolutely amazing work and what a relaxing video to enjoy!

[@toshiyukiakama]

本当に素晴らしい仕事です。美しい映像と美しい音に自分のギターもお願いしたいと感じました。素晴らしい動画を見せて頂き有難うございます♫

[@act.13.41]

Nice work dude. I am glad to see certain things done here. You prepped the surfaces well. You made sure you did the one thing that most people overlook. Get the flat areas flat. It won't matter how much it shines if it doesn't look perfectly flat. You paint the edges first, when most people paint the flat areas first and end up on the edges. If they get a run doing an edge, they are screwed. If you get a run, you can wipe it off and start again. 🙂 Chrome is the hardest metal on earth. Most corrosion will be sitting on the surface and will come off with some work. As long as the plating is not corroded through to the base metal, it should clean up pretty good. You get to make the claim, it's still original.

[@TheQman69]

If a beautiful piece of guitar history gets to the point where it starts to crack or become unplayable, this is the next best thing to keep it going. If they were going to not play it, I would say leave it as it was but since they want to play it doing a restoration like this one was spot on. So happy to see you didn't restore it and beat the snot out of it at the end to make it look old again.

[@charliebuccafurno7698]

First video of yours I have seen. Wow man!! You took your time and did it right! Looks amazing bro!

[@jozenerdbackup]

Great admiration for your work and meticulousness, love what you did stripping the neck, hope one day I can fix my neck’s barniz the way you fix this one

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@paulhancock7670]

I'm part way thru the same job on my Squier Strat I bought in 1984 (70's model bullet truss rod, big headstock & micro tilt, arctic white). Your video has given me so much help and insight, thank you so much. Amazing care, & attention, and really clear filming. And what a fantastic result !

[@0000song0000]

Nice to find someone on the same boat. I also love refinishing and shaving wood on my old "cheap" guitars... I mean for most people they are virtually worthless, but with proper effort they turn into your own custom baby 😎

[@adamtagestavnstrup9137]

Wonderful and impressive refin! Fascinating to watch

[@ZARATUSTRA8511]

This video is something like visual ASMR, astonishing restoration work.

[@LosPompadores]

Nice to see a de-relicing of a Strat :) You're an artist

[@Andybassguitar]

Thank you!

[@deandee8082]

wow, that one turned out a real gem, love how ya saved the headstock good choice, the fret job is amazing, the nut, thebody, the whole job definitely went forward where so many restores go backwards, I was skeptical at first but man what a job

[@roadsterman]

I really enjoy your restoration videos! Thanks

[@frankgalligan9111]

Amazing job,for I have done it on my 79 strat . A lot of detail work.time goes out the window .congrats

[@rickbertolini1396]

I'm asking to myself why Fender doesn't have a Custom Shop signature with your name... You did a brilliant work. I have no word to describe how you impressed me.. Amazing

[@brycspain]

I wouldn't have the patience to buy the guitar let alone do all that fine work. You are a master craftsman I do declare. Wow.

[@DimKAt21]

Amazing work, thanx for capturing it on video and for sharing it

[@jamesdantonio9710]

I really enjoyed your video. The craftsmanship is top notch.

[@andrebrandao3690]

Andy é um artista. Trabalho perfeito. Meticuloso.

[@TheTapMusic]

Would've liked the original finish to be kept intact, but that said you did a fantastic job with the request. Amazing fretwork/setup.

[@jaad9848]

This. There are too many examples of refinished 76 Strats owner could have just refinished one of those.

[@gunkanjima3408]

It’s not your guitar bro

[@theDragoon007yaboiCJ]

@@gunkanjima3408 he never said it was?

[@bennett138]

@@gunkanjima3408 how old are you.. like 5? Idiot

[@lthoedt]

+1

[@jacquesverwey216]

Wow! This was amazing to watch. I would love to do what you do. I think it looks fantastic! Your fretwork is so good. I wish I could feel how that played. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@vacustoms]

You are a Master Craftsman. Your work is exquisite. I've never seen so much attention to detail.

[@Andybassguitar]

ありがとうございます。

[@bjcanham]

Amazing work Andy, I used to be a cabinet maker back in the days befor being a pro musician, and I can really appreciate the skill you have … such precision and patience. I’d have been to scared to mess with it in its original form, but after seeing the whole video it’s given me a whole new appreciation of the restoration you’ve done here. Congrats from down under 🙏🏻✨

[@bjcanham]

@@keithclark486 absolutely … most of my collection are fairly road worn. When working professionally it’s really hard to fuss over your guitar, so wear and tare and going to happen. It’s amazing to see a vintage in great condition, but nothing wrong with a few battle scars… a bit of history.

[@LuizJardim1]

Lindo trabalho, você é um verdadeiro artista. Parabéns!!!

[@Andybassguitar]

Obrigado!

[@hockeybitez]

the scraping off the finish part i couldn't watch lol hearing the scratching on such a beautiful finish

[@05645ci]

i'd be much happier with a rejuvenated vintage guitar from Andy than a brand new one! Incredible attn to detail; great work!