Hey guys...I am new to this forum. I wanted to get opinions as I'm torn on what I want to do. I have a SC250 (25" scale-length Singlecut) which isn't in production anymore. Its a 2008 model in Charcoal finish. The guitar is in good shape but it needs a new adjustable stoptail bridge (which I can do myself) and the bridge humbucker (uncovered) has some rust on the screws. What I really am interested in is getting it refinished to buff out the minor dings and scratches (which are very minor) and also painted to a different color (honey burst). I've talked with a couple of my guitar friends, one of which suggested to sell it as is and get another guitar as the price for refinish isn't worth it in the long run. While that is more likely the easy way out I'm hesitant due to the fact that this model isn't made anymore and it has some beautiful binding work around the top outer edge of the body. Your opinion(s)/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Should I refinish?
- Thread starter mesaman82
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Glide-bpm
Number of GLiDE's to change a lightbulb...
If you're fairly familiar with refinishing, I would go for it. Worst part to me is the wet sanding and polishing of the nitro or whatever clear you use!
It's all a matter of how much you love that particular guitar's tone and playability. If it's a special one, you want the finish to be perfect, and budget isn't much of an issue, PRS' PTC at the factory can give it a factory finish, priced accordingly. In fact, it'd probably be their current nitro finish, which is an excellent finish with a great look and feel (and I think it sounds a little different, too, which I like more than the poly).
One thing to be aware of with Charcoal is that the black elements in the original stain are hard to remove, and they might not recommend going to a light finish like a honey burst. Might be worth asking about.
Any number of luthiers can give it an aftermarket finish. Should you ever want to sell it, I think it'd be worth more if it has a factory refinish. You'll take a bigger hit otherwise, though you'll pay more for it with the PTC. Maybe it'd even out.
If I tried to refinish a guitar, it'd wind up looking more like I used a Q-tip and Testor's plastic model paint, so mine would go to the PTC so as not to take any chances with a much-loved instrument.
One thing to be aware of with Charcoal is that the black elements in the original stain are hard to remove, and they might not recommend going to a light finish like a honey burst. Might be worth asking about.
Any number of luthiers can give it an aftermarket finish. Should you ever want to sell it, I think it'd be worth more if it has a factory refinish. You'll take a bigger hit otherwise, though you'll pay more for it with the PTC. Maybe it'd even out.
If I tried to refinish a guitar, it'd wind up looking more like I used a Q-tip and Testor's plastic model paint, so mine would go to the PTC so as not to take any chances with a much-loved instrument.
I appreciate your input. Here is the link to the pics of the guitar. Thanks again!
30 years ago I bought unfinished bedroom furniture and stained and finished them all myself. Mission style and real oak wood. I still have it and love it. I mention this to say that I have some experience with finishes. I would never attempt a guitar, especially a PRS, because I know I would not be able to make it perfect. So for me, there are only 2 options. Play it as is or pay for the PTC to do it. If you love the tone and playability of this unique individual guitar, take option #2. If it's just like all the other Singlecuts, save the money and find another one that hasn't been refin'd.
Les is correct , once a dark finish is on , if you want a light one you have to sand below the level of any grain saturation , thus altering it even if only a bit . I would suggest selling and finding one you like the color of more in the end it's better for the guitar and you
bodia
Authorities said.....best leave it.....unsolved
As Laz mentions, they won't be able to remove all of the Charcoal stain, so Honey Burst is likely a color they won't do. You'd need to do something closer (darker) to the Charcoal. For reference, here are before/after pictures of my '08 Custom 22. It was Whale Blue and I wanted to have it re-done in some type of Orange. They wouldn't do it since some blue stain would remain in random areas. I settled on Purple Hazel and was very happy with the results.
Before
After
Before
After
DISTORT6
NJ Devil
Nice looking SC250. As is.
FatFingerBlues
Gimme that Old Time Rock 'N' Roll
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I guess I am in the minority here
but I would not refinish that
repairing damage is one thing
but normal play wear is not damage
it just shows a guitar has been played and loved
There are people paying big money to have fake wear on their guitars
What you have is natural and beautiful
but I would not refinish that
repairing damage is one thing
but normal play wear is not damage
it just shows a guitar has been played and loved
There are people paying big money to have fake wear on their guitars
What you have is natural and beautiful
Canadian_PRS
New Member
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I have the best solution. Fix and keep the SC250 AND buy another guitar in the colour you want! It’s win-win! 
Oh the wife will love that idea!I have the best solution. Fix and keep the SC250 AND buy another guitar in the colour you want! It’s win-win!
