Asat classic: to contour or not to contour?

[Philippe Elskens]

I'm thinking about contouring (forearm and belly) my Asat...
I absolutely love the instrument, so selling it and buying a contoured tele is not an option. So the remaining option is contouring this one...
I'm used to my Legacy, which is comfort all the way, so I'll definitely take some time to try to adapt to my Asat. But if the discomfort remains, I'll definitely do it.
My biggest concern is the refinishing? I'm sure I can do the contouring myself, very carefully. But the current finish is so beautiful... can I trust someone else to do it on the same level? If I would pull the trigger, do I sand the entire finish off, or can I get away with just refinishing the contours? It's a blueburst BTW. Ow, and I'd have to disassemble it right? Are their any risks of not getting the 'same' guitar back after reassembly? Or could I just do it without disassembling?

[guitar_ed]

Hi Phillipe,

If I were to contour an already finished guitar body, I would strip it of hardware & finish. Because the odds of being able to match the pre-existing finish approaches zero. You might get lucky, but I wouldn't bet on it.

So yes, this would require removing the neck as well.

Were I in your shoes, I would just get a new guitar. The amount of work required, and the odds of mucking it up, are both very high, in my opinion.

Sorry,

edg

[Tooslowhand]

I can't see this working out well. I would suggest you either adjust to playing it as is, or sell it and get something else. If you were inclined, the G&L factory will provide a new ASAT Classic with the body and arm contours as an option.

[Philippe Elskens]

Damn, not the answers I was hoping for... although not completely unexpected:-s

Thanks for your replies! Better getting bad news before doing stupid things:p

I'll definitely try to adjust my playing to this guitar...

[GeorgeB]

^ That'll be sure worth a try.
I found the ASAT shape uncomfortable at the beginning, being a strat guy for decades.
With a strat you forget feeling the body shape instantly and the neck becomes an extension of your own body, so to speak.
With telecaster-style bodies, and with jazz boxes etc. as well for that matter, I feel like I need to move more around the guitar's shape in space, rather than trying to "unite" with it.
Did work for me after focussing on it, much more relaxed playing feel, now.