Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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).

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

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.

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 . . .

rickyfricky wrote: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.

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!

I'd leave the finish as it is.

Another "LEAVE IT" vote here.

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

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.

sloop_john_b wrote:LEAVE IT

YES

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.

vulcan_creedler wrote: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.

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