1975 Fender Precision - considering refinishing

[Drucifer]

I have a '75 P that I bought in the mid-80's when I was in college. It was my main gigging bass for a lot of years, and you can see that by looking at it. There are many spots on the finish where its worn through to bare wood. It's somewhat original, but no covers, and I replaced the pick guard when the original black one cracked and didn't keep the old one. The frets are in good shape and it sounds awesome, like a P-bass should. I never liked the natural finish, or the thick poly finish on the body, and it's an ash body, so it weighs 10+ pounds. There's also some nicks in the coating on the back of the neck that bug me. If I could find another vintage P that I liked better for the same price, I would sell it as-is. I am considering refinishing it, but worried that it may affect the resale, or more accurately, that I wouldn't get back the money I've put into it. It has a little sentimental value, but I could get over that pretty quickly. One advantage of a refin would be a new Spitfire tortoise shell pick guard. I would have them strip off the poly finish from the body and neck, and refinish with nitrocellulose in a solid color, and leave the back of the neck bare. I could match the existing wear with a relic finish, I would probably use MJT. Refin would probably cost something like $800-$900 all told, with the relic at the higher end and a new-looking finish at the lower end of the range.

What do you think TB?

 

[Stumbo]

Refins reduce value.

Maybe sell it and fund a new bass finished how you like it.

 

[godofthunder59]

Links don't work for me. My inclination is to leave it alone.

 

[MD Stingray]

links don't work.

 

[lug]

Pics not working but I'd say no. You can have the back of the neck fixed and change the pick guard since it's been changed before. Remember, people are now paying good money to get a bass that just looks like it's been around a while. If you don't mind selling it, you will do much better leaving it alone. The refin will just lower the value and limit the number of people who want to buy it.

 

[klejst]

Leave it alone.

 

[Ghastly]

It says I'm not allowed to see the photos, but I would not refinish it. Treat yourself get something new.

 

[buldog5151bass]

That sounds like a LOT of money for shoot a body with lacquer. For a lot less than that, you could buy a finished body from Warmoth or All Parts, and lighter. Keep the body safe, so when you want to sell a well-reliced 70sP bass, you can (and have part of new parts bass ready to go).

 

[Wisebass]

No pics, no poll

Wise(b)ass

 

[FunkHead]

I voted leave it alone without even reading your post or looking at the pictures(Links do not work).
I'll do that now but doubt it'll change my mind.

 

[John Cribbin]

People spend big bucks to buy a new beaten up guitar.

You've already done the work natutally, leave it as it is.

 

[Drucifer]

Links don't work for me. My inclination is to leave it alone.

Can you see the pictures?

 

[Drucifer]

Now with pics embedded, instead of attached via media gallery.

 

[Callused Finger]

If the bass plays great, leave it alone. The worse the finish the better.

Edit: Gasp! Why would you want to refin? Buy a new bass if you want a shiny one.
I think it's beautiful.

 

[godofthunder59]

Ok I can see the pictures I still vote leave it be.

 

[Salicete]

I hate to be a follower, but leave it be.

 

[Gord_oh]

Leave it alone, refinishing ruins not only resale but it takes the history right away from that bass. May as well buy a new one.

 

[mcarp555]

Just put a black pickguard on it. Otherwise, leave it.

 

[Crusher47]

Leave it alone

 

[Jim C]

It's a reasonably rare bass; leave it alone and buy a bass with a new color if you need to.
BTW, I think a pro refinish is more like $500.
I have a 73' natural that I bought in 73'.
It sounds great but it's heavy too.