sakorick Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I own an Epiphone Texan SN058165 manufactured in 1967. My brother rest his soul, traded my 12 string electric Rickenbacker for this Texan while I was in Vietnam. At any rate he had ruffed it up pretty good and left it overnight in the trunk of his car when the temperature went to 20 <zero. The finish shattered but it still plays great, however, in my old age I have decided to have it restored. Is this a good idea? It really needs to be professionally cleaned and set up as well. Any recommendations on where to send it and what to ask for? I was going to purchase a new one until I saw the prices! Here are some pictures. Regards, Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPS1976 Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I say leave it if it's structurally ok. I think it looks awesome!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Usually, refinishing a guitar will lower its value as a collectible when you choose to sell it. It sounds like to you, though, the Texan's value is more of the sentimental nature, so it's up to you which is more important. Like LPS1976, I think it looks great the way it is. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakorick Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Usually, refinishing a guitar will lower its value as a collectible when you choose to sell it. It sounds like to you, though, the Texan's value is more of the sentimental nature, so it's up to you which is more important. Like LPS1976, I think it looks great the way it is. Red 333 Thanks guys.......I've decided to leave the guitar as is. It does need new strings. I have lost some dexterity in my left hand and think perhaps some lighter strings would help. Your recommendations appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gralst Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I own an Epiphone Texan SN058165 manufactured in 1967. My brother rest his soul, traded my 12 string electric Rickenbacker for this Texan while I was in Vietnam. At any rate he had ruffed it up pretty good and left it overnight in the trunk of his car when the temperature went to 20 <zero. The finish shattered but it still plays great, however, in my old age I have decided to have it restored. Is this a good idea? It really needs to be professionally cleaned and set up as well. Any recommendations on where to send it and what to ask for? I was going to purchase a new one until I saw the prices! Here are some pictures. Regards, Rick. Take it to a luthier and ascertain if the bracing is solid and intact and that the neck set angle is acceptable. If no issues are present have someone buff up the frets and tweak the truss rod and be good to go. PLEASE don't do anything to the finish. It's beautiful as it is and anything you do will detract from and lessen that beauty and more importantly, the instrument's monetary value. FT-79 Texans (and J-45/J-50 Gibson versions)are mid-line, basic acoustic guitars whose magic is that simplicity of design.Remember that this is a nearly fifty year old instrument. If you want something shiny and new looking, for less than the cost of a neck re-set you can buy a modern Asian version that will give you about 80% of the vintage guitar for about 15% of the cost. There wasn't a lot of complexity of manufacture and the materials were quality but not remarkable so it is possible to replicate the guitar using modern manufacturing at quite a reasonable cost but it's impossible to replicate fifty years of vibe and mojo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakorick Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 I found a shop in Independence who will inspect, clean, check frets, oil the tuners, bridges etc etc. for $50 bucks + the cost of new strings. He says he can tweak it to match what how it was rigged when it left Kalamazoo. He also recommended to leave it alone if structurally sound....which I'm sure it is. I live in NC Missouri and have minor surgery scheduled next Wednesday at the KC VA so all is good. I appreciate the candid recommendations. It would seem that old guitars and old guns have a lot in common. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodger11 Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 That's a beauty - I love the crazing in the finish of old guitars - definitely a thing of beauty... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 FT-79 Texans (and J-45/J-50 Gibson versions)are mid-line, basic acoustic guitars whose magic is that simplicity of design. And they're very highly prized, judging from a few ebay examples. [Edit to add: The old ones, that is. The 1960s models can go for $3K - $10K or more. The new reissue inspired by 64 Texans are also prized pretty highly by their owners, but they're incredibly priced at $400 brand new, so used ones are less than that.] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzariahJames Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Beautiful guitar The best person that I know of in our area is Keith George. I have had him check and work on my guitars and he does fantastic work, for many of the local guitar shops (I live in Prairie Village KS) Guitar Dock in Lenexa could get you his number and set up for him. I also would leave the finish alone, and just look at the structure. Have a blessed night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Beautiful guitar, just the way it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakorick Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share Posted January 9, 2015 I'm taking the Texan to Seuf's in Independence. They are on the way, friendly and have a nice web site. I should be able to post some "after" pictures next Wednesday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Beautiful guitar, just the way it is. So I guess there's not much you can do with that chewed up headstock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 So I guess there's not much you can do with that chewed up headstock? What we can see of the headstock looks fine to me. Typical finish checking, minimal chipping. Structural stability is the key criteria for an instrument like this. Then of course, do you like the tone & playability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisB643 Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 I would advice against it. I think old guitars have character. Why chance ruining a classic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakorick Posted January 10, 2015 Author Share Posted January 10, 2015 The shop is going to go over the guitar and check for any issues which I don't suspect there are any. The Epiphone sounds the same as it did in 1968 with a strong bass and a nice ring in the treble. I feel real good about things at this point. Regards, Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 If it comes down to needing anything else you have one of the best repair guys in the country some 35 miles from Independence over in Lawson - Keith George. Very reasonaly priced and an absolute wizard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakorick Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 It turns out there is a problem with the bridge. The luthier is working on it now. Other than that the guitar is in excellent condition and he says it will be ready some time next week. Both of the guys that work there are really impressed with the finish. I'm glad you all recommended to leave it alone. Regards, Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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