Re-Finish??

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi, I would welcome all your opinions and advice please.

I have just bought a used Ibanez AFB200 hollowbody bass that is lightweight (ideal for me), set up well and plays beautifully. Unfortunately, it has been a bit abused in the way it has been played (I believe the previous owner used a coin to flat pick) and as you will see from the attached picture, the top has been damaged.

The damage is only cosmetic, there are no cracks, nor is there any wood missing, however I would like to have a go at repairing or re-finishing the top.

I really fancy giving it (the whole of the body, front back & sides) the finish of a traditional upright bass/violin/cello etc., but I have absolutely no idea how to accomplish this or where to start.

The neck & headstock are fine and I would leave those as they are.

I am fairly competent and confident but, have no idea how to strip the current lacquer (don't know what it is), or remove the sunburst finish, and then having done so, how would I go about giving that antique violin finish.

OR............... should I just leave it alone and live with it, (just the scars of rock n' roll).

[Mike Kolb]

My vote would be for "b".... and enjoy the scars of rock n' roll:)

[Glen H]

My vote also - leave it be!  I have never understood the desire for cosmetic perfection.  I have a friend who is an avid collector/player.  He always scoops up incredible instruments that have cosmetic issues that others cannot live with... and as a result he gets them for great prices.  He has Collings with repaired top cracks, PRSs with dings and chips, etc.  They all play and sound fantastic and the little defects don't bother him at all.  In his point of view, they'll get chips and scuff and dings anyway cause he plays the heck out of them.

[Paul Verticchio]

I third that motion.  Those are pretty cool genuine wear spots.

You can tell everyone it's some kind of custom shop relic and the wear marks were a $3000 upcharge.  I mean, that's how it's done, right?  A 'perfect' new US Tele goes for $1000.  Beat it to hell and make it look like it's been out in the rain for decades and the same guitar is now $6000. I laugh, ha, ha, ha!!!!

Enjoy your bass (-: ,

Paul

[Kerry Krishna]

I forth that motion...

[Greg Mirken]

Brian, if you really want to pursue the idea of refinishing this instrument, buy some piece of junk guitar/uke/balalaika/whatever at a yard sale or thrift store and practice on it. My guess is you'll appreciate the wisdom of replies 1 through 4.

[Brian T. Williams]

Greg, your response bought a wry smile to my face!! :-)

[Steve Williams]

Add me to the list of "leave it". I think it looks cool.

[Brian T. Williams]

Thanks for the unanimous advice; I've seen sense and I'm going to roll with that, and I realise, probably save myself a lot of heartache!!

It's a wonderful sounding bass, so I shall enjoy playing it until it gets beat up even more, and then sell it on, for three times the cost of a new one :-)

Always good advice here, great community..........thank you.

Brian