question?

[DeadGoonz]

I bought a Carvin LB 75 about 4 months ago. It is in very good condition but it also shows its age with a few small dings in the body. It is a natural finish, my question is what would it cost to have it refinished? and is it worth it? Like I said it is in great condition for its age so I thought if I have this done I can preserve the bass. Thanks for any help.

[walterw]

in a word, no.

re-finishing is a major ordeal, especially for modern poly finished instruments. it also removes any value the instrument might have had; beat-up original is always better than any re-fin.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

I bought a Carvin LB 75 about 4 months ago. It is in very good condition but it also shows its age with a few small dings in the body. It is a natural finish, my question is what would it cost to have it refinished? and is it worth it? Like I said it is in great condition for its age so I thought if I have this done I can preserve the bass. Thanks for any help.

"Preserve" the bass? You gonna play it, or look at it?

Refinishing: you could buy another perfectly good used bass, for what that will set you back.

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by walterw

in a word, no.

re-finishing is a major ordeal, especially for modern poly finished instruments. it also removes any value the instrument might have had; beat-up original is always better than any re-fin.

This is a hand rubbed finish, but I believe I see your point that it would lose its value. I do not want to devalue the bass. The previous owner simply did not give the same care I do, just some small dents in the body and one on the back of the neck that drives me insane each time my hand passes over it. But thanks for your help guys.

[mdogs]

Devalue what? This isn't a collectors bass and, sorry, but is never going to be. Having said that, no way is it worth doing...

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Devalue what? This isn't a collectors bass and, sorry, but is never going to be. Having said that, no way is it worth doing...

Never said it was or will be, but its mine and it has become my fav and I want tri keep it in nice condition.

I didn't mean to offend you with my question. Perhaps one day I will be as super intellectual and obtain a vast knowledge of what is a true collectors item and what not.

That's sarcasm...

[202dy]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

This is a hand rubbed finish, but I believe I see your point that it would lose its value. I do not want to devalue the bass. The previous owner simply did not give the same care I do, just some small dents in the body and one on the back of the neck that drives me insane each time my hand passes over it. But thanks for your help guys.

If it is a hand rubbed oil finish the dents can be steamed out. When done with steam, the oil finish will have to be touched up.

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by 202dy

If it is a hand rubbed oil finish the dents can be steamed out. When done with steam, the oil finish will have to be touched up.

Yes it is hand rubbed oil, what would be a reasonable cost bracket in your opinion?

[202dy]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

Yes it is hand rubbed oil, what would be a reasonable cost bracket in your opinion?

Impossible to tell without seeing the instrument. Figure $50 to $75.00USD per hour for labor depending on location, demand, and skill.

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Impossible to tell without seeing the instrument. Figure $50 to $75.00USD per hour for labor depending on location, demand, and skill.

Thank you, that is exactly what I needed to know, thanks again for your help...

[NKUSigEp]

The refin will be in the same ballpark as what you paid for the bass. Not worth it IMO. Hand-rubbed oil? How deep are the flaws? It's not going to hurt anything to rub one out and see what it looks like.

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

The refin will be in the same ballpark as what you paid for the bass. Not worth it IMO. Hand-rubbed oil? How deep are the flaws? It's not going to hurt anything to rub one out and see what it looks like.

There are 4-5 small dings nothing major. Just have found the bass for me after many years and I want to keep it in as good condition as I can for as long as possible. What grit paper would you recommend trying? The ding on the back of the neck is the one I focus on the most because I feel it every time I play the rest are almost not noticeable, that's why I was thinking it may be worth looking into.

[bassgod0dmw]

If you can live with the dents, you can find out what oil has been rubbed into it already, and just do it yourself.

I wouldn't worry about the dents. It's like a badge of honor, that the bass is actually used. I've got a few multi-thousand dollar instruments that have plenty of dings, scratches, and dents in them...my Sadowsky for one. It gets used...a lot. I'm very careful with it, but things happen.

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

What grit paper would you recommend trying? The ding on the back of the neck is the one I focus on the most because I feel it every time I play the rest are almost not noticeable, that's why I was thinking it may be worth looking into.

Start simple and use #0000 steel wool. It will remove very little material, and it may take forever. If that doesn't work for you, I'd start with 1200 grit and see how it works. You'll need to use progressively finer grits to get it super smooth again...

Where upstate are you?

[NKUSigEp]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

There are 4-5 small dings nothing major. Just have found the bass for me after many years and I want to keep it in as good condition as I can for as long as possible. What grit paper would you recommend trying? The ding on the back of the neck is the one I focus on the most because I feel it every time I play the rest are almost not noticeable, that's why I was thinking it may be worth looking into.

A real fine grit...something like a 220 or higher. If they're real shallow, just rub it with some oil and a rag. And by rub I mean put some effort into it and if your hand doesn't feel like it's going to fall off then you haven't done it long enough.

[DeadGoonz]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

If you can live with the dents, you can find out what oil has been rubbed into it already, and just do it yourself.

I wouldn't worry about the dents. It's like a badge of honor, that the bass is actually used. I've got a few multi-thousand dollar instruments that have plenty of dings, scratches, and dents in them...my Sadowsky for one. It gets used...a lot. I'm very careful with it, but things happen.

Start simple and use #0000 steel wool. It will remove very little material, and it may take forever. If that doesn't work for you, I'd start with 1200 grit and see how it works. You'll need to use progressively finer grits to get it super smooth again...

Where upstate are you?

I think I may be overly concerned about the little things here, but I have found something important to me and just wanna do something proactive here. That being said thanks for you help and I will appreciate it for as long as I am playing this instrument which will be for a while.

I am in the Albany are, are you in the area?

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

one (dent) on the back of the neck that drives me insane each time my hand passes over it.

Yah - I understand that one. It's one thing to see a dent, but another when you are constantly reminded of it as you play.

I have successfully dealt with a lot of neck dings by doing a drop-fill with cyanoacrylate (super glue). The repair can be almost invisible and totally undetectable by touch if done well. Check the Frets.com site for details on how this is done.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by DeadGoonz

I think I may be overly concerned about the little things here, but I have found something important to me and just wanna do something proactive here. That being said thanks for you help and I will appreciate it for as long as I am playing this instrument which will be for a while.

I am in the Albany are, are you in the area?

I totally understand, just keep in mind that instruments are meant to be played. Just take care of it (I don't mean by refinishing it after a few small dings) and it'll last your entire life.

I'm in White Plains. If we were closer, I was going to offer to give you a hand if you wanted it.

[john grey]

More musical instruments have been ruined by individuals attempts at keeping them in good condition, customizations, or whatever than have ever been ruined by being dropped.