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Is Refinishing A Vintage Bass Blasphemous???

ejaggers

ejaggers

Aug 18, 2009
2,728
2,681
Fort Worth, TX
#1
I personally do not like black or natural finished basses. I did buy a black axcelerator that I love. It took a while but the black did grow on me, although I still hate the stock PG. Now I’m considering a T40 that’s natural, but I don’t think natural will grow on me.

Anyway, some people think refinishing a vintage bass is sacrilegious or will devalue the bass, and I tend to agree. But I own a ’72 jazz that was originally natural, which was refin’d in the 70’s; it wasn’t vintage at the time. And it looks so much better, still.

What’s your take on refinishing a vintage bass that’s already in good shape???
 
#3
ejaggers said:
I personally do not like black or natural finished basses. I did buy a black axcelerator that I love. It took a while but the black did grow on me, although I still hate the stock PG. Now I’m considering a T40 that’s natural, but I don’t think natural will grow on me.

Anyway, some people think refinishing a vintage bass is sacrilegious or will devalue the bass, and I tend to agree. But I own a ’72 jazz that was originally natural, which was refin’d in the 70’s; it wasn’t vintage at the time. And it looks so much better, still.

What’s your take on refinishing a vintage bass that’s already in good shape???
Click to expand...

A bass from '97 isn't "vintage" and if it's not collectable, it's your choice. If the refinish job is done badly, it won't make anyone happy, especially a prospective buyer. There's a difference between 'Vintage' and 'Collectable'. One just means it's old and yours is only 14 years old. My 1960's Eko is 'vintage' but nobody would shed any tears if I refinish it (not comparing my Eko to your Peavy, however).
 
#4
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#9
I have without a moment's hesitation.

Two '70s Thunderbirds, no regrets. They're beautiful now.
In 2012 I'll likely send a '77 to Marty Bell too.
 
#11
Caca de Kick said:
It really only applies to Fenders.

Anything else would only be affected if It's a poor refin job.
Click to expand...

Hate to disagree with Caca de Kick since he's a pretty knowledgable guy, but a refin affects the price one can reasonable expect to get for any vintage instrument, not just Fenders. For instance, a refinned vintage Thunderbird will generally sell for much less than one with the original finish, same with Guild Starfires.

Yes, it's your axe, do whatever you want with it. Is it blasphemous? Eh, I don't see anything reaching the true definition of blashphemous with a refin. Does is decrease the market value of your bass? Decidedly, yes, if it is a true vintage collector instrument; in fact, it might be a decision that costs you (or your heirs) several thousand dollars.

For the bass in question, a Peavey T-40, a refin probably won't devalue it enough to make anybody sweat....
 
#12
Mine were wrecks, it was all for the good.
There's a sweet refinned white '60s T Bird in the club thread, to die for!
 
#13
I think it shows more interest in maintaning ones instruments in good condition to refinish a badly worn one. Irregardless if its from the 1960's or more recent. If you have a bass or guitar whose finish you dont like but otherwise love the instrument then having a pro refinish done to it is fine imo. Irregardless if it was made in the 60's or more recently.
 
#17
Okay, I just made an offer on the T40, but I wish it was a different color already, because I really don't need another bass. Especially one that's going to cost me more $ after a get it. Fortunately Peavey's are still cheap, so refin is not a future price factor.
But since I have no experience with refin, I'll have to have it professionally done.
 
#18
ejaggers said:
No, I'm talking about refin the T40 if I get it. The '97 axcel has actually grown on me.

1958bassman, not to highjack my own post, but I played this Eko the other day, and although the action was high, it's a sweet bass. So I might shed a tear for yours. Oddly enough, I like this natural finish.

Eko Vintage Violin Bass Scroll Headstock Italy | eBay
Click to expand...

My Eko was a six string arch top with really thick finish like this, but mine was blonde:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-EKO...o-/260898157573?pt=Guitar&hash=item3cbebdf405

My truss rod came loose at the nut, so I used my incle's band saw to take the fretboard off, repair it and shim it flat. I took the frets out at the time (about 40 years ago) and it's the first fretless guitar I have seen. I think John Abercrombie and/or Phillipe Catherine has played fretless guitar in the '70s.

I didn't know it at the time but when I looked at it last, I noticed the fingerboard is Wenge. My first bass was a Teisco del Rey that I bought from a store called 'Arlan's', back in about '67 when I was 10 years old. Paid about $42, tax included. My friend and I walked there and back -about 1-1/2 miles, round trip, through the woods and across some RR tracks.

Good times!
 
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