Need advice on refinishing

[MikeDingas]

I'm selling an old guitar (Mosrite double-neck) but the paint has seen better days. I'm told 'original paint' makes it more valuable. The paint has lots of hair-line cracks and I'm wondering is there some way to fix this without removing the paint? I'm guessing that the paint has some kind of protective coating like poly but I'm not sure. The guitar was made in the late 1960's so I can't be sure of the top-coat, if there is one. It might just be a high-gloss enamel paint. Any suggestions on repairing the paint?

[thecopperfish]

If you want the biggest bucks for it, leave it as is. Original condition is always worth more to the collectors, and they are generally the ones with the most money.
My 2 cents worth,
Chris

[sawdustus]

As an inveterate watcher of the Antiques Roadshow, Leave it Alone. Changing the finish on an old piece can reduce its value by more than 50%. The patina (dirt and grime don't usually count but crackling of the finish does) is what collectors want in an old piece. So gently clean the dirt off, but leave the crackling and wear marks. They are part of the history of the piece and are an important component of its value.

George

[knothead]

Mike,
I still am waiting to see a three handed person that can play one of those.

Tom

[workin for wood]

I don't know the answer. Leave it be is what I would do. Very cool looking guitar. I don't know why you are selling it, I'm sure you have your reasons. I'd box it up with some silicone packs and put it in the attic.

[MikeDingas]

Final follow-up...

I've taken the guitar to a local muscian with a pretty good studio for repair. He'll adjust the necks, check out the 'electronics' and re-tune the bridges.

His opinion is that checking and nicks form the 'character' of the piece. Removing the finish, or repairing the checking and nicks would devalue it. He has several 1960's vintage guitars so I'll follow his and everyone's here advice. Don't touch.

Thanks to those who responded. I know it's not the usual topic for a scroll saw message board.

[minowevie]

Hi Mike, I think you got some great advise hear.

I was looking at your two arm cytar, and the ones I have seen was a 6 string, retum and 4 string. base,, . this seems to be a 6 string, and a 13 string. how cool. I was wondering how much you are asking for it. and does it have any cracks? On the drum. and are the string holders warped at all. I might be interested. your freind Evie