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Refinishing a Ken Smith bass - yea or nay

smcd

smcd

Jun 28, 2009
6,965
1,711
Boston, MA
#1
I have a 1988 Ken Smith BT Custom. Incredible bass, etc, but there's one thing I don't like about it - it has serious surface checking. So here's what I'm wondering....

It has a super nice flame Koa top, which I believe is marred by crazing. I think I'd like the look of this bass much more if I had the clearcoat stripped and resprayed. If this were a Fender, I would NEVER consider a refin. For no other reason than a refin kills the value of a Fender bass. But refinishing a Smith? I wonder how much that affects the value? I'm thinking not much.


So what are your thoughts on this?


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#3
Edward G. said:
Authentic only happens once in the life of an instrument, and that's a nice one. I vote No.
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Powerful statement.

While that may be true, I agree that a refin is in order. I don't see it hurting the value any, but what do I know. :D

Someone sent their Smith to Pat Wilkins in the past few months and there was a thread about it.
 
#8
I think each little mark or crack adds character to the bass.

But, that being said, if you really want it done, the only way I'd go would be to send it back to Ken to do. That would be the only way you could be 100% sure it would be done right.

It would be a shame to decide to do it & it came back less than perfect. I'd be gutted! Do it right the first time, sent it to Ken.
 
#13
Jason Wilson said:
But, that being said, if you really want it done, the only way I'd go would be to send it back to Ken to do. That would be the only way you could be 100% sure it would be done right.

It would be a shame to decide to do it & it came back less than perfect. I'd be gutted! Do it right the first time, sent it to Ken.
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I thought about that, but I recall people saying that his cost for a refin is incredibly high. Up in the $2k range. :eek:
 
#14
to me it looks like a perfect candidate for a refinish. a little quality time with a da and some block sanding should get you just about ready to go. 100% removal of the electronics and hardware is a must.
your choice of finishes could be tough because any modern clear would look and work ok but with those top-woods a hand rubbed oil finish would look pretty nice on that bass too
 
#15
smcd said:
I thought about that, but I recall people saying that his cost for a refin is incredibly high. Up in the $2k range. :eek:
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Ah wow. Well, maybe give him a call just to make sure.
Again, would suck if you found out it was actually much cheaper. I've talked to him on the phone before, he is pretty decent to talk to. Plus, for that price, he may have done a lot of other work on the bass as well?

If it is out your price range, just be certain of the workmanship of the person you do send it to. Don't want to ruin such a lovely bass.
Good luck:cool:
 

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