Yeah, something is up. He makes that bass look like a short scale. Big hands and big head I guess? (As a fellow big head, I am qualified to make this determination.)
I'd be much more inclined to add a layer of gloss to the top rather than try to polish the plastic to a shiny finish. They make a variety of spray can gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes for acrylic paints that may do the trick here.
Yeah, last year I bought a Subway 2x12 through the Gear Exchange section of their site. It was well-packed, arrived very clean and is nearly flawless (it was used, after all), plus no extra charge for shipping*.
* Your mileage may vary on this