Need some advice! I picked up an old Epiphone Electar 6 string lap over the weekend. According to the serial number this one dates to 1940. It's definitely been played and shows the wear, dirt and cigarette smoke film from years of use. Pick up, volume and tone controls still work as they should.
I'm debating whether to strip this one down and refinish or not. Is there any vintage value to a steel like this and any reason not to refinish? Appreciate any comments!
Epiphone Electar Zephyr
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NEVER REFINISH A VINTAGE GUITAR. IT WILL REDUCE THE VALUE BY 25-50%
I have 2 or those - the wear is minimal - just discoloration like yours and adds to the history of the instrument. The first thing vintage collectors and dealers do when they see a stripped or refinished one is think "How sad."
There's no way to "fix" that - whoever did it thought it was an upgrade when it's really irreversible damage.
The pickups are amazing, with massive magnet assemblies
When cleaning it up only apply a light buffing compound - never car polish or wax. You never want to add anything to the finish, just buff what's there!
I have 2 or those - the wear is minimal - just discoloration like yours and adds to the history of the instrument. The first thing vintage collectors and dealers do when they see a stripped or refinished one is think "How sad."
There's no way to "fix" that - whoever did it thought it was an upgrade when it's really irreversible damage.
The pickups are amazing, with massive magnet assemblies
When cleaning it up only apply a light buffing compound - never car polish or wax. You never want to add anything to the finish, just buff what's there!
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional