'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

[AndyK]

Hey-
I had GMW refinish my '85 Soloist because the original white w/pearl turned yellow and ugly. The guitar has a factory Floyd, and original frets with zero wear! Must have been under a bed for 20 years. Question is, does the re-fin make the guitar worth less? Or does it add value by making the guitar look like new? Tone is killer, and I'm not selling...just curious!

[Anders]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Hey Andy and welcome to the forum!

Well, I'm not the one to answer what the impact of the value is. But... white finishes that gets yellowed usually looks sweet IMO!! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

But it's not like it had a unique graphic or anything, so I guess that it wouldn't make that much of a difference!?

[AndyK]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Thanks!
Trust me, it was more like beige w/pearl. Plus, my first Charvel Strat ('85, bought back then) was Snow White Pearl, and that has always been my favorite color! When I got this Soloist a few years back, I expected white pearl, but when I opened the case, saw UGLY, and vowed to restore the guitar to it's former beautifulness.

[Rupe]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Typically with vintage guitars a refin cuts the value in half. This is not a vintage guitar but the value would still be much less; at least $300-400. Originality is one of the main aspects of collectability which is one of the main drivers of value. As a player, I'm sure its still awesome and that can sometimes offset some of the negatives if the right person tries it out and "has to have it".
Cool guitar [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[AndyK]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

When I bought it, I paid more for it ($700) because it was in like-new shape. When I got it, and didn't like the color, I tried to sell it, but only got offers in the $400 range. Not wanting to sell it at a loss like that, I figured I would have it re-painted, put in the pickups I liked, and just keep it and play it!

[markD]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

well, then you did what was right for you!! it looks sweet, BTW!!

[kmanick]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

do have any before pics?
An 85 soloist and you only got offers in the $400.00 range? [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] Well I obviously missed that [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[Johnnyryche]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Sweet guitar! Since you're planning on keeping it, the value question is a moot point in my opinion. Enjoy it!

As for the GMW refin, just curious about the process. When did you have it done? How long did it take to do? Did Lee use a urethane top coat due to the pearl white color?

[STLKINGV]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Welcome to the JCF!!! [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] Nice fiddle you have there.. My Bro bought one new in `85 pearl white with a reverse headstock.... Bitchen guitar!!!

A~

[AndyK]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Thanks for the welcome all!
About GMW, I assume there is a urithane clear coat, not sure though--it was done 4 years ago. Lee was cool, but took a long time! I'm thinking 3 months--but I forgot. Also, when I got the guitar back, there were gauges in the clear coat--like the paint settled in some areas. I sent it back, and they buffed the guitar smooth. Took some more time, but now it's like new.
As for before photos, not sure I have them. I'll check the computer at home. The guitar was pretty ugly off-white w/pearl. I guess in '02, everyone was into Les Paul Historics, and not classic Jackson Soloists! Or, I didn't check with the right people! Glad I kept the guitar though.

[Zerberus]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

[ QUOTE ]
Typically with vintage guitars a refin cuts the value in half. This is not a vintage guitar but the value would still be much less; at least $300-400. Originality is one of the main aspects of collectability which is one of the main drivers of value. As a player, I'm sure its still awesome and that can sometimes offset some of the negatives if the right person tries it out and "has to have it".
Cool guitar [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

+1 on all counts

[JZ06]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

That is an absolutely STUNNING guitar! I LOVE pearl white. The chrome floyd looks terrific as well.

Forget the idea of re-sale! that one is a keeper. I just picked up my second eerie dess soloist('89 or '90 model.

VERY cool guitar

[mm2002]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

You really fucked that axe up by re-painting it, but hey, welcome bro!

[Newc]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

The thing about this bunch is that even if you changed the strings, you've ruined the resale value of it and they'll only offer up to $500 for it if it's mint.

Then they'll post pics and brag about the sweet deal they got [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/poke.gif[/img]

Nice axe [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]
And it's a USA Jackson, so the value can only go down [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[fuel0707]

Re: \'85 Soloist - Refinished = worth less?

Hi, Andy, and welcome.

Unfortunately, a refin, no matter how well done, irrepairably harms the value of the instrument and the tone is compromised. Your guitar now has little value to any player or collector in its refinished state. I'm sorry to have to tell you this.

I'll give you $250 for it, though. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]


Just kidding - welcome aboard and enjoy your Soloist. [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]