that was why i suggested taking it to a small body shop

How prepped would they (probably) want the body @mezy?
Grain filled and sanded to 600?  Would that be good enough for primer coat?

It seems that every person has their own favourite method and product for finishing – and that one person’s experience is often not a good indicator of how someone else will find it! At least, that’s my experience. I guess…   Read more»

they just knocked apart with wee tap of a hammer this morning That doesn’t bode well. 🙁   There are some attributes detailed here – wood database – which suggest it might not be the best wood for guitar building.