Should I refin my '68 jazz?

[LowActionHero]

I like it just like it is. But if you don't, pick a new color, the paint is not original anyways.

 

[gln1955]

I intensely dislike that green and wouldn't hesitate a minute to refinish it. Any period-correct color would be good. I'd probably go for Dakota red or burgundy mist.

 

[roller]

Did you read his post? It was already refinished. The value is already compromised to that of a refinished Fender.

I don't think many are able to grasp that concept, Caca.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Hi all, hoping I could get some opinions on here, I have a 1968 jazz bass all original parts and wiring, very playable condition, it has been refinished at some point in the 70's in nitro and was a pretty good job, apparently done by George Lowden a fairly well know guitar maker in Ireland, this stacks up as it's a local guitar.

The original colour was sunburst and it has the original tort pickguard. The finish has aged very nicely and has that light relic look with checking and great mojo.

However, I'm not sold on the colour but had to buy the bass because it's clearly awesome!!! The colour is not an original fender colour so should I

3. Pick a fender colour available in 1968 it's refinished anyway so value won't be affected much by another refinish

Since it is as you say already been refinished You cannot do any further harm by refinishing it. BTW: I hate the old sunburst finish. Newer sunburst with some red feathered in are better but I still prefer something else.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

You can't touch this... MC Hammer

 

[techbass76]

If you plan on selling it, leave it alone. If it is a keeper, pick your favorite color and go for it! Original fender colors will not matter. Just go with what inspires you to play.

 

[SAlcott]

This instrument that looks great already. The evidence of age and use, including the refinish, is real. Why turn it into a fake?

 

[prowla]

I was in a shop a couple of weeks ago and they had a '63 Precision; it was lovely, except that it had been refinished, so it had lost all of its story.

 

[fretter]

I voted for refinish sunburst & relic. My plan is that this will drop the value to where I can afford it

Edit: As long as you have pictures of the bass in George Lowden green, it will make a good story. It will then have a history of three finishes. Very nice bass, by the way.

 

[SAlcott]

Story doesn't affect playability and sound.

 

[Gyver]

I like it. Even though it is not the original finish I would leave it as is.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

If the wear spots had shown remnants of the supposedly original sunburst, I would be inclined to re-finish it in sunburst but not relic it. However, it looks like any remnants of the sunburst were completely removed before the last refinishing and the wear is not real bad on it, so I'd leave it as is and just rock it!

 

[Hopkins]

I would restore the sunburst but skip the relic. Have someone like @johnk_10 who is an expert do the job for you.

 

[LT131]

It looks great and you don't have to sweat that first nick.

If you must refinish have it put back original by a pro. And no to relicing.

 

[Callused Finger]

Just keep playing.. eventually it's true color will show through.

 

[lz4005]

View attachment 2626103

Personally I dig the green, but it's your bass so paint it whichever color you like.

The important thing is that in terms of resale value the damage was done as soon as the original finish was removed. A different color at this point, as long as it is done well won't matter.

 

[stevej1982]

Thanks for all your replies, I think there is a general consensus that relic'd is a bad way to go if it was to be refinished... it won't harm the value to repaint it... however it will lose some cool factor by losing the vintage paint?

 

[jjmuckluckjr]

Hi all, hoping I could get some opinions on here, I have a 1968 jazz bass all original parts and wiring, very playable condition, it has been refinished at some point in the 70's in nitro and was a pretty good job, apparently done by George Lowden a fairly well know guitar maker in Ireland, this stacks up as it's a local guitar.

For f's sake. The finish has already paid off it's mortgage, while the body's retirement age.
That may be the first green bass I'd be proud to play. I do enjoy the sports car angle though.

 

[CalBuzz51]

Mint Pickguard!

 

[gln1955]

Thanks for all your replies, I think there is a general consensus that relic'd is a bad way to go if it was to be refinished... it won't harm the value to repaint it... however it will lose some cool factor by losing the vintage paint?

It's only as cool as you think it is. You don't like the color or you wouldn't have asked in the first place. It'll never be original again, so paint it what ever color you like. Relic or not, as you see fit.