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Topic: refinishing and value |
Ron Victoria
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 19 Aug 2003 12:13 pm |
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| I am considering buying a Fender lap that has been refinished. How much does this lessen the value? For example, could Vintage Magazine still be used for pricing? I only want to play for enjoyment but wouldn't want to loose money if and when I resold it. Thanks, Ron |
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Ron Victoria
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 19 Aug 2003 6:23 pm
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| I can't believe someone bought it for $400, refinished, no case or legs. I wouldn't have spent that but maybe it's worth it. Am I behind the times? |
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John Bechtel
From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
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Posted 19 Aug 2003 6:49 pm
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I found my '49/'50 Fender T–8 Custom in a pawn-shop in '79. It was in awful shape, being hand-painted Red by a sloppy-brush! I hadn't much choice! I just had to refinish it! My refinishing was done by myself, so; it was not a real-professional job either. I added my own features which suited my taste. The only things original about the Custom are the metal hardware parts! It still looks about as it did, 24 yrs. ago, and to me it's priceless, although; I'm sure it would not be worth all that much to a collector! But, I'm proud of it, and wouldn't part with it! You can get a look at it by checking out my Website below! The first picture was taken in 1980 and the second picture was taken about (2) wks. ago! The only image that has aged is (ME)!  My only advise would be not to pay a 'fortune' for it in the first place. Just make a deal that you can live with! To get an idea of value, anyone would want to know the Make and Model, and the serial #, if available or it's age! It's probably worth what you're willing to pay, after all is said and done! I know this may not be of much help!
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“Uh~” ƒƒ< “BJ” wknsg®
Franklin, D–10 9/8
Fender, T–8 “The Custom”
Peavey, Classic 50 - 212
Enhancer, E–LG
Red–Rajah, “Phoenix”
http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2003 11:46 am
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Ron,
I would bet that the guitar is worth $400. If the refinishing looks good and suits your taste, go for it; if it's not yet sold.
I'm very much in favor of refinishing vintage steel guitars; if you can improve on their appearance and keep the improvements in good taste.
I've always wanted to make this test:
Take two like models of the same instrument with no missing parts, one moderately beaten-up and one restored to like-new quality and see which one brings the best price. There is no doubt in my mind, that I would buy the restored one, if the workmanship were good enough.
Rick[This message was edited by Rick Collins on 20 August 2003 at 12:49 PM.] |
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Karl Oberlander
From:
Austin, Texas, USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2003 12:01 pm
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Which model was it that went for $400? I have several different models but all are in
excellent original condition. Prices vary with each model as well.
Kobe
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Gibson D-8 Console Grande
Stringmaster T-8
Fender Super Reverb
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Mike D
From:
Phx, Az
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Posted 20 Aug 2003 1:03 pm
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There is no doubt in my mind, that I would buy the restored one, if the workmanship were good enough.
You might like a restored guitar, I might even like it, but it's a fact that re-finished vintage guitars (and most antiques) are valued far under that of even poor condition original finishes. Sometimes going for 1/2 the price they would have brought.
Lap steels still aren't in the stratosphere like other vintage guitars, but the prices are coming up, and along with (IMO) it being a shame and a sin to re-fin an original guitar you're likely to destroy much of it's re-sale value along the way. |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2003 8:13 pm
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Mike, I have a violin made in Genoa, Italy in 1907. It has not been refinished; but it doesn't need it. I have a 1935 Gibson mandolin, same.
But, when it comes to electric instruments that are beaten up (and I don't know why people are so careless with them) I firmly believe in restoration; especially if I play them regularly.
Rick |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 20 Aug 2003 9:02 pm
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| Your guitar is probably worth $400.00 ... I have an old Ric frypan which I have been tempted to have refinished. It looks like it was used as an outrigger paddle...real ugly! I've been told by many NOT to refinish it so I have decided to leave old ugly, UGLY. But it sure has a nice sound and that's what is important. |
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James Quackenbush
From:
Pomona, New York, USA
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Posted 21 Aug 2003 3:37 pm
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Hey George,
Ugly fry pans need loving too !!!...Jim |
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Mike D
From:
Phx, Az
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Posted 21 Aug 2003 5:43 pm
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Rick that's fine if you like them re-fin'ed. I was just pointing out to anybody that happened to be reading that it tends to lessen value.
Me, I like beat up stuff. |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 21 Aug 2003 7:23 pm
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| James...that old beast gets a lot of lovin'...believe me! If my wife would allow it, I would take it to bed with me every nite! |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 22 Aug 2003 3:52 am
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Refinished instruments do not retain the same value as original instruments. This is true in all collectibles.
Instruments refinished by the factory are much more desirable than those done by others.
This holds true for the collector type geeks. What you think about your own instrument is up to you. |
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