JS90th mods. Improvement or depreciation?

julio · #1 01-14-2007, 11:38 AM

Hi,

Some years back I bought a JS 90th.
I thought the guitar was awesome and would keep it forever...you know how it is....

But, there was something I hated about it. The lack of dots on the frets ( only has the 2 on the 12th)

So, what I did was take it to a Master Luthier and had the frets changed for jumbo and abalone markers installed on the frets.

As shocking as this may sound, its important to understand that the job is unbeatable. No one would be able to tell that it wasnt factory.

The question is.... although I consider these pro-improvements havent changed the character of the guitar, how much have I actually depreciated its value. Worth mentioning is the chrome wear ( although I do have an original paf-pro replacement to go with it)
Aaah! I kept a beautiful UV-1000 case and got shot of the MC100 that came with it. Framed certificate.

Ive uploaded some pics:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jemjulio...60762384547431

Thanks for your help

Julio

barbarelaxe · #2 01-14-2007, 11:52 AM

There will always be some fanatics that will tell you that you ruined the guitar but if you like it then thats what should matter.

buddroyce · #3 01-14-2007, 01:01 PM

Pretty much every collector want's it stock. Rarely does any modification on a stock guitar ever improve it's value. That is unless you are the manufacturer.

But honestly, it shouldn't matter if you intend to play the guitar.

julio · #4 01-14-2007, 01:56 PM

Thing is.....was thinking of selling it....hence the concern.

Drow Swordsman · #5 01-14-2007, 02:08 PM

90th's aren't insanely collectable either though...

I can't speak for the JS's but the 90th Jem's go for a little over 2k - player priced.

So I think a player will enjoy the modifications you made to it - I know I do. Hence I think you won't suffer from any loss in value if you decide to sell it in the 2k range or so.

**elcid** · #6 01-14-2007, 02:34 PM

It's a limited collectors guitar that was modified, I'd bet it hurts the value, even though it does look good.

julio · #7 01-14-2007, 03:03 PM

Its amazing actually. The acton is INSANE low.
Its a shame that it can lose value with a mod that I'm sure everyone would prefer to be stock anyway.

I had a guy refuse it altogether because of the mods...so I was wondering how much Ive lost by doing it.
I might have to take the loss as Im getting determined to sell it....

eviltwin · #8 01-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

(Its a shame that it can lose value with a mod that)

I'm sure everyone would prefer to be stock anyway.

I don't agree, I have a Jem90HAM and I've really come to appreciate non-inlay guitars. Unless the inlay is special (IE Pyramids) I wouldn't want to have them.

I'm sure there are many who like the 'classical' look, which is exactly why Ibanez put it on all of the HAMs, but also on guitars like the JC RG6CST and RG7CST. Or JC RG-ART.

The JS90 is extremely rare (rarer than a DNA IIRC) so I'm guessing anybody interested in it, will want it to be original. As your prospective customer has already proven.

Eggy · #9 01-14-2007, 04:24 PM

The harsh truth of it is that people don't want you to mess about with high end guitars. It's a shame as I don't think you've hurt it in any way other than it's value.

Ben

Dee · #10 01-14-2007, 05:39 PM

I wouldn't buy a modded guitar if it was rare. No way! I actually prefer the look of an inlay free board, it looks sleek and clean.

julio · #11 01-14-2007, 07:51 PM

Yeah. I can agree with the sleek thing. But when you intend to play it, I do find it a bit of an issue ( one has enough trouble getting around the fretboard as it is without some kind of guide... :-)

Thanks for your views.

crevis · #12 01-14-2007, 08:01 PM

I wouldve just put a tempory neck on it. It does look better tho imo

Dee · #13 01-14-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julio

Yeah. I can agree with the sleek thing. But when you intend to play it, I do find it a bit of an issue ( one has enough trouble getting around the fretboard as it is without some kind of guide... :-)

Thanks for your views.

I know what you're saying, Julio. I think the best way around it would have been to have another neck built. I'm all for modding guitars if it's to benefit the user, but unfortunately it has devalued it somewhat and you might have problems selling it now. That's a shame.

julio · #14 01-15-2007, 08:25 AM

Oh well....might even be for the better. I'd probably regret the sale anyway...

Thanks again

jb4674 · #15 01-15-2007, 10:40 AM

Sorry to come in so late into the discussion but....

Julio, I have an acoustic guitar without any markers on the frets and I have no problems playing it.

As far as the JS, I can honestly tell you that as a limited edition guitar, you have ruined its value. If you really wanted to modify it, you should've had a neck built or maybe found a js or even a strat neck on the bay.

Jimmy