Are there things I should look for when buying an older used J/C?

[MattyCakes]

i would love to buy an older J/C to have refinished. i know that cracked neck pockets can be a problem. are there any other things to look for besides that. also, if i was to buy off ebay how can you be sure that it is actually a whole J/C and not some parts guitar?

another quick question? do you think i should only look for san dimas j/c for a refinishing project?

[thetroy]

I would look for NOT SD guitars as people seem to think refinishing makes it less valuable

[MattyCakes]

i hear that but do you think that makes any sense?

[straycat]

None of my SD Jacksons have a cracked neck pocket.Please do some research first.If you refin a SD Jackson you need to be hung by your nuts.Even a SD plated Ontario Jackson leave alone all were one off customs and they are limited in numbers.
If you are dead set on doing a refin buy an 80 Charvel model series guitar and go to town they are just as good a player as a USA Jackson.
If you find an SD Jackson thats in need of repair by all means refin it and get it up and playing again.
Cracked neck pockets are not a big deal as they are usualy a clear coat finsh stress crack and not in the wood.

[thetroy]

i hear that but do you think that makes any sense?

I personally don't think it makes any sense. How can a beat up guitar be worth more than a pristine one? Somehow I doubt the old paint sounds better than new paint...

[JACKSONFREAK]

I personally don't think it makes any sense. How can a beat up guitar be worth more than a pristine one? Somehow I doubt the old paint sounds better than new paint...

Its simply a matter of originality. Even if it was refinned by the factory to original color it would still be worth less than if it were left original and beat up.
Gil

[Shibs]

Refins tend to effect Fender and Gibson values most... but I dont think that it will matter much with Jackson or Charvels unless of course you did a refin on a old school demartini or something with custom graphics, There are also some colors that are rare and I would'nt refin those either, but a standard white or black etc... why not!

[GodOfRhythm]

Refins tend to effect Fender and Gibson values most... but I dont think that it will matter much with Jackson or Charvels unless of course you did a refin on a old school demartini or something with custom graphics, There are also some colors that are rare and I would'nt refin those either, but a standard white or black etc... why not! I have two vintage Jacksons that I am getting rid of soon, may see them on eBay soon if I don't get an offer before then!

http://s207.photobucket.com/albums/bb213/Napa_Music/?action=view&current=front.jpg

http://s207.photobucket.com/albums/b...t=bluefull.jpg

You're treading on VERY thin ice, buddy. Just giving you a heads up....

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I think you look for a model series or possibly an 80's ontario Dinky for your refinishing project. Those'll make great players and you won't lose any value on 'em by refinishing.

[thetroy]

Its simply a matter of originality. Even if it was refinned by the factory to original color it would still be worth less than if it were left original and beat up.
Gil

I understand that is the case but I ask WHY is that the case. Restored old cars are worth more than beat up original ones - why are guitars any different?

[MattyCakes]

You're treading on VERY thin ice, buddy. Just giving you a heads up....

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I think you look for a model series or possibly an 80's ontario Dinky for your refinishing project. Those'll make great players and you won't lose any value on 'em by refinishing.

are there dramatic differences in the woods and play quality. im a big believer of the woods giving the guitar the sound, not so much the pickups

[mm2002]

I understand that is the case but I ask WHY is that the case. Restored old cars are worth more than beat up original ones - why are guitars any different?

+1,000,000!! If I were gay I'd give you a kiss for that statement....hell I may anyway!

[straycat]

Well my 65 Fender mustang(new to me as of yesterday) was refinished lots of years ago and is worth between $600- $800 as it is.If I spend $350 to refin back to the original Dakota red color and age it respectivly It may bring another $200.00 so a refin is not in the cards.I have it sold Sat.
A refin on a Fender or Gibson if done correctly CAN increase its value in some cases.

[Sanctuary]

I understand that is the case but I ask WHY is that the case. Restored old cars are worth more than beat up original ones - why are guitars any different?

True. I wonder if there's people out there sweating when they remove the ORIGINAL strings from a guitar.

[straycat]

Yes there is. I have one guy that counts the turns on each screw he turns.He only buys Fender strings even only uses Fender polish and buffing towels.This dude is so anal he counts the number of times I turn the tuners when we put new strings on it.
I hate dealing with his pettiness and dumbass questions sometimes but he pays cash.

[wakeUPdead]

I hate dealing with his pettiness and dumbass questions sometimes but he pays cash.

And thats all that counts.