Ok guys - I am very grateful for all of your opinions. Besides the finish - what bugs me the most is the bad tarnish on the bridge which was created by some kind of Chrome polish I was given years ago that wasn't in fact Chrome polish at all. If I can get the tarnish off the bridge and also the rust off the humbucker screws I'd be a happy camper.I have the best solution. Fix and keep the SC250 AND buy another guitar in the colour you want! It’s win-win!
On a bonus note @Canadian_PRS - the wife just told me, babe if you want another guitar just finance it through Guitar Center. You have a few years to pay it off. I was like - do you have any idea what you just said to me? Are you running a fever?!?! LOL! @Canadian_PRS I might just have to take you up on your idea.
remove part, apply Semichrome 
and elbow grease .. re-install and rock on ...
I had a BMW K75s back in my younger days , sand cast heads bugged me .. a bit of sanding and a LOT of buffing with Semichrome and they looked like CHROME.. the cats at the dealer service were like DUDE ! where did you get that done ...
and elbow grease .. re-install and rock on ...I had a BMW K75s back in my younger days , sand cast heads bugged me .. a bit of sanding and a LOT of buffing with Semichrome and they looked like CHROME.. the cats at the dealer service were like DUDE ! where did you get that done ...
Those bridges aren't chrome-plated, they're un-plated aluminum. So if it isn't permanently damaged, I'd get something made for aluminum.
Most PRS hardware (not including the un-plated bridges) is nickel-plated, not chrome, by the way. This includes the pickup covers. Some polishes will work with both nickel and chrome - Flitz is a good one - and some won't.
As far as the screws go, you can probably get a set from PRS, and just swap them out.
PS - Greywolf knows his stuff. I'd take his recommendation.
I've read where I could possibly soak the bridge in vinegar for a day or 2 then polish. I've never done that so I'm very cautious. I could always just buy a new bridge. I wasn't sure if those screws could be purchased from PRS or not but that would the simplest solution. I may try and soak a small cloth with some kind of lubricant/anti-rust solution and see if I can cut through that rust.
I'm not one of those guys that likes the rugged look on a guitar. I don't buy my jeans with holes in them either. I like stuff to look clean and new.
Canadian_PRS
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Hahaha nice! I’m happy to have helped. Whenever I get the hankering for a new guitar I present it like it’s something I’ve been eyeing up for a long time, and really want it and really just sell the idea.
Malloc
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I’ve had multiple PTC refinishes over the years (different guitars of course) and they’re basically factory new quality. Two “I hate to burst your bubble” points:
1. PTC is currently only offering same color refinishing (as of last one I sent December last year)
2. Think ballpark cost of a new S2
1. PTC is currently only offering same color refinishing (as of last one I sent December last year)
2. Think ballpark cost of a new S2
pwrmac7600
New Member
I will make a correction to this, I had my guitar refinished by the PTC Last year and they did a color change for me. BUT the color change had to be approved first, and you could only choose from current usa production colors.
I had a grey/black that i had them change to purple mist. and it turned out fantastic!
pwrmac7600
New Member
As stated above I had one done last year. I had purchased the guitar used, and the black/grey finish had hazing in it. otherwise the finish was in good shape. I contacted PRS about it, and since the price for the refinish was the same if i did a refinish in the same color or changed the color i decided to change the color as i feel the black/grey didn't compliment the top very well.
It was expensive, BUT I decided to do it through PRS because I felt it didn;t devalue the guitar being done by them. doing it through PRS ensured that the serial number remained intact, and the finish quality is that if the brand new PRS guitars. It was refinished from poly to their new Nitro formula, which looks amazing. I got the guitar back much quicker than expected, and the guitar looked and played like a brand new guitar.
I have noe current plans to ever get rid of the guitar, but if I did, i feel the guitar has not lost any value. It may have actually increased the value as it is a factory refinish and the guitar would now be listed in excellent condition. but again, no plans to get rid of it.
The experience with the PTC was so good that i actually considered doing another one. I think if you love the guitar the PTC refinish is absolutely worth it.
It was expensive, BUT I decided to do it through PRS because I felt it didn;t devalue the guitar being done by them. doing it through PRS ensured that the serial number remained intact, and the finish quality is that if the brand new PRS guitars. It was refinished from poly to their new Nitro formula, which looks amazing. I got the guitar back much quicker than expected, and the guitar looked and played like a brand new guitar.
I have noe current plans to ever get rid of the guitar, but if I did, i feel the guitar has not lost any value. It may have actually increased the value as it is a factory refinish and the guitar would now be listed in excellent condition. but again, no plans to get rid of it.
The experience with the PTC was so good that i actually considered doing another one. I think if you love the guitar the PTC refinish is absolutely worth it.
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