Restoring advice

[jeff_ulmer]

I would also tend to just leave it alone, unless there were mechanical issues that were affecting playability. I guess much depends on whether you intend to keep or sell the instrument. If you are going to keep it and you can't handle the look, then a refin is a possible idea.

If this were a very rare instrument, I would advise leaving it alone, as it could seriously affect the resale value.

[dminer]

I believe that Paul's original point was that HE HAD ALREADY badly re-finished this bass himself years ago...so a good re-finishing job can't detract anything from the value of his bass...in fact a GOOD job will increase the value. Certainly, an all original bass in moderate to good shape is worth more on the market today if you leave it stock and don't re-finish it.