Vintage guitar refinish prices

designerseye88

So I'm looking at a guitar that has had a refin, Not a pro job at all but doesnt look bad. 


On average and as a percentage how much less would you expect to pay for a refin over an all original guitar. 

peteri

I think the rough rule of thumb is 30%-50% reduction, depending on quality, rarity, when done etc.

As the owner of three vintage guitars which have been refin'd - I think they're a billy bargain (relatively!)

designerseye88

peteri said:

I think the rough rule of thumb is 30%-50% reduction, depending on quality, rarity, when done etc.

As the owner of three vintage guitars which have been refin'd - I think they're a billy bargain (relatively!)

Thanks for info, I have no issue with a refin. I think my only reservation is how easily will it be to re-sell? 

p90fool

It depends on the guitar. For example, one of the reasons a refin kills pre-CBS Strat values is because it makes it very difficult to conclusively say that the body is original. 

The price drop reflects the fact that you haven't just lost the original paint on an otherwise perfect guitar, but that the whole thing might be a fake. 

designerseye88

p90fool said:

It depends on the guitar. For example, one of the reasons a refin kills pre-CBS Strat values is because it makes it very difficult to conclusively say that the body is original. 

The price drop reflects the fact that you haven't just lost the original paint on an otherwise perfect guitar, but that the whole thing might be a fake. 

Good point! How about a Gibson, I'm particularly looking at a badly finished LP junior, Although the serial number has been covered by an amateur paint job I guess you could still date if from the pots? 

guitars4you

designerseye88 said:

p90fool said:

It depends on the guitar. For example, one of the reasons a refin kills pre-CBS Strat values is because it makes it very difficult to conclusively say that the body is original. 

The price drop reflects the fact that you haven't just lost the original paint on an otherwise perfect guitar, but that the whole thing might be a fake. 

Good point! How about a Gibson, I'm particularly looking at a badly finished LP junior, Although the serial number has been covered by an amateur paint job I guess you could still date if from the pots? 

in that case check the pot dates - some very early models with black ink serial numbers are almost impossible to read/view due to them fading, so might not look there anyway - how are they dating it without the serial number - what features are the using to gather such info - check and becareful

agree with info above otherwise

peteri

Agree with all of the above.

I have two refin'd Gibsons and a refin'd Strat.

The Strat and one of the Gibsons came from 'reputed' dealers (which you should always take with a pinch of salt, as my own experience has shown).

The pot codes are right, and the solder is untouched, plus there are details which are much harder to fake - and at the end of the day they play so well, look so right - I was happy.

The other Gibson was refinished in a 'rescue from messed about' project, I had pictures throughout and have had it looked over by another luthier and they're completely supporting the date.

Be careful, pot codes just show how old the pots are, make sure you look at the solder and compare it to pictures you can easily find, it's all about reducing the risk rather than 100% accuracy.

Also, look at the other features, Gibson over the years have changed quite a lot of details which help narrow down the age.

I'm no expert, but if you PM me some pics I can see if I can help

cj73

designerseye88 said:

peteri said:

I think the rough rule of thumb is 30%-50% reduction, depending on quality, rarity, when done etc.

As the owner of three vintage guitars which have been refin'd - I think they're a billy bargain (relatively!)

Thanks for info, I have no issue with a refin. I think my only reservation is how easily will it be to re-sell? 

So, you've already pretty much decided you won't like it? And you think you can make a buck or two on it.

designerseye88

Don't remember ever saying I won't like it? nor did I say I plan to make money from it, I just like to know that when I buy something I'm getting value for money, and if i need to liquidate due to unforeseen things I could recoup at least most of the original purchase. I think that's pretty fair don't you think?

SteveRobinson

If it's any guide, this professionally refined junior went for £2100 plus buyer's premium.