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Post subject: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 7:23 am
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I have a '64 Blonde Bassman piggyback that has the original tolex and Wheat grill cloth on it.

Looking to sell it but I'm not sure if I should re-tolex the speaker cabinet or leave it original. It looks like the feet were taken off at some point before I got it and it sat on a damp floor thus ripping the bottom tolex and exposing the wood underneath. Really would clean up easily with some new tolex and a sander but would it de-value it for resale purposes? It doesn't have the original speakers which I know makes a big difference for resale. Also If I do re-cover it, I think I can reuse the grill cloth which has a couple small imperfections but it's original and matches the head.

The head has the usual burn marks on top from cigarettes and I'm not inclined to change that.

Just curious what your thoughts are.


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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:49 am
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If selling the amp is the objective, it'd prolly be best to leave the cosmetics alone and let someone else make that call. New Tolex (or Nubtex) seldom matches the original material in either color or texture.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 5:12 pm
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I would have to agree with Retroverbial on this one, but would add one thing. If the tear in the tolex on the bottom isn't too bad, might not hurt to re-glue it back into place if it is just torn and loose. Pics would help too!

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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:57 am
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Leave it original , this the best look for a vintage amp and you 'll do a big mistake with re tolex. Value wil not be higher and could be lower


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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 7:38 pm
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Thanks for the help. I'm not sure if I can link to where the pictures are but I'll try.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/321227696321?nav=UNSOLD&sbk=1

I'd be fine with it the way it is but I see all the amp porn on here and wonder where the real demand is, either original or pretty. As anything, it depends who's interested in it.
Thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 11:05 pm
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There are skilled craftsmen who can correctly restore a true basket case......

:wink:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:13 am
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...of which I'd like to think I am one.

It's not the job, that's a piece of cake. I was more interested in resale value being negatively effected if I restore the cabinet. Even as beat up as it is, I know there are purist's out there that want it all stock or as close to it as possible.

Since I have the time and the tools to do it, I was looking at return on investment.

But thanks as always for the time.


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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:03 am
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These two pieces as found weren't worth squat......

Image

The head was a used-and-abused '68 which I overhauled and backdated to blackface cosmetics ("before" and "after" shots superposed for comparison).

Image

The '65 cab was even rougher, looking like an artifact recovered from the Titanic.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: To Re-Tolex or leave original
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:04 am
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Now they're in matching near showroom condition and I routinely turn down offers for $1500 and more.

Image

Sometimes restorations are worth the time and effort but just as often, sometimes not. Each case must be assessed on an individual basis.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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