I recently purchased a used Gordon-Smith GS2 at a garage sale for 100 bucks. I think it's a GS2, it looks like one. I don't know much about Gordon-Smith Guitars(you English guys are probobally gonna let me have it because of my ignorance). Anyway the finish is shot. It's full of scratches and some gouges and belt buckle marks. I'd like to refinish it myself. I'm fairly skilled with a sprayer and a good wood worker. I want to paint it a solid color. So, what I'm wondering is, do I need to strip it all the way down to bare wood, or would just sanding it down smooth and filling in the scratches and gouges be good enough for a quality finish? Also should I have the luthier and tech work done before I start this? I want to do a good job because I really like the feel of this guitar and it looks good too. Any refinishing tips anyone can give me will be appreciated. Thanks guys.