To Refin or Not to Refin

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:43 am

The Subject title is a question I've been asking myself for the past few years and one I see occassionaly in other guitar forums. So my dilema is in regards to a LP I have that was factory finished in translucent purple. (need I say more?)

The reasons I have to not refinish it are that it's unusual, it's factory done and that I should keep it original.

Why I would like a refin is that I play out with it all the time, it sounds & plays good but frankly it clashes with wardrobe and in my own eyes doesn't look as nice as a burst would.

Another bandmate also has an early 70s LP Custom that looks like Neil Young's old Black LP in that it's beat to hell. He wants to refinish his but I tell him it has character and to leave it alone.

So I realize there's many different reasons people get their guitars refined but what makes a guitar a good refin candidate and to what extent does it affect resale?

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:19 am

Why not just sell it and get one that doesn't clash with your wardrobe?Refinishing will hurt the resale value.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:29 am

Jamie: I'm with Mitch. The chances of some Prince fan loving your instrument is likely greater than the chances of you embracing it knowing that it has been refinished.

Notwithstanding Paul's talents, there are other 70s LPs out there for the taking should your current one no longer appeal to you.

Sorry to be a curmudgeon.

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:36 am

The thing is the guitar is a '91 pre-classic with a really nice neck that later models don't have and it also has great flame in the grain as it is a "Plus" designated model.

Probably won't find another one like it with a neck like this or figured like it is for what I'd get for this one. Bit of a raod warrior already in player condition. I already have a Goldtop so this purple guitar is already a standby but would see more action if it was another color.

I know it seems silly to a lot of people that the color would affect one like it does me but currently its a bit of a love/hate relationship I have with it.

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:40 am

Peter I just saw your post after I posted my last reply. Yea, you have a valid point about just knowing it's been refinned and that it would also bother me to a point. Guess the best thing is to wait until I can find another LP replacement that I'd be happy with and then decide what I want to do with 'ol Purple.

At that point I may just be happy keeping it in the stable since it's a rather nice player.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:40 am

Jamie: Aesthetics are important and so is a nice feeling instrument.

You have given us more information. If it is a fine player and you can't let it go, and it is a "bit of a road warrior" then that changes the water on the beans.

You have now tipped the scales for me. I say ask the curmudgeon himself for a quote.

winston · Post by **winston** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:03 am

Jamie wear sunglasses when you play. That way you won't have to think about the color you'll be too busy trying to find the fretboard. LOL

But seriously, I would do three things.
1) not worry about the color if it is a decent player and:
2) go back to the time and place in my mind when I thought it was cool and remember that some of the best players in the world have played odd ball guitars. Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Eddie Van Halen and so on. And:
3)Wear jeans and a white tee shirt when you play. That way any guitar color will work with your ensemble.

To be known as a good guitar player you must have people talking about how good you are. If you are a good player then that will happen no matter what axe you decide to play as long as you play it well and with feeling.

Bottom line I would keep the guitar as it is and be proud of it being different.

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:38 am

Yea if the guitar wasn't such a good player and uniquely small neck profile I would have no problem just trading it away.

So I need to stock up on more white or black t-shirts & jeans. Thanks Brian

The guitar does get a lot of comments at gigs and I've been told I'd be crazy to change its color and that its cool. But come to think of it no one has ever made an offer on it. lol!

As the Curmudgeon is local to me it may not that big of a hassle to get this guitars top refinned.

I don't think I could live with myself if I became famous and caused kids to go out searching for these translucent purple models!

winston · Post by **winston** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 11:55 am

Paul would do a great job on it and no one would likely ever know that it was refinished.

But you would and you need to reconcile how you might feel if in about thirty years or so from now it suddenly becomes apparent, that purple translucent finished LP's are rare and command an exorbitant price. Think about that for a second before you take your decision.

If the thought of that does not matter to you, then go see the man. He does great work.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 11:58 am

Well, I checked in late on this one (gotta change my preferences to include my own Topics!) and the battle's already been and gone...

I will tackle the topic of when and how a refinish DOES hurt an instrument's value (and we can't generalize on this anymore!), one day when I have more time on my hands. In the meantime, views on this are welcome in this Topic Area.

Jamie, I'd be glad to give you a quote. Just contact me offlist. You'd be surprised how reasonable I can be if you catch me in a good mood!!!

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:32 pm

I thought that the curmudgeon may have lost his power this afternoon.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:47 pm

Just updated my PROFILE to include myself in it...

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:54 pm

Not to be off topic but...where's my Surfbards CD Paul?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:16 pm

Send me your address offlist, Mitch, and give me a few daze.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:44 pm

Thanks alot Paul! I sent you an email.