Hey Burst experts, how accurate is Historic Makeovers?

[rhye]

I am considering sending an LP to be refinished by them and I wonder if they really nail the color and feel of the original finishes.
I am no expert but the yellow in some of their finishes looks too pale, however I know cameras and lighting can be deceiving so I though I would ask people who have seen their work and bursts in real life.
Thanks!

 

[corpse]

I owned one, and have played several bursts. I sold the guitar and miss it every day. HM puts the hyphen in anal-retentive when it comes to replicating carve, color and finish. Their accuracy is stellar.

 

[Steve Craw]

I owned an HM guitar, but never had the opportunity to compare it to a real burst, although I have handled many of them. The work was stellar, and I loved the guitar. Sadly, I sold it during a time of financial stress. It was something special.

 

[jwalker]

HM refinished and renecked my player grade vintage 1956 Les Paul Standard. The work is stellar! They even succesfully saved the original fingerboard with binding from the original broken neck. I played a friends R9 that HM did and it is also awesome! I'm considering sending my R7 to them to have it redone. Kim an crew at HM do a great job!

 

[asapmaz]

Well, considering Joe Bonamassa took "Lazarus" there to get refinished, they can't be too bad.
Hard not to consider JB a burst expert.

 

[JJ Blair]

The only one I’ve seen up closer is Lazarus. They got the Cherry back correct, and the yellow correct. No shadow and no fade. Some aspects of the finish were good, but not amazing. But they’re doing some of the better work out there, from what I saw.

 

[rockabilly69]

There's some shade in his dealings and I'm not talking eyewear. Honestly these forums and their worship of the quo, attack to anyone who sheds light ... all in the same breath at times. Intent apparent and not a good look on anyone. Try as many may to pull the wool it's actually saran wrap. Keep pulling.

How deep. Nice explanation of Historic Makeovers and Joe B's refinish. Continue on with your enlightenment o' wise one.

 

[corpse]

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone question Kim's ethics as SW implies.
Never.
As in not once.

 

[El Gringo]

HM refinished and renecked my player grade vintage 1956 Les Paul Standard. The work is stellar! They even succesfully saved the original fingerboard with binding from the original broken neck. I played a friends R9 that HM did and it is also awesome! I'm considering sending my R7 to them to have it redone. Kim an crew at HM do a great job!

I am blown away that they do renecks -wow !

 

[El Gringo]

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone question Kim's ethics as SW implies.
Never.
As in not once.

Exactly , I have a hard time accepting that type of negativity !

 

[gmann]

As accurate as you can afford.

 

[Kevin L.]

Kim was absolutely wonderful when I dealt with him. I've not had the chance to A?B my guitar with a real Burst, but it is an exceptional guitar.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

If your into trying to make a guitar something its not HM is the place & they get the project done ! Kims work is second too none .

 

[J.D.]

Kim runs a reputable business and is a good guy. Anyone who claims otherwise please put up some objective evidence (or GTFO/STFU).

 

[corpse]

One on my favorite LP’s is Kim‘s personal conversion. It started as a 52 with a butchered head stock. He had his guys fabricate a new neck and it is plain wonderful- reminds me of the very recent Carmolita profile- maybe a tiny bit thinner. They have done others and at one brief point were manufacturing necks for a guitar builder- that was over seven years ago and was very briefly And might have been for a special run.
Yes- they definitely make necks.

 

[rockabilly69]

If your into trying to make a guitar something its not HM is the place & they get the project done !

Are you saying they do a good job, or is this a dig? Either way explain. I've thought about sending one of my guitars away just to experience their work.

In my case, my guitars already have hide glue set necks and fingerboards. Upgrades to mine would be to get a Brazillian fingerboard, maybe have my necks shaved a bit, as they are a bit thicker in the shoulders than I would prefer, although I get along with then fine. And maybe a nice harder thinner refin, but for the money, I don't think it would be worth it "to me" because I already like the sound of my guitars and they play good enough. The older I get the less I obsess. I record a lot with my guitars and they get the job done. But in the back of my mine I always wonder how good one of their jobs would be.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

They do great work

 

[ourmaninthenorth]

The non-vintage guitar work I've seen and played has been of a fantastic standard. I recall particularly a full treatment Goldtop that was simply superb in looks and sound ( although I'm sure it sounded equally good as ex factory in 2016 ) .

Also interesting to note than HM can make your guitar a third bigger than standard models, I believe this involves a significant up charge. I thought David was going to faint when I told him how much....

 

[corpse]

That’s what she said

 

[Mustardc Caps]

They do great work, and Kim is an honest and nice guy. You wont find better work.