So the Toneriders are Alnico IV's as I generally like a more detailed, harmonic rich sound with a bit of o'drive.

The gloss finish was "Minwax water based Polycrylin"that I pick up from the local hardware shop (not the green shed variety). Just applied with a high quality brush, let it dry and then wet n dried it smooth. The can says it can be applied over just about everything apart from red mahogany timber stain for some reason.