I really did not want another project but this was a buy. When I got it I cleaned it. I usually leave the ol mojo be but I knew that black burst was hiding some nice grain . Its not straight(which I like) and is one plank . the front has a nice knot that is covered by the PG. . If i started from scratch with thAt board, i would have flipped it and put the controls on the back. I was able to salvage some crackle on the front side and at both ends of the neck and the front of the headstock . This is the point I get anxious so Im determined to finish the rest of the clear, let it hang for a month or 2 and do it right,sort of.....