Refinishing a steel guitar - pro or con?

Dave O'Brien · From: Florida and New Jersey

The Vintage Guitar price directory deducts about 50% for a refinished vintage guitar even a factory job. Antique dealers I have asked have said that a refinished piece is devalued also. Many manufacturers offer "distressed" looking new instruments at a premium ($600 extra for a Weber mandolin for example). What are your thoughts? Hopefully some dealers will lend their experience here.

Ken Metcalf · From: San Antonio Texas USA

I would only do it on something you will keep and then only if you really want to for a fun project.
As far as for resale the answer is no.
I refinished a homemade Telecaster once and it messed up the sound for a couple years then settled back.
It surprised me how much effect a finish has on the tone of a solid body electric guitar. Shocked

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MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes

John Groover McDuffie · From: LA California, USA

You aren't thinking about refinishing that gorgeous Professional are you? Don't do it!!!

Dave O'Brien · From: Florida and New Jersey

No John - wouldn't do it personally - I think original finishes are beautiful - Willie's Martin "Trigger" excepted Laughing

but I've wanted to ask the question for a long time because you see so many guys refinishing old Emmons and Sho-Buds here on the Forum.

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

I'm going to have to refinish my Fingertip. The lacquer just flakes off when you touch it. Large areas of finish are already gone.

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