Burst Pic of the Week: 59 Stinger Burst, employee guitar?

[585960]

I had a blonde 335 with a headstock stinger, Alberts V had a headstock stinger, seen a 57 GT many many moons ago with a neck joint stinger, so to say the least, they're uncommon but not THAT uncommon.

 

[Red Rocket]

And maybe because if it AIN'T a "factory stinger" (Which this one IS, IMHO...) then the buyer just got "stung"?:lol

Joe, how many stinger Bursts have you come across in your experience? Can you elucidate why it was done?

 

[Joe Ganzler]

Joe, how many stinger Bursts have you come across in your experience? Can you elucidate why it was done?

I've probably looked at about dozen - of which 2-3 were done post-factory to hide wing/headstock breaks/repairs, Grover/Schaller removal/repair, and/or heel repairs...:ganz

Upon rereading, I see that you said "Bursts" - only seen 2-3, of which two were IMHO "factory", and one was done to hide a beautifully-repaired headstock fracture...

 

[mingus]

Joe, how many stinger Bursts have you come across in your experience? Can you elucidate why it was done?

It's my understanding that a "stinger" was used to hide a cosmetic flaw in the wood that was revealed when the neck blank was carved. Since carving necks takes a significant amount of time, painting on a stinger at the factory was a convenient way to save money and time in terms of materials and labor.

 

[Red Rocket]

I've probably looked at about dozen - of which 2-3 were done post-factory to hide wing/headstock breaks/repairs, Grover/Schaller removal/repair, and/or heel repairs...:ganz

Upon rereading, I see that you said "Bursts" - only seen 2-3, of which two were IMHO "factory", and one was done to hide a beautifully-repaired headstock fracture...

It's my understanding that a "stinger" was used to hide a cosmetic flaw in the wood that was revealed when the neck blank was carved. Since carving necks takes a significant amount of time, painting on a stinger at the factory was a convenient way to save money and time in terms of materials and labor.

Thanks gentlemen - always great to hear from the most knowledgeable experts.

One other question - was the stinger painted before the clear coat or after on 'correct' 'Burst versions? How about for the non-Bursts also?