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Value discount on a refinished vintage Les Paul

Rex Carlson

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2018
Messages
34
How much do you think, in percentage terms, a late 50's Les Paul's value declines if it has been refinished, even if all the other parts are there? My opinion ranges but sometimes I think once you take away the original finish and all the cracks, checks and mojo, all you've got left is the sum of the parts. I know there are some very astute collectors on here and I'm looking for your learned opinion. I am in a place in life where I can buy what I want, but I have no idea how to value an instrument once it has been altered.
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Rough rule of thumb is half, but there are so many possible mitigating circumstances that it really isn't that simple.
 

corpse

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
Half providing no wood has been altered more than a refin would require e.g sanding. New finish can hide a multitude of value reducing modifications.
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Quality of the refinish is another factor.
So is having the headstock refinished, as the silkscreen and serial number are lost.
:hmm
 

Rex Carlson

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2018
Messages
34
Quality of the refinish is another factor.
So is having the headstock refinished, as the silkscreen and serial number are lost.
:hmm

And this is the story on the guitar I was considering. The story I'm getting might be legit but the added baggage of a re-inked SN is not something I can carry. I'd rather spend more for a guitar that can be authenticated than get a bargain on a guitar which has potentially lost all of its intangible value. So thanks guys for your insight.
 
Last edited:

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
And this is the story on the guitar I was considering. The story I'm getting might be legit but the added baggage of a re-inked SN is not something I can carry. I'd rather spend more for a guitar that can be authenticated than get a bargain on a guitar which has potentially lost all of its intangible value. So thanks guys for your insight.

Over 40 years ago I told a customer in my store:

"It's better to pay too much for a good guitar, than to get a bargain on a bad guitar."

I still believe that. :salude
 

richard henry

Banned
Joined
Sep 16, 2015
Messages
733
And this is the story on the guitar I was considering. The story I'm getting might be legit but the added baggage of a re-inked SN is not something I can carry. I'd rather spend more for a guitar that can be authenticated than get a bargain on a guitar which has potentially lost all of its intangible value. So thanks guys for your insight.

Why can't it be authenticated?
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Over 40 years ago I told a customer in my store:

"It's better to pay too much for a good guitar, than to get a bargain on a bad guitar."

I still believe that. :salude
So true and never have wiser words been said !
 

kevinkovalsky

New member
Joined
Oct 13, 2019
Messages
5
It all depends on the quality of the refinish and the authenticity of the guitar. But I think that it’s better to pay more for a good guitar, than to pay less for something that won’t last long. So be careful what you choose and where you buy it. You have to pick trusted sources. Even though you have money, maybe find something with a discount or coupon like https://amazon.getyourcouponcodes.com/products/diffusers. It won’t hurt getting a discount, you know. Everything has its price, I agree with that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for a lower price. It’s always nice to pay less for something that is worth more.
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Last edited:

S. Weiger

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2002
Messages
1,744
Value discount on a refinished vintage Les Paul?

Half. And Half if headstock has been broken.
So a refin burst with a repaired headstock is.......... FREE!! :teeth
 
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