Refinish - good idea or not?

[noeinstein]

I had a perfectly good P bass, with a finish I disliked, refinished using Stewmac’s [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and now I love it. Your dilemma is, which is more important to you; having an instrument you love? Or resale value? Assuming you can’t have both.

 

[TeamScorpioRI]

For the cost of a refin, why not get a different body and put the original one away. This way when yo want to sell it, you can reassemble it and have it all original.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I'm not a fan of that color either, it's yours so go for it.

I had really good luck with these guys, keep in mind I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but they painted my Squier Musicmaster in Candy Apple Red and I was thrilled with the results.

Guitar Paint guys - GuitarPaintGuys - Custom Guitar Finishing

 

[4stringsjack]

For the cost of a refin, why not get a different body and put the original one away. This way when yo want to sell it, you can reassemble it and have it all original.

Yep- I would check Warmoth, ebay, etc. and see what it would cost to get a body in the color you like, plus you get to keep the stock body.

 

[ejaggers]

I'm not a fan of that color either, it's yours so go for it.

I had really good luck with these guys, keep in mind I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but they painted my Squier Musicmaster in Candy Apple Red and I was thrilled with the results.

Guitar Paint guys - GuitarPaintGuys - Custom Guitar Finishing

How much was the Refin on you MM?

057912

 

[Drucifer]

Make it your own, if you'd like. Refinishing will almost never increase the resale value (meaning you won't get any of your money back) and may decrease the resale value. If you never sell it, then who cares, your heirs?

 

[Stewie]

If you refinish it in blue. It'll look like my Squier (which I really like). I'd do red or green or something else. If it was mine, it'd stay blonde.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

How much was the Refin on you MM?

057912

It was a couple years ago, I think including paying the shipping to them it came to around $250.

I got the bass for $100 off CL and it was in rough shape so I was ok with that.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Peeks

What’s the popular take around here on refinishes?

Carrots would be the popular take! No carrots option, no poll!!!!

My take:

1) Get rid of the ashtrays!

2) Get rid of the pickguard!

3) Play it like that a couple of weeks.

4) When you (don't) like it?

5) (Refin and) grow a beard!

may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[fishdreams]

I wouldn't do it, it's the iconic color for that bass. A beautifully aged butterscotch in thin nitro would be my take, if i were to do this.

 

[Peeks]

That is beautiful. I'd leave it exactly as is.

What"s up with the chrome though?

The covers? It came with them, and I like them, so I left them!

 

[Peeks]

Wow. I can't believe nobody's mentioned Antigua yet. I'd keep it stock.

I LOVE Antigua! That’s such a good idea!!!! That may be the winner!

 

[Peeks]

Leave it, you knew what you were buying. If you wanted something else should of bought that. As far as future value any mods may add or take away from it...especially if done "wrong."

Conclusion: Your bass, your choice.

I only bought this particular one because it was $350 AND from a very reputable fellow.

 

[Peeks]

I had a perfectly good P bass, with a finish I disliked, refinished using Stewmac’s [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and now I love it. Your dilemma is, which is more important to you; having an instrument you love? Or resale value? Assuming you can’t have both.

I understand it’s a reissue and not incredibly valuable, but I don’t know how the market will be in the future... but I do really love it and have been playing it a lot... but as my coworker and fellow musician called it today: “baby poop yellow”! I couldn’t agree more!

 

[maxschrek]

For the cost of a refin, why not get a different body and put the original one away. This way when yo want to sell it, you can reassemble it and have it all original.

This.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I recently acquired a Fender MIJ ‘51 Percision Bass reissue for a steal. The bass was really taken care of and shows virtually no wear despite being the former owner’s #1 (lucky guy bought a ‘51 Custom Shop!). Anyways, I don’t hate the butterscotch blonde, but it’s definitely not my favorite... I was thing of changing the matte black pickguard to a shiny black or white guard, but then I got thinking about having it professionally refinished. My top two choices were Lake Placid Blue or Fiesta Red. I know that it’s a reissue and all, but I don’t want to hurt the future value. What’s the popular take around here on refinishes?

I wouldn’t!!

 

[felis]

I'd only refinish if you're real sure you'll be keeping it.

If you have any doubts at all, I'd say leave it as is.

 

[mongo2]

It's yours so do what you want but be willing to accept possible consequences on resale value.

If it were mine I'd leave it alone but I like the butterscotch finish.

 

[klejst]

I only bought this particular one because it was $350 AND from a very reputable fellow.

For sure. Your choice though man.

 

[kevinpmajka]

See if you can do a translucent fiesta from mjt. Keep that grain! Or fiesta!