62 Jaguar refinish - moral quandries

[blackbox]

I picked up an all-original 62 Jag that's been completely (but quite nicely) stripped of its original sunburst. I'm planning to do a refinish. Am I the biggest fucking asshole on earth if I refinish in something other than the original sunburst (which is still visible under the pickguard. Moreover, what if I were to refinish in black and...*gulp* make the headstock matching...would I be the target of assassination attempts and strip shaming? Keep in mind, this would involve removing the original damaged but still very visible Fender logo...ugh. Talk me out of this, please. I can't do it.

[Larry Mal]

If it's already been refinished then there is no historic value to the finish that's on the guitar as it is now. Sky's the limit.

[HNB]

There are plenty of sunburst Jaguars in the world. Make your guitar what you want.

[marqueemoon]

I would go oly white and leave the headstock alone personally. Boring I guess, but it will look appropriate and as far as I know not devalue the guitar.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

I'd personally leave the neck alone, if the headstock has always been plain. One day you may depend on resale value.
As for the body, go for it. If it's already been refinned there's no reason not to do it in the colour you've always wanted.

EDIT - Agreed with Oly White, if it was my choice.

[blackbox]

Have you guys ever seen a (original) black pre-CBS jag without a matching headstock?

[Singlebladepickup]

leave the neck alone. Unlinke others, I'd go with something other than black or white

[mcjt]

It's very likely some black jags were sold like that.
don't touch the original headstock.

Have you guys ever seen a (original) black pre-CBS jag without a matching headstock?

[zip73]

Black w/ black headstock would look great and is very desirable! No offense to your avatar, but rational egoism rules when it comes to refins. Do it your way, because you want it, because it’ll look fantastic, and because it’s a great way to make an ought into an is.

[blackbox]

Your exhortation to Randianism is, admittedly, appealing....NO...NO! I cannot universalize your statement as a universal imperative! What, do you want EVERYONE to stip vintage pre-CBS logos?

[PorkyPrimeCut]

You'd be mad to paint the headstock black (or matching whatever colour you choose).
I'd go so far as to buying a replacement neck & refin that headstock instead.

[RIORIO]

Danocaster

[blackbox]

You'd be mad to paint the headstock black (or matching whatever colour you choose).

Because of the reduction in resale value? Or is there a more compelling moral reason?

[PorkyPrimeCut]

You'd be mad to paint the headstock black (or matching whatever colour you choose).

Because of the reduction in resale value? Or is there a more compelling moral reason?

I say it mainly from a re-sale perspective. It just strikes me as something I'd live to regret.

That neck probably feels amazing though & you'll actually do well to find any repro neck that matches it. I say this after putting a hell of a lot of work into a project neck of my own to get it close to the feel of my '59 Jazzmaster neck. I reckon I got about 40% there, at best. So, with that in mind, do as you will. I just think it'd be a shame.

[FrankRay]

The problem with sunburst is that it's really hard to get right, especially the yellow centre. To be avoided, in general. Very few 62 jags don't have matching headstocks, so personally I'd say finish that too, if you want. It *might* dent the resale value a bit, but so what? No 62s seem to go for less than 2 1/2 K at the moment, so redoing it nicely should be more than a fair trade with the wood finish.

Actually this is as old an argument as OSG; as always I personally say you have to play the guitar, make sure that it doesn't play you. Paint it any colour you want and enjoy it.