To refinish or not refinish. That is the question

kakerlak

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A professional quality refinish would leave you a guitar that's probably worth about 60% of its present value.

The single pic you uploaded looks pretty good, to be honest. Far, far from the point at which most folks would begin to entertain the notion of refinishing a vintage guitar. I assume the back is worse, as there must be something there that's driving you towards this consideration.

I have seen and owned some Guilds from right around that 1970-72 era that seemed to have shed neck finish in little pea-sized spots that left a kind of scabby feel under hand. If that's what's bugging you here, rather than just smoothly worn-through finish, you might see if you can find anyone willing to try and spot fill those areas and sand/level it smooth with the original finish. Or maybe do a neck-only refinish if it's to the point that it's more bare wood than not.
 

Guildedagain

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It would sure be sweet mint not that it isn't now. Would a refinish take away from its value?

It would be sweet mint, not that it isn't it now.

Do you think your guitar is picking up mixed signals here?

Like "I love you for who you are but I have to change you" pretty much describing the average codependent human relationship, and why divorce is so expensive "because it's worth it" ;[]


We all ask ourselves at some point if buying an expensive vintage guitar borders on lunacy?

The answer is variable, thankfully, but in the case of then paying to have it defaced there is no doubt.

Proceed at your own risk, your ability to project a sound mind is at stake here, for years to come, or until you get rid of it, which is one way to forget about expensive problems you created for yourself that had nothing to do with making music.

To boot rare original black guitars are quite desirable, but how is anyone in this brave new world supposed to know that or even care is they would bend to the whims of social media who would say "paint it CAR" and I agree, spray paint it fluorescent and make it a bit more "Punk Rock", so in the end the real question is not "To refinish or not" because that should have never come into question, the only question left is about ownership of the guitar, is it in good hands?

Luckily this "question" wasn't asked on the wrong forum, rather on the right forum, so that and buying the guitar in the first place exhibit very sound judgement, the right decision should be easy.

Carry on.
 
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It’s only original once. A refin will cost you at least $1000 now, and probably even more if/when you sell it — and it destroys the patina and history of an honestly aged guitar.
 

fronobulax

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This quote is attributed to Methuselah, who was very very wise having lived 969 years.

Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
But who calls dat livin'
When no gal will give in
To no man what's nine hundred years ?
 

Guildedagain

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I'd lay claim to the quote because I think I might have invented it, but I probably heard it, and of all truths I've heard, this is a pretty hard one.


But who calls dat livin'
When no gal will give in
To no man what's nine hundred years ?



I can assure you he still looked great, but not as great as his cousin Edna ;[]
 

dreadnut

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My vote is to leave it as is, that is if I get a vote.
 

den441

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I say leave it as is! An original aged finish makes a guitar truly unique. Refinishing vintage guitars should only be done in very few circumstances in my opinion
 

chazmo

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Bob is right, but I couldn't care less about the collectible value. Don't do a refinish unless there's some really good reason to do so. In this case, no way. :). Just my opinion, of course!
 

Wilmywood

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I'm in the do not refinish camp unless there's a damn good overwhelming reason for it. I wouldn't dare touch the finish on the X375 for love nor money.
 
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