Mike,
You're cracking me up, man. The reason I looked at this guitar in the first place was to do just about what you suggested. I wanted a beater 330 to which I could add binding (white, of course). I figured I'd install the binding, dump the black hardware, make some white plastic parts, and go into the parts bin for tuners and a tailpiece (might have to strip and plate the jackplate, though). The seller said it didn't have binding (and you couldn't see it on the blurry pictures). The only clue to its real identity was the triangle inlays, but absent binding (and because he said it had one jack), I figured it was some weirdo 330. Needless to say, I was surprised to see the binding. Then, it turns out he meant it had one functional jack; the stereo jack was DOA.
So now I'm stuck. It was too cheap to pass up, but I need a new plan. I thought I might have been off the deep end to begin with, but even I have reservations about removing perfectly good black binding if I can work around it. More importantly, the fretboard and frets are in great shape. Replacing the neck binding would probably mean pulling the frets - and I don't want to do a fret job just for a cosmetic fix. Of course, I could just play it as is until it *does* need a fret job - and wear away that objection at the same time.
Peter,
You might be on to something here. I seem to be partial to guitars when you can tell that they're made from wood. To me, that means some amount of visible grain, and a consequently more "organic" appearance. And besides, it seems a shame to paint over the skunk stripe on the back of the neck. Unless the underlying wood is full of goobers, I'd like to do something that lets it show through. At this point, it doesn't really matter if it's tinted (a la Fireglo) or not (e.g. Mapleglo). The issue seems to be working with the black trim which, for some reason, doesn't seem to work with as many colors as the normal white and chrome hardware.
Anyway, guys, thanks for the suggestions. There are several good ideas here (can I do a burst with a copper, metallic blue or burgandy? Violetglo? How about a Les Paul goldtop?). Keep 'em coming.
