Refinish my Doug Irwin Bass??

Need pics! But from what you describe, sounds like a well played bass, something that a lot of builders try to replicate these days. I would vote no, unless it's in real nasty shape.

 

I think I would vote to re-finish it. If done right, this bass will look absolutely amazing, along with playing and sounding great.

I think there are big differences between vintage Fender basses and vintage boutique basses. While there is the desire for the all original Fender, I don't think this is the case for the boutique bass. Used Alembics from the '70's don't command a premium because they are vintage (your Irwin is obviously Alembic inspired).

I'd be prepared to pay a premium on the re-finish, but you could end up with a basically new bass with a lot of mojo too.

Best Wishes,
Bones

 

Heck, I'll throw you a curve ball. That bass would look incredible with an oil finish.

So, rather than refinish it like that, I would REMOVE the finish and lightly oil that sucker. It would look glorious. And I don't just throw that word around.

 

If it is unconfortable I would consider refinishing it. It is an instrument to be played. If not I wouldn't bother.

 

Some instruments check with age gracefully.

This one, imho, did not.

I'm green lighting a refin

 

If you remove the original finish you will cut the resale value of the bass roughly in half. That's cool if you don't care, but you should know it before you do it. My vote: leave it as it is.

 

What do these go for on the used market, on average?

Cool bass, like the love child of an Alembic and a Kramer.

 

This sums it up for me. It's a stunning instrument which deserves to look its best.

 

I agree. A refinish would be totally appropriate, and probably NOT devalue the instrument, as alembicbones correctly stated.

 

I'd definitely refinish it. It was a beautiful bass and needs to be again. The question I have is why was it not being played all this time?

 

Of course not don't be ridiculous.

A refinish will almost ALWAYS devalue an instrument, and those who say otherwise are sweet and you should save their phone number for future refin sales. The exception is, sometimes, super-custom paint that the buyer happens to like, and apparently, some TB members.

honor its stories and life experience. It'd be a shame for that thing to come out looking like Meg Ryans "refine"

 

I'm just here to say that's the coolest thing I've seen today.

 

If it were my bass, I would keep as is. I would however, lightly sand the neck to smooth over any checking on the neck which may be cumbersome.

 

Interestingly enough, quite recently I've seen relics mimicing a bad refinish: a solid colour with scratches and wear showing the supposedly original sunburst underneath. A proper luthier would sand off the original finish until it's bare, and then apply the new finish. Of course, not all luthiers in the past were willing to do that (it's a terrible job, my luthier is currently working on a Jazz bass of mine and he complains every week about it lol). The idea that the world of relic enthusiasts is now embracing bad refinishes, gives me the idea that vintage refinished Fender's will increase in price soon.

 

I think it looks sexy as-is. If you refinish it, you will almost certainly reduce its resale value. However, it's your bass, so it's your choice.

 

If it's a nitro finish it can be re-floated. That way you retain the original finish.

 

Yep, me too. Of course the day is young, but what's the chances I'll see another Irwin bass today, or... ever?

If you have it refinished, have a pro do it. A hand-rubbed oil finish might be just the ticket.

 

Unreal. Never seen an Irwin bass. Incredible.

I would be careful about refinishing it.