Questions about buying a refinished LP

[Les Paul Newb]

Is there any way to know if the new finish somehow compromises the wood or tone? What should I know about buying a refinished LP?


The guy says its a studio (faded or worn model), that was refinished in shoreline gold. He didn't do the refinish, he says he bought it from the guy who did the refinish. He says it was upgraded to 57 classics pups.

If i get a good price (400-500) should I buy it?

[VastHorizon]

The guy who did the refinish did a good job and has good tastes, at least from what I can see from the pictures.

I would buy that even if it was $800.

$400 is a DEAL, IMHO. The question is -- What's it worth to you?

[flimz]

Looks nice! I like the Stinger headstock. Just make sure it wasnt done to hide a repair.

[acstorfer]

If you like the tone then it is not comprised. $400.00 is a steal, $500.00 is reasonable depending which Studio model it is. Regardless, it is only worth it if you like it.

Some years back I bought a refinished vintage mahagony Studio that was refinished, with case, for $500.00. It was a great player!

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by flimz

Looks nice! I like the Stinger headstock. Just make sure it wasnt done to hide a repair.

Whats the best way to do this? Just look it over really good? Feel it up like it was a cheerleader? lol

[flimz]

Originally Posted by Les Paul Newb

Whats the best way to do this? Just look it over really good? Feel it up like it was a cheerleader? lol

Im sure its fine. It was probably done that way so as not to sand away the serial number when refinishing.
Just ask him, and look closely. Some guys use a black light to inspect guitars for breaks.

Looks like a great deal!

[bosnialove]

That refinish looks awesome. I freaking like the black painted back of the headstock.

BUT....

I am very, very happy I got rid of my refinished Studio faded. A big f*ucking waste of money. You spend a lot money upgrading it and it's only downgrading based on value. Never again. I've learned a good lesson here. Keep your Gibsons original.

[acstorfer]

Originally Posted by bosnialove

That refinish looks awesome. I freaking like the black painted back of the headstock.

BUT....

I am very, very happy I got rid of my refinished Studio faded. A big f*ucking waste of money. You spend a lot money upgrading it and it's only downgrading based on value. Never again. I've learned a good lesson here. Keep your Gibsons original.

Unless of course your concerns are about playability and not resale. In that case, mod away and make the guitar suit you, instead of you having to suit the guitar.

[02589]

IF you like it and IF it's a good player, buy it.

Just don't buy guitars based on looks.

[bosnialove]

Originally Posted by acstorfer

Unless of course your concerns are about playability and not resale. In that case, mod away and make the guitar suit you, instead of you having to suit the guitar.

WHen the Studio was still my guitar, resell value was not an issue. After I've found the beauty I own now, I suddenly realized the things about resell value. Lol, I've ripped of the guy big time.. Trading his LP Standard in mint shape for my refinished Studio, some good upgrades and a little money.. I'm a lucky ass bastard.

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by bosnialove

WHen the Studio was still my guitar, resell value was not an issue. After I've found the beauty I own now, I suddenly realized the things about resell value. Lol, I've ripped of the guy big time.. Trading his LP Standard in mint shape for my refinished Studio, some good upgrades and a little money.. I'm a lucky ass bastard.

Wow, that sounds amazing, what a deal. Wow.

As for my concerns about this guitar, Im worried the type of paint or lacquer or whatever he used may compromise the wood or tone. I'm not knowledgeable enough to even know if its a valid concern.

[ARandall]

There's enough variability in Les Pauls even with Nitro to make the paint choice almost null and void. Plus there are great sounding fenders/Epi's etc that have been slathered with poly.

Even if it has been finished with poly, you'll still need to play it before buying if you can. This is to see if you find the tones or feel of the guitar suit you. If it is a dud, then there's no way of knowing if its the paint or the guitar itself that is the cause.

If the guitar has had the new paint put on without stripping the old thin skin nitro, then its likely the new paint is some form of lacquer too, otherwise compatibility issues make the finish unsellable.

[AxeBuilder]

Originally Posted by Les Paul Newb

Is there any way to know if the new finish somehow compromises the wood or tone?

Only if the finish is heavy enough to compensate for the chambering.....

[AxeBuilder]

How do you know it's not a fake? The low price is a red flag for me!

[Les Paul Newb]

I think this may be a vintage mahogany studio. Those came with the OHSC, unless its a regular studio faded and he purchased the case separately.

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by AxeBuilder

Only if the finish is heavy enough to compensate for the chambering.....

HAHA

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by AxeBuilder

How do you know it's not a fake? The low price is a red flag for me!

I don't know. I checked the SN. I looked at little (basic) things on the picture like if the tone/vol knobs line up properly. I haven't seen it in person yet. I can remove the pot cover and check those out?

What else should/can I do? Help is greatly appreciated.

(ps, the price is $650, I was saying IF i could get it down. Which I have a good shot at.)