Refinished and refretted ‘81 Custom market value?

[flamesarewicked]

Stumbled across one on the local Craigslist.. I don’t mind the fret job since it is 40 years old and the original frets were real small provided it was done well. The refin looks pretty good. From the photos it looks like it wasn’t super recent from the patina.. pickups have been changed also but that’s kind of a wash since I would change them anyhow. The hardware had been replaced. I figure it’s somewhat reasonable despite all of that at $3k asking price if its not a hidden headstock repair. Solid colors can hide stuff real well. I wasn’t looking for anything but a Custom from my birth year caught my eye…

‘81 wasn’t a banner year for them but again, it’s my birth year. Comparing to sold reverb listings of all original ones, this one is $1k-$2k cheaper… and it’s a lot cheaper than the new found interest in silverburst models that were once left for dead.




What do y’all think?

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

I don't think it is worth 3K with all of that done to it.

 

[Mike I]

Search around and get an average price for an original '81, and then deduct 50% for the refin and 10% for the refret and non original hardware and Pups, and that will tell you if this is worth it.

To me there's too much done at that price.

IMHO..

 

[Mike I]

Personally, I'd try to find another 1500, and snag this all original one, with the original Tim Shaw pups.

1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w/ Factory Chrome and Tim Shaw Humbuckers | Reverb

1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w/ Factory Chrome and Tim Shaw Humbuckers In really nice player grade condition. All playwear is legitimate, no faux relicing. All original parts including the original Tim Shaw humbuckers in the neck and bridge, pots date 1979 and 1980. All of the ...

reverb.com

 

[Mike I]

Or even post a WTB in the MLP classifieds.

Someone here may have an '81 to sell if you put the bug in their ear.

 

[HardCore Troubadour]

or be patient and wait, those asking prices will come down.

 

[SteveC]

I wouldn't sell my '81 LPC and I've been offered more than $3K.

 

[dangolguitartec]

If I was in your shoes, I just go play it… If it moves you and speaks to you and you feel like you can’t walk away without it then you should buy it.
The fret Job does not bother me at all and I wouldn’t give that a second thought but the refinish does give me a bit of pause… There could always be a chance of it hiding structural issues.

Best of luck to you no matter what you decide on this guitar!

 

[LCW]

Can you run it under a black light like Trogly does on his show? Are the frets stainless at least? Looks like pickups replaced judging by the wiring.

 

[flamesarewicked]

Well I wasn’t in the market to seek out an ‘81.. I just saw it for sale and wondered if that was a comparable price to similar conditioned ones of that year. It being my birth year made me wonder.. had it been any other year.. I would of scrolled right passed it.

 

[theycallmegio]

I bought a birth year (84) LPC last year. I wasn’t in the market for another LPC but my wife found it on Craigslist locally and I fell in love.

It’s one of my favorite guitars and I’m sure it being a birth year guitar has a lot to do with it

 

[decoy205]

Black light the finish for breaks. Check truss rod to ensure it’s useable. Check neck twist. Could also be heavy so see if that’s an issue.

 

[msalama]

Has the world gone mad?

Unfortunately yes! People are asking insane prices for sheer garbage these days. Waiting for the inevitable market crash myself...

 

[1981 LPC]

Could also be heavy so see if that’s an issue.

It will be heavy.

 

[BayouGTR]

$2500. That’s giving it a $500 spot for it being a custom.
Did you make an offer?

 

[1981 LPC]

If that's a refin it looks like what an original finish would look like now.

 

[Deftone]

Nice carve for an '81, should that not have a dome top?

IMHO the early 80's were some of the best years for Norlins.

 

[ARandall]

^ So what is it about the early 80's in particular that really does it for you?