53 refinished les paul

[jmorris]

A quick question for all a ya. I have a 53 les paul refinished pro into sunburst like jimmy page,routed for humbuckers'orig. wiring and switch and swutch cap. A great curly top. 2piece top but off centered seam. We used to call them "conversions"s years ago. Any clue what it might sell for in todays market?? It sold for $1500.00 in 1980,Jim

 

[Buck62]

Unfortunately, refinishing it wiped out at least half of the guitar's value.
Plus, modifications take away even MORE of it's value.

Bummer, huh?

 

[foo]

Call Gruhn Guitars in Nashville - they will be able to give you an accurate current market price.

1-615-256-2033

foo

 

[jmorris]

buck62. this guitar in orig condition would sell for I guess..what 5k-6k/ It is at least a $4500.00 as is. I just dont know exactly what there selling for now ..none on ebay or list of dealors. It is a very nice piece. Be careful about refinished les pauls!!Mostly old 50's refinished lp's...they do hold there value. I have an offer now standing for$4500.00. That is why I researching..it aint no 2k guitar!

 

[gibs]

Take the money and run.....most folks don't like the off-centers and would rather have the guitar in the original gold finish unless the seam is perfect......and most people wouldn't pay 4500 clams for a refin with mods........so I'd say get it while you can....just my opinion...but, I could be wrong...... if you want more input, post over at the sunburst pub section in the forums at:

http://www.lespaulforum.org/base.html

Those people know their stuff..........way more than me.....gibs

 

[Buck62]

Dude, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but gibs and I are right. Refinishing and mods de-values ANY guitar.

I also agree with gibs assessment... if you can get $4,500 for that guitar right now, take the money and run.

But hey, what do I know. I've only been playing for 27 years and owned about 25 guitars. Ask the experts, as someone suggested.

Good Luck!
Buck

 

[Tweedville]

Altered Paul

I have almost the same guitar,except mine was a '57 P-90 goldtop--one of the last of the P-90 Standards. Someone did the same conversions ('burst top,HB pups).The price was $1500 for it in 1979.As far as what it's worth.....who cares? My mom bought this guitar and gave it to me right before she died (sad but true story), so mine is priceless.I can tell you it sounds as good as an original 'burst I did have.All the Pauls back then had the same craftmanship,regardless of top. I have early patent no. pickups in it,my favorites (even over PAFs)....the top isn't split perfectly,either.

 

[jmorris]

1500.00 was a great but for basiclly a standard.mine had to have the top plugged for the tune-o-matic.great top..off center seam. I opted to do the 25.oo appraisal from gruhn after all...Mine is valued at$3500.00-$4000.00. yours today is more like 5-6k maybe 7k as it closer to a 58-60. I sold my 59 sunburst in the 80's. They do not sound any better or worse than a new one in my opinion. the player makes ALL the difference!!