Greetings Each,
I purchased a '64' Jazz Bass which, apart from the pickguard and a replacement headstock decal fitted by Fender themselves, is authentic throughout. It was originally Tobacco Sunburst then the previous (original) owner decided, during the seventies, to give it a Blond finish (apparently all the rage back then). In 2005 he had a cheap refinish done again back to it's original sunburst. The emphasis here is on the word cheap, a $150 special.

Should I go ahead and have it professionally and properly refinished with nitrocellulose based paints, it could actually be done any colour I wanted, or just leave it alone? I mean, I could hardly make it worse than it is and the original finish is long gone. Your opinions would be appreciated, thanks.

From a financial point of view, it won't help the resale any being that it's already been refinished once. From an aesthetic point of view, it's hard to beat a good sunburst, I'd go that route if you want to refin as to keep the vintage look. Either that or some other period correct color.

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I traded my car in for a microphone.

If it will make you happier and is your #1 ax I would get a good refin, which will also slightly increase the value. A refinish usually cuts the value in half and even if the guitar had the original finish and it looked like $@!& it would still be at its most valuable in that state. But taking a dreadful refin and getting a nice job will bring it up a notch.

The bass is almost 50 years old. If the frets, elecs, etc are all fine and kept up, I'd definitely make it look good as well.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I'd have it refinished. Why? Because, I'd keep thinking about it forever.

Hey folks,
thanks to the few who had an opinion, it's helped to a great degree and I appreciate it.

Good luck all.......K.

If it plays alright go out and make that buck fifty back, then do what ever you want with it. If you are a collector and not a player, pay no attention to what I just wrote.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.