I have a new Steinberger Spirit XZ-2 bass that I'd like to refinish. It has what I'm almost positive is a poly finish. It's a mild burst on a fairly attractive piece of ash.

I'm planning on finishing it in a colored tung oil based finish, with a nice coat of wax afterwards. I want a nice, open finish ala Warwick.

I've been doing some reading on the web about stripping poly finishes. Heat worries me since I'm going to be using a trans finish, so any scorching would stand out. AirCraft Remover is mentioned in many places as the stuff to use, but will it cosmetically affect the wood?

I'm not worried about body contours, since I plan to melt the shape slightly when I refin. Maybe I should just strip it with mesh cloth?