Newbie question: Custom Finishing/Modding a Squier Bass

[verycoolname]

I've been playing bass for awhile, and I just recently decided to add a short scale to my modest arsenal. I've looked at Ibanez Mikros, Epiphone/Gibson SGs etc., but I fell in love with the Fender Mustang bass after seeing and playing it. There is one problem, however; I don't like any of the finishes. I know looks aren't everything, but if I'm going to purchase something I'd like it to fit my tastes, and the current lineup of Fender and Squier basses just doesn't do it for me.

So, I've decided to modify the standard Squier Mustang bass, with the objective of getting it to look like the Lake Placid Blue ones they sell in Japan:



The only problem is I don't know how. I was wondering if anyone has tips/resources which would help me strip the paint, custom finish it etc. I might even put in a new bridge and paint the headstock if it pleases me. I've seen some great custom/modified basses on here, and I'd like my first project to be successful.

Thanks for any help!

[Syco_bass]

re-finishing can be tricky.

I would look here for most of your information.

http://www.reranch.com/

Good luck.

[verycoolname]

Originally Posted by Syco_bass

re-finishing can be tricky.

I would look here for most of your information.

http://www.reranch.com/

Good luck.

Thanks for your suggestion, I'm looking at the site now and it seems pretty helpful.

[96tbird]

Spray colors in thin coats until its covered. I would look into a water slide decal for the stripe because masking it would be difficult for a beginner. Rad up on final clear coat sanding & polishing

I think your color scheme looks fantastic , they really sell them like that in Japan? I wonder why Fender doesn't have them here? Jeepers!

[verycoolname]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Spray colors in thin coats until its covered. I would look into a water slide decal for the stripe because masking it would be difficult for a beginner. Rad up on final clear coat sanding & polishing

I think your color scheme looks fantastic , they really sell them like that in Japan? I wonder why Fender doesn't have them here? Jeepers!

Thank you for the help. And I pained a cheap ukulele of mine in a Japanese rising sun pattern, so I'm comfortable with the masking, but maybe buying a decal would be easier.

And that's what I'm saying! I just don't want to play $1000 plus shipping for what could be a $400-$500 project. Fender's missing out on a business opportunity for sure, all the Japan finishes are great.