Gents, apologies for the delay (ulcer, anybody?)
A million thanks to all of you for replying. Another million thanks for all your sound advise.
Since the last post, I found a French polishers in Taunton. The chap there says exactly the same as MikeyH - he's also 99% sure that the covering is indeed a polyester-based job. But here's the biggie..... Sez he can do the job for me, but he's talking mega-££££. So knowing what I now know, I think I'm pretty comfortable at having a stab at it myself. It seems there is no easy way other than going about it with loads of elbow grease, but I'm in no rush - I'll just take my time.
Now to answer Bunkerbarge's question, the only reason I'm doing this is purely for experiment. Bearing in mind that it only cost £280, but it's one of the best 'copies' I've played. In fact, the action on this baby is lower than a worm's wotsits and it almost plays all by itself. (I can't understand how the Chinks manage to churn-out mass-produced copies that play just as good as the real thing - even better). So rather than risk cocking-up what is a great guitar, I went out and bought another, identical. As much as I hate to use the word, the first one is now expendable, so if'n I should make a hash of it.....................
So why all this effort?
Because MikeyH is spot-on when he says that removing the finish will alter the sound. For that is exactly what I'm after. A pal of mine done the same to his, years ago. He's dead now, so I can't ask how he did his. All I know is that when I played it, it had the most spine-tingling sound ever. My only fear at this juncture is whether I might lose the sustain. As it is, the neck and the body are in perfect harmony with each other. When you gently strike all six open strings, you can actually hear the damn thing 'ring'. I've had Fenders costing three times as much, but never anywhere near as good as it is on the cheapo Squire.
Anyway, I'm going to give it a whirl. Maybe post a few pics along the way. I know this isn't a boaty question, but I really appreciate all your input with this. Many, many thanks once again for all your help and advise.
Special thanks to Dave Jacquet for his Googling, Tug Ken and MikeyH for their musical know-how, and a special thanks to Bigfella for going out on a limb for me. (Thanks, buddy. One crate of super-chilled Castle Main 4x heading your way).
Thanks one and all.