I’m interested in your post . I’m thinking about doing a speed neck on one of mine . Maybe someone can help . Best of luck

Is this a vintage or high quality banjo or a cheaper model? If the former I would suggest maybe use a professional.

Removing finish can be a messy process. It's pretty easy to remove too much wood using scrapers and sandpaper, especially with any kind of power sander. Chemical finish removers are especially messy and toxic. While I might use a torch on an old piece of furniture, I would never do so on a musical instrument.

If you can get it down to bare wood, it's pretty easy from there. Sand thoroughly up to 400 or 600 grit. Some open pore woods (?Mahogany?) will need a grain filler. I like either Danish Oil Finish or Tru-Oil in multiple coats with vigorous buffing. This makes for a nice smooth satin finish that is easy to use and easy to do spot repairs.

I know some builders who use a spray can polyurethane (Deft) and get a nice finish that way.

Good luck. I, too, am interested in other replies.

It's not a vintage neck. It's a reproduction of a vintage Gibson, no idea of who made it.

Very VERY simple and you can do i safely either 0000 steel wool or the same grit scotch brite pad, and this is the professional way many pros use

When I had to refinish a neck on an instrument I bought second hand, I contacted the (famous, one-at-a-time) maker for advice. "You got a gun shop nearby? Well, get some Tru-Oil." The advice continued with something like, "Then take a deep breath and destroy the beautiful, even, shiny finish with 0000 steel wool soaked in furniture wax, the stuff with no silicone, and polish it out with a cloth."  The final result came out just like banjos straight from his shop.

A person I know bought an old guitar, that had been refinishes with a mirror shining lacquer that did not look good or old. He just treated it with one of those sponges for cleaning kitchens tables that has a green mild abrasive material on one side. No water or anything else, and now it is so beautiful and looks like an old satin finish
. It still reflects light, but not in that "mirror like way". But that was in Denmark, and I do not know if the same small sponges are available in USA or if it the same kind of finish, you have. So be careful if you try this method. Steen

Will the satin last? I have a satin rk r35 that the neck glossed very nicely almost immediately. I wouldn't mind if the resonator was glossy also.