Hello Everyone,
I have a guitar made by Irish luthier, Dermot Mcilroy that is in need of top
refinishing. I had a friend that put a ding in the top many years ago. And
this was right around the time I was just starting to build my first guitar.
Knowing very little about lutherie and next to nothing about the finishing
process, I naturally assumed that it would be super easy to do the repair
myself - and I was VERY wrong. I did a terrible repair and ended up
sanding thru the finish in several places. I was by no means a natural
when I first started out building guitars.
Anyway, fast forward several years to now and I am at the point where I
want to sell the guitar. I could send the guitar out to be refinished but I
have so much going on with my own guitars now that I don't want
another project on my hands.
I spoke with Tony Ferguson who does the finish repair work for Del
Langejan - a certified repair guy for Lowden. Tony has done a number of
top refinishes and bridge repairs for Lowden. He will charge under $300
to remove the bridge and completely refinish the top.
I believe that it is extremely reasonable to expect that the guitar could
sell immediately for $1700 if the top was refinished. In fact, I think it is
reasonable that you could get closer to $2000 or perhaps a bit more but
that might take longer to sell at that price point. I would like to get
$1000 for the guitar which I think is extremely reasonable. And because
of time constraints, it is worth it to me to pass this task on to another
luthier.
Obviously, if no one wants to do it, I will just fit the repair into my
schedule - BUT I thought this might be a good opportunity for someone
to make a few hundred extra dollars with very minimal effort or perhaps
you would want to keep it yourself once the top has been repaired -
Mcilory builds very nice guitars and this in no exception.
The guitar is an AS15 (Cedar -- Brazilian Mahogany). Serial #178 made
on 1-17-2004. There are a few tiny dings on the guitar but very
noticeable or serious. If you eliminate the condition of the top, the rest
of the guitar still looks really good. email me at info@fayguitars.com if
you are interested in taking on the project.
Pictures can be seen at this address:
Mcilroy