Refinish or leave as is.

[Colonel Sanders]

Hi,

A philosophical question for Rickenbacker enthusiasts...

This bass is going to be shipped to Paul W for a refret. I struggle between going for a refinish while being at it or leave it as is.

I kind of like the "mojo" but I also can see myself enjoying a looking like new bass. Resale value wise, is it better to leave it as is or is it better to refinish?

For a Fender, the answer is definitely "leave as is" but I am not sure for a Rick.

Please bear in mind hat I am not seeking for a specific value appraisal here but more a "this way or that way" question (hence not posting in the Rick Appraisal forum).

[T.A.R.]

The FG is so rich in color the way it is. If it can be matched refin. Beautiful bass!

[Happyface]

Speaking from personal experience (see the Tux in the for sale section), refinishing destroys the value. But it sure does look better, in my eyes.

[rickyfricky]

From what I see in the photos, it looks like genuine, bona fide "honest wear". And not enough to detract from its visual appeal.

Our friends at #ender would call this "lightly relic'd".

That being the original finish, I would "Let It Be".

Shine on 'til tomorrow Colonel . . .

[Colonel Sanders]

From what I see in the photos, it looks like genuine, bona fide "honest wear". And not enough to detract from its visual appeal.

Our friends at #ender would call this "lightly relic'd".

That being the original finish, I would "Let It Be".

Shine on 'til tomorrow Colonel . . .

It is honest wear. Definitely not by myself...

The previous owner must have slapped the funk out of this bass. The wood and the pickguard is gouged near the G string to a depth of 1 mm.

The Fireglo, combined with the ambering of the varnish made for quite a rich color, that looks even better in person.

And the neck is brilliant. But the frets are totally shot.

[vulcan_creedler]

Definitely leave it as it is! You can't get the old patina back with a refinish, especially as the rest of the hardware will have "age" to it.

I'd consider a replacement pickguard tho! (use the old one as a template, and KEEP it!) - that IS reversible!

[sloop_john_b]

LEAVE IT

[rickenbrother]

I'd leave the finish as it is.

[teeder]

Another "LEAVE IT" vote here.

[Colonel Sanders]

Guys, I think that for once I will not be a contrarian...

[woodyng]

That deep fireglo is fabulous,and the wear spots are it's badge of honor.the ambering occuring on the CB binding is perfection. I think it is gorgeous as it is. Another vote to leave it as nature intended.

[kennyhowes]

LEAVE IT

YES

[godber]

I like it very much as it is.

I would also try to get the refret to look like factory, with the frets touching a nub of neck binding and not hanging over the binding.

[rickyfricky]

Definitely leave it as it is! You can't get the old patina back with a refinish, especially as the rest of the hardware will have "age" to it.

I'd consider a replacement pickguard tho! (use the old one as a template, and KEEP it!) - that IS reversible!

+1 on a replacement guard.

And maybe a "correct" thumb rest if you can find one. I bought one on the 'Bay recently for "The Cream Puff" -- my '70 4001.

[beatlefan]

leave it as is....beautiful mojo!!