Official Luthiers Forum!

I just got a call from a guy who wants me to refinish a top. First of, I've never done it and don't even know if I will be doing it. I wanted to ask you guys some questions before I even jump on this one. I haven't seen this guitar yet, but all he said was he took some finish off the top. I assume it's scratches from picking? I'll give him a call after work and post some more info.

As far as refinishing goes, if it's just a section of the top, do I concentrate on just that section? Or refinish the whole top to get an even color? And does the bridge need to come off?

Once again, I don't know what kind of guitar it is, what finish it has, or if it's even worth doing a job like that on it.

Thanks!

Maks

I'd recommend buying a beater and doing some stuff like this on your own before you start on someone elses guitar.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

You need more info, really.
If it's a cheap guitar with a plastic finish, those are so tough to strip..... I mean tough.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

As said it depends on the guitar and your experience. Don't want to sound like the bad guy, however I probably will, but just some advice. Your not knowing what he is talking about of what the problem is, and the questions of best way to do the work, without that knowledge, lends one to think you may lack the experience.

If the guy is willing to pay for work like that, it doesn't sound like a beater, but who knows what a person learns to love.

If it isn't a beater and particularly if it is an older high end guitar, you may want to think it over, and determine if your skill is there to do it and do it right. Some might look better with a refurbish, but not a good thing to do.

I for one have turned down work and sent it to others to do as it was beyond my skills and experience.

It could cost you more than you could ever make. Sorry, but at times cheer leading isn't the best advice. I may be completely wrong and if so apologize for my rudeness

Stan,

This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I tried calling the guy back, but he called me from his work (school music teacher) so I won't be able to get any more info until tomorrow or possibly later. I listened to his message again and he said "I took some finish off and don't have any" and "I want it to look pretty again"

Sounds like he wants the "looks" back, and sounds like he wanted to do it himself in the first place. I will try and see it in person, and post some pix here for you guys to see. That's why I said I'm not jumping all over this one, because I know I do not want to take something I can't follow through

Don't want to be this guy --->