Restoration recommendation

[Charlie3]

So, a buddy and I jointly purchased a 1952 Les Paul, for $350, back in 1973, with the original case. Unfortunately, it had already been refinished to a cherry stain (sides and back are original). Now, later in life, I’m thinking of having the finish restored to its original gold top, along with making sure the electronics are appropriate. Cost is less of a concern than choosing the right people to do the restoration to original. It does have the original trapeze bridge, which has never once bothered me In playability.

I did a forum search, and I’m sure this has been asked, but can‘t find it. Who would you recommend for the vintage restoration? It’s already been refinished, albeit more than 50 years ago, so I think it can only help the value. Very open to thoughts and suggestions. Not really looking to change to a 57/58, but again, open to all thoughts.

 

[corpse]

Historic Makeovers (FL)- Lay's Guitars (OH?)- Starr Guitars (ex Historic makeovers guy) (also FL)- there are a ton more I am sure. I have owned work by these guys or know guys pretty well that have had work done by them.

 

[jimmi]

Tom Stadler (formerly of Gibson repair, Carters and Gruhns, Tom Bartlett, Jam City looks like he does a good job with finishes. Fried Okra has a guy out in Cali that did a fantastic job on the Gabriel Burst named Joel Wilkins, Yukki Mclure at Player Grade vintage does a good job and I saw a great burst restoration early this year by Joe Raggio.

 

[Señor Verde]

Starr Guitars re-topped an R7 of mine and it turned out great. I wouldn't hesitate having them do a job like yours.

 

[DANELECTRO]

Historic Makeovers certainly does beautiful work.

Roy at RS Guitarworks refinished the top on my '69 a number of years ago. A previous owner had stripped the top and routed the guitar for humbuckers. I sent it off to Roy and asked for a "1950's aged goldtop finish" and I think he nailed it.

Before:


After:

 

[jimmi]

Historic Makeovers certainly does beautiful work.

Roy at RS Guitarworks refinished the top on my '69 a number of years ago. A previous owner had stripped the top and routed the guitar for humbuckers. I sent it off to Roy and asked for a "1950's aged goldtop finish" and I think he nailed it.

Before:
View attachment 22723

After:
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Was this ne bought from a guy off MyLesPaul? I think I almost bought this one. Was a good deal especially in today’s money

 

[DANELECTRO]

Was this ne bought from a guy off MyLesPaul? I think I almost bought this one. Was a good deal especially in today’s money

No, that wasn't this guitar. Oddly enough, this guitar showed up in my back yard. About 15 years ago my band played at a local festival and a couple week later the neightbor behind me came up to the fence to say "I didn't know you played guitar. Do you know anything about Les Pauls? I have a 1958 Les Paul Standard that my brother gave to me and I would like to get it refurbished and sell it so that I can by an acoustic guitar for my son"

I told him I know a lot about Les Pauls and I'd be glad to take a look at it. I nearly shit my pants waiting for him to retrieve the guitar. He came out with a chain saw case and when he opened I could tell immediately by the headstock that it wasn't a 58. It looked to be an early 70's Deluxe that had been modified (top stripped and routed for humbuckers). He said "you're welcome to borrow it and figure out what it is".

After a little investigation I figured out that it was a 69. He wanted to have it completely refinished so that it would look better for resale. I told him it would be best to keep the back finish intact as it was original. I let him know what it was worth in its current state and I made him a reasonable offer for it and he said "Sold." I was happy and he as well.

I sent it off to RS Guitarworks for a top-only refin and I've been enjoying it ever since. The neck has a nice profile (not overly thin), the original frets are in good condition, and a big plus is that it weighs in at just 8.5 lbs.

 

[G650]

formerly of Gibson repair

Brandon Frisky used to be at Gibson repair as well, does immaculate work.

 

[rialcnis]

If you are near Los Angeles you may want to see Ryan

Here he is working on my guitar My 52 that I had converted to humbuckers in 1967. Ryan did a neck reset and some fret work and had his refinisher, do a relic'ed gold top. Had I never added the humbuckers, and kept the P-90s, and original parts and knew to keep it as original as possible, I would have--even though it is the best Les Paul ever, now.

About

Ryan Schuermann grew up in Michigan and fell in love with the guitar as a young boy. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston and later moved to Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Craft...

www.guitarrepairla.com

 

[Evol]

It is fortunate for you that you have very good people like RSGW. Here in Europe, really good people can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Over the years I've wasted a fortune entrusting restoration work to the wrong people. If I lived in the USA I would go to RSGW without thinking about it.

 

[Lesmore 53]

Historic Makeovers certainly does beautiful work.

Roy at RS Guitarworks refinished the top on my '69 a number of years ago. A previous owner had stripped the top and routed the guitar for humbuckers. I sent it off to Roy and asked for a "1950's aged goldtop finish" and I think he nailed it.

Before:
View attachment 22723

After:
View attachment 22724

Very nice! I also have a previously-stripped / natural ‘53 LP that needs a top-only, aged refin. I like RS’ work too…what can I expect to pay for a job like yours?