Restore original parts when selling an R9?

[Albert]

I haven't seen discussion of this on this forum. Let me know if there are already previous threads.

Since so many of you change parts on your Historics, do you think they sell better if you restore all the original parts or if you simply include all the original parts in addition to the installed replacements?

In particular, I have a very nice 1999 R9 that has been upgraded with a Pigtail lightweight stopbar, a wireless ABR-1, Wolfetone and Peter Florance pickups, tone caps, and gold knobs. The original '57 Classics are in near-mint condition, as are all the original parts.

 

[DrewB]

I think it's gonna be dependent on the buyer. I would consider your upgrades as, uh, upgrades, but I'm sure some people would want it all-original. I would imagine that well better than 50% of potential buyers would agree with me, but there are some freaks out there.

 

[Albert]

Thanks for your response, Drew.

It was Andrew from Kansas City Vintage Guitars that recommended restoring original parts, and I think that makes sense for guitars from the '70s and earlier, but somehow it doesn't make as much sense to me, as a Les Paul fanatic, with Historics that can be made more vintage-like with parts upgrades. My R9 is closer to a real '59 with the upgrades.

I might have a different opinion regarding more current Historics, which already are pretty close to vintage when stock (except for the mahogany and rosewood being somewhat different; and if you upgraded those, it would be foolish if not impossible to restore them to the originals).

 

[GreenBurst]

I would be very eager to buy a run-of-the-mill R9 that had upgrades for pickups (ie Thrōbak et al, quality 500K audio taper pots and PIO caps, light weight TP w/steel studs, proper color plastics [rings, p-guard, knobs, switch ring/tip, etc]). Getting the original parts is not necessarily a requirement but a case by case decision based on condition and price.

If the LP was of special interest / limited edition (ie early 90s Historic, CC, Artist, Braz run, Anniversary year, etc) then I would want the original parts with the sale or a respective discount in lieu. For some (ie CC or Artist) and some post 2019, lack of original parts would be a deal breaker.

I would rather collect the original parts loose. That way I can decide whether to restore or keep for future. I don't want some seller rushing the retrofit just to quickly move the guitar.

Ultimately any LP with upgraded parts would have to make sense for the model, its condition, and selling price. Also, I would need to scrutinize the parts in person or with decent detailed photos.

My perspective, hope that helps.

 

[Albert]

Your response is helpful. I would rather not have to restore the original parts. Certainly the guitar sounds better with the upgrades, and I would hope that whoever buys it would want to play it, not just keep it as an investment (although, I admit I'm doing that now with the R9, because I prefer playing the slimmer necks of my R0s).

 

[DrewB]

Thanks for your response, Drew.

It was Andrew from Kansas City Vintage Guitars that recommended restoring original parts, and I think that makes sense for guitars from the '70s and earlier, but somehow it doesn't make as much sense to me, as a Les Paul fanatic, with Historics that can be made more vintage-like with parts upgrades. My R9 is closer to a real '59 with the upgrades.

I might have a different opinion regarding more current Historics, which already are pretty close to vintage when stock (except for the mahogany and rosewood being somewhat different; and if you upgraded those, it would be foolish if not impossible to restore them to the originals).

Are you in the KC area? I'm in KC, but don't know Andrew.

 

[jb_abides]

I would be very eager to buy a run-of-the-mill R9 that had upgrades for pickups (ie Thrōbak et al, quality 500K audio taper pots and PIO caps, light weight TP w/steel studs, proper color plastics [rings, p-guard, knobs, switch ring/tip, etc]). Getting the original parts is not necessarily a requirement but a case by case decision based on condition and price.

If the LP was of special interest / limited edition (ie early 90s Historic, CC, Artist, Braz run, Anniversary year, etc) then I would want the original parts with the sale or a respective discount in lieu. For some (ie CC or Artist) and some post 2019, lack of original parts would be a deal breaker.

I would rather collect the original parts loose. That way I can decide whether to restore or keep for future. I don't want some seller rushing the retrofit just to quickly move the guitar.

Ultimately any LP with upgraded parts would have to make sense for the model, its condition, and selling price. Also, I would need to scrutinize the parts in person or with decent detailed photos.

My perspective, hope that helps.

I am in this camp: thanks to @GreenBurst for articulating a good position, I will keep it pithy.

 

[Albert]

Are you in the KC area? I'm in KC, but don't know Andrew.

No, I'm not in the KC area. Andrew's a good guy, very happy to talk about guitars. Was accomodating with me for an installment-payment deal on a 1973 SG Custom.

 

[CS Murphy 'R9]

As a buyer I would rather have the upgrades as a seller I would include both original and upgrades in the sale.

 

[Tim Plains]

Restore and sell the aftermarket parts separately. You get more money that way. Some people don't want aftermarket parts and many who do want to customize to their liking, not yours.

 

[GlassSnuff]

If someone claims the original parts have value, I always ask how much more they'd be willing to pay for the original parts. If they give me a fair figure, then fine. If they balk and bluster, then I know they don't really want the parts; they just want an excuse to pay less. I despise these pompous poseurs, and the internet they rode in on.


Of course, if Mike or Joe gave me a call, I'd be searching through my trash bins. There are probably more real collectors on this forum than any other, and I mean no disrespect to them.

 

[Tommy Tourbus]

You'll do better if you return it to stock, and sell the aftermarket parts separately

 

[Albert]

Restore and sell the aftermarket parts separately. You get more money that way. Some people don't want aftermarket parts and many who do want to customize to their liking, not yours.

You have two good points there. If I were to buy this guitar, I would choose different pickups now, although I'd be fine with the other parts.

 

[LeonC]

Most buyer's don't care about "upgrades" that the seller has made. Of course there are exceptions, but I think most buyers want to start with the original product and if they think anything needs upgrading, they want to make their own choices. Of course you can also put the guitar for sale as is and offer to return to stock yourself if the buyer prefers. But I think you're always better off restoring to original condition. If you want, you can offer the upgraded parts to prospective buyers or just sell them separately...or hang onto them for some other guitar down the road...but they probably have more value on their own than on top of some guitar you're trying to sell.

 

[clapciadrix]

I’ve always found that any upgrades didn’t really help the sale. It adds a lot of questions and concerns re: how well was the work done etc. What upgraded parts did you get? I’ve also always thought that you have to find a buyer who wants the same upgrades as you for you to be able to charge more than a stock guitar. Otherwise it’s a wash.
My experience is I was always able to make a quicker, best price sale with a straight,stock instrument.

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

Up grades on upgraded guitars are like signature models on an already signature guitar. Play around with your amp..

 

[LCW]

Upgrades are quite a personal thing typically. I avoid modded guitars but that’s me. If OP doesn’t want to swap parts, I’d at least include the original parts in the sale.