I have a 1985 Rickenbacker 4003 that is red with white binding. It has multiple nicks and the paint is just beginning to look dull, so I've been thinking of having it stripped and refinished just with the natural wood (a la McCartney).

At this point, this move is purely a cosmetic one, as the bass plays and sounds great. But let's be honest, a phsyical attraction is important in any relationship. So I have several questions:

1) Will stripping the paint and refinishing it alter the sound of the bass?

2) Will the body binding pose any problems if I do have it stripped?

3) I've seen a few DIY websites about stripping/refinishing instruments, but I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing tackle it. Can anyone recommend a good stripper? (You know what I mean.)

Bear in mind that the resale value probably will drop dramatically - I'm sure you already know.

Refinishing will alter the tone, but whether it would be altered enough for you to notice is debatable.

Ive watched binding melt when stripping, it was pretty ugly.

Yes, it will dramatically lower the value of the instrument.

I honestly recommend against this kind of thing unless the original finish has ALREADY been destroyed by a bad home refinish job. However, if you are dead set on the Sir Paul look, I'd get a professional refin. I had a '55 P-bass recently restored and refinished by RSguitarworks. They did a terriffic job. I think they also repair finish Dings. :D

ps They are in Winchester, Kentucky!

I'm not concerned about resale value. I plan to have this bass for life. My real concern is just how it will affect the tone and if other problems could possibly arise.

The effect on the tone will be marginal given that the sanding after the stripping is kept to an absolute minimum. And there's the rub. There is no way to predict what will be seen under the existing paint once it is removed ergo, no way to predict just how much wood will need to be removed.

Chemical strippers typically eat binding as fast or faster than the paint that is being removed. If keeping the original binding is important then it should be removed prior to chemical strippers being applied. That is not a job for those that have to look at the screwdriver to decide if they have the right end in their hands. However, if you have a good supply of #10 and #11 exacto blades and the will and hand skills have at it.

The caveat that has been cited above bears repeating: Refinishing your guitar is going to negatively impact it's value. While it is your intention to keep it for the rest of your days, life has a funny way of coming back and biting you in the opposite. There may come a time when you may find that there is someone or something you love that needs the dollars that can be generated from the almost instant liquidity of your '85 Rick.

OTOH, everyone who refinishes their twenty year old guitar just make the rest of ours more valuable.

as stated, there is no way to predict what kind of woodgrain pattern you will encounter, under the paint. chances are you will find it made of more than one piece. natural woodgrain finishes start with a nice piece of wood. painted bodies don't have to worry about such things. refinishing a guitar/bass body is about the same as refinishing an automobile. not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer. i highly recommend buying a different bass that suits you're tastes, and spare the proven warrior, built by some of the finest builders, in the industry. you're $1,200 bass could easily lose half it's current value. if you must, pay a pro, and get it done right.:cool: