Refinish for Martin

[Rpjensen]

Any idea on how much it would cost to have my D-28 refinished?

[braderrick]

I'm sure it would vary upon how good a job you wanted. If you don't mind my asking, how old is it and why does it need to be refinished? If its just old and worn I would not recommend a refinish as it will greatly drop the value of it. Its better to have a beaten old martin than a refinished old martin haha.

[rangercaster]

if you want a good refin, contact Martin and they can point you to a good shop ... you will devalue the guitar ...

[TeleTim911]

I also agree, refinishing a Martin will drop the value on it. I'd take the suggestion on contacting Martin, they were going to fix my brother's D-28 when he dropped it, but it was no cheap fix, and he just never had the money. (he knocked a hole in the lower bout on a mic stand when his strap broke).

[Rpjensen]

It's a 1984. The finish damage was apparently caused by being stored in a non- original case (which I was given when I bought the guitar). We believe the case lining attacked the finish. Wherever the guitar rested on the lining, the finish was dulled. I'm aware that refinishing will diminish its value, but as much as having a damaged finish? I don't know. Martin wants me to send them the guitar for an estimate. I'm just trying to get an idea of how bad the $ shock will be before I ship it across the country.

[jwsamuel]

If the finish is just dulled in places, does it really need a complete refinish? Could just buffing those places on the guitar fix the problem? You may want to take it to an authorized Martin service center for their opinion first.

Jim

[wmsimpson]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

If the finish is just dulled in places, does it really need a complete refinish? Could just buffing those places on the guitar fix the problem? You may want to take it to an authorized Martin service center for their opinion first.

Jim

+1

A good tech can probably buff out those areas. Refinishing will destroy the value.

[braderrick]

agreed if there is not much discoloration, a good buffing may be in order.

[KokoTele]

An original, damaged finish usually holds more value than a new finish. In the short term, 1984 is not old enough to really be considered collectible or vintage, but it will be soon enough. Within 10-15 years.

I know Martin's repairs aren't cheap, but I don't know exactly how much they cost. If refinishing is necessary, then a factory refin will devalue the guitar less than going somewhere else.

A refin on the guitar from someone else will likely cost about $400 on the low end for pro work.

Like was said before, start by thinking about finish repair, either by buffing or overspraying the affected spots.

[rangercaster]

post some pix of the affected areas and our resident experts can chime in !!!