scratches on fender sunburst

Here's how I deal with scratches:
For deep scratches, dab clear nail polish into the scratch, let that sit overnight. For the not-so-deep ones, omit the nail polish. Use a rubbing compound, followed by a polishing compound, to blend it in. I personally use 3M rubbing and Mequire's Scratch-X polishing compounds since they come in handy-dandy squeeze bottles, they work very well (in my experience), and have a pudding-like consistency, which I prefer over pastes (i.e. Turtle Wax). Having said that, they're each about $7, which is a bit expensive.

And now a simpler, cheaper approach:
Omit the rubbing compound and nail polish. You can achieve the same results with just the polishing compound, but it will take longer to buff out. If you're on a budget, get a can of Turtle Wax polishing compound. It works just the same as the more expensive stuff and will probably last at least a year, if not two, with regular polishings.

 

+1 teej
If you plan on 'playing' the instrument, I suggest you get over it.
Most certainly you should take care of your instrument, but ultimately it's a loosing battle. You'll end up driving yourself crazy.

 

Yeah, everyone is anal about scratches at first, but it's inevitable.

 

relic....
let it happen...

 

Oh yeah, absolutely! I only made my statement because I see people here and in real life who get sooo upset if they as much as leave finger prints...
"Out, out damed spot"

but yeah, the advise given by teej will work for removing/hiding minor sratches

 

I'd say that the polishing compound idea is sound, but if you don't get the results you want, I suggest you decide to live with it.

Often, "repair" efforts end up being more of an eyesore than the original blemish.