Refinish to sell?

[Axtman]

Is it ever worth it to refinish a bass in order to sell it. Can you recoup your money and then some?

 

[EagleMoon]

Depends on how bad the original finish is, or if it's a funky color that no one would want. OR if it's a vintage Fender. Maybe, maybe and definitely not.

 

[Thunderitter]

Depends on what the bass is and how much you paid for it.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I can't think of a situation where a several-hundred dollar refinish would net your cost-plus back on the bass if you sold it...maybe if you Re-Ranch-DIY'd it to some desirable unusual color, but generally...no.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Care to give more information about the bass and refin work that it needs?

If it's something as simple as buffing out scratches and swirls, you'd be a fool NOT to buff the problem areas out.

 

[El Raro]

A lot of people I know like the "pre-loved" look of some instruments. One mate of mine refuses to buy brand new just because he loves the worn look. He says it gives the instrument "character". So I'm tempted to beat up my Washburn XB120 and sell it to him for a greedy price

In all honesty, no, I don't think its worth forking out a couple hundred dollars and then risk making a loss rather than a profit. I say let the bass sell itself the way it is.

 

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Just to echo what has already been said. If you are DIYing it then maybe. It depends on what you are starting with. I refinish basses and guitars all the time, so I've gotten pretty good at it, and the process runs smoothly for me. If you are new to it and you're not sure that you can make a quality finish then probably not. If you are paying someone else to do it, then most likely not. Again, it depends on what you are working with.

 

[Pilgrim]

If you already have the skills and can do it yourself - especially if it's a hobby of yours - then sure, why not? Of course, you wouldn't refin a vintage instrument..but for a relatively recent one with finish damage, you might gain some cash. Only you can judge whether the time invested is worthwhile.

But if you don't do a FIRST CLASS JOB - don't even try. A half-assed quickie job by an unskilled refinisher greatly reduces value.

 

[Axtman]

FYI: I have an 1980's Fender Jazz bass special that has a "rattle-can" finish on it.

 

[stflbn]

American, Mexican, etc?

 

[Rocinante_x1]

pics.

 

[Johnny Alien]

FYI: I have an 1980's Fender Jazz bass special that has a "rattle-can" finish on it.

For that bass unless you can do it yourself it would not be worth the cost.

 

[MTMTEX]

I have this very same question so if its ok with the OP I would like to have your opinion on refinishing this, instead of opening a new thread. I picked it up last week for 200.00.

 

[mikeswals]

An 80's Jazz Special would be the MIJ one with black hardware, what Duff McKagen used.

Those don't go for too much anyway. So unless you can do a pro refin yourself you'd never recoup having a shop do it.

 

[BenGrim]

I think Fender Jazz Basses should NEVER be refinished.

 

[BenGrim]

Also, I'd like to point out that those 80s MIJ JBS's are going to be VERY sought after in a few years. So, if you re-fined yours, not only would you probably not make your money back, but you'd also be making something that people would look at and say "what a shame".

Also, no pics no bass.

 

[Axtman]

Here is my bass. The finish is HDH (Home Depot Hammerite).

 

[BenGrim]

nice.

 

[Axtman]

To the guy that has the ovation bass: DO NOT REFINISH IT! Why would you want to anyway. The finish is fine.

My bass has a crappy amateurish finish to begin with.

 

[ThaLowEndTheory]

So how are your refinishing skills? Since it's already been refinished once, I see no reason not to do it again but better. That is, only if it's at minimal cost to yourself. Personally I'd pay more for that bass if it had a nicer finish on it, something closer to the original color also.

And +1 to the Ovation. Leave it as is.