New here and need guidance

Welcome. That is an interesting piece. I am sure someone can recommend someone to get it working.

 

+1 to this. It's in pretty awesome shape for being original. I would only make it playable and otherwise leave it as-is. You're going to seriously devalue it and kill its mojo trying to make it "new" again with a refinish/restoration.

Edit: because you know the entire history of this guitar that has potential to make it even more valuable should you ever (God forbid) have to sell it.

 

Yeah, don’t refinish that.

If the electronics don’t work, that’s an issue. Where are you in PA? We can help you find a guitar tech who will get it working and help you lose as little originality as possible in the process. That’s the way to go with one of these.

 

Definitely do not "restore" it. I know that's a common tack to take with old cars, but in other worlds (guitars, guns) "refinishing" significantly lowers value. Plus, it looks amazing as-is and just oozes character. That natural forearm wear on the body is just amazing. People pay good money to have that faked on new guitars.

Get the electronics looked at, have a quality set-up done on it, and then just enjoy it.

 

By all means but do your research and make sure you use a real deal tech who has a strong background and reputation working on vintage instruments. You wouldn't believe how picky these collectors can be. I actually had one ding me over a redone solder joint at the output jack that wasn't as neatly done as he would like. There are lots of so called techs out there who while being capable of doing the common tasks are also capable of screwing up the value of your vintage guitar.

 

I agree with everyone else. Get it cleaned up but do not change a thing. It is a rare Fender with sentimental value within your family and monetary value outside of your family for collectors. It is your guitar and your call but I would suggest you find another guitar for your son to learn on and then when he is older (assuming he is young now), let him play the vintage Duo Sonic when he understands its significance in your family. Good luck and welcome.

 

misposted

 

In museums, vintage musical instruments are played regularly to keep them in good condition. They tend to suffer if not played.

Do you have a friend that could play it occasionally?

 

misposted again

 

I think that was probably a fair price back then. These were lower level "student" guitars when originally made, after all. But recently, they have taken off in value.

 

...and more valuable.

So in 2000 a woman brings a all original 1963 Fender Duo Sonic, sans the water damage, to get new strings,. and the guy offers her $100 cause he thought it was a fair price. Ha.

 

Given your backstory, unless you're a wiz with woodworking, I'd suggest you research and go to a trusted guitar tech/shop in your area. That guitar should have decent value - don't risk that value if you are a rookie.

 

Nobody has asked yet, and it just occurred to me... is there a '63 Champ or Princeton amp in the picture?

 

@frankr2994 Thank Goodness we saved you from “restoring” that AWESOME original guitar. That color with that red tortoise shell pickguard is divine!!
Oh, welcome aboard!!
Grab the son THIS!!

a 3/4 size guitar should be great for an 8 year old. This is NOT a toy guitar, but a great place to start- looks cool as well!! Get the fret ends cleaned up a bit, and the guitar set up at the local shop.. he will be a all set, and will maybe grow into that Duo Sonic!!
C-Note