Paint job for your guitar

Several people have asked, so here it is: Yes, I can repaint your guitar. But there are some details so please review this listing.

Can I narrow down my color choices?

To a degree. Certainly, I can influence color to large degree, but with the hydro dipping it can sometimes have unpredictable results. I cannot guarantee a specific color, as sometimes a secondary color just takes over. What I can do is use colors you choose and lean toward the colors you prefer to be the dominant ones. That’s the best I can do. Standard dips start at $200 for my time and supplies. 

What if I don’t like the finished paint job?

Well, there are a couple of things I can do, but I don’t work for free. Yes, I do want you to have a paint job you like. That’s ultimately my goal. But as stated above, sometimes the colors choose themselves. But, for an additional $50 I can do a second dip. That can have unpredictable results, though. That said, I’ve done it before and the results can be stunning. Otherwise, I can do a full restart for an additional $150 (that’s a $50 discount off the standard price). Please note that set necks can pose a problem with dipping, as the water can weaken the glue. For set necks, there other types of paint jobs we can discuss to try.

What about existing defects in the body?

I’m pretty well versed in various means of repairing guitars, but again, I don’t work for free. Depending on the damage, we can find out if I can repair it and then work out a price.

Can you do other repairs?

Yes, but again, we’d have to discuss it first.

What about the electronics; can you rewire the guitar? 

Short answer, yes. But I prefer you do your own electronics, as I won’t be responsible for any issues that pop up. I can charge you to rewire the guitar, but I wouldn’t have any way of determining whether everything works or not since I’m typically only working with the bodies. That said, I have rewired many guitars, and I can try to help you through any issues that arise. But I make no guarantees with equipment I am unfamiliar with.

Do you clear coat the guitar?

Yes. I can avoid this if you prefer to do it yourself, but I cannot guarantee against scratches or other defects without at least a thin clear coat. And that’s what I typically do—a thin clear coat. Sometimes that leaves smelling texture, but most of my clients tend to prefer that. The colors can sometimes overlay lightly, and when that happens you can see some defects. In areas like this, you typically see a little ripple effect. Anywhere there was previously a crack in the finish—while I can repair those, sometimes the sanding will wear it back down. What happens there is typically a sort of crease in the clear coat. I typically let the guitar dry out a while after dipping, prior to clear coating, and then it needs another few days at minimum to dry.

Will you ship?

I can. But I would want you to pay both shipping TO and FROM. You could either include a return box or I can reuse the one you use to ship it to me. If I have to sully the box, I’ll charge you for it. That’s the best I can do.

Pricing (these are base prices, and a package can be negotiated):

I accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal (friend and family).

The standard sanding, dip, and clear coat: $200

Second dip: $50

Re-dip: $150

Unwiring: $50

Re-wiring: $150

FAQ:

First and foremost, while I treat this like a business, this is what I do to keep busy. It keeps my mind off stuff and helps me grow my own collection. I’m just having fun. 

I prefer cash but can take Venmo/PayPal. Local pick-up/meet is in Exton, PA 19341. But I am willing to meetup for those who live farther away. I can ship through Reverb. I test every guitar before I package it up to make sure everything is in working order, then I tune it down. I’m not responsible for issues that are created by the shipping company. I may use an inner box or gig bag to ship, and these may not always be the best gig bags. I’m selling the guitar, not the gig bag/box. I do my best to protect the guitar, and especially the neck, with packing paper and bubble wrap. My only goal is to get the guitar to you safely. 

Usually, I like to find guitars that need work. Some need more than others, but I’m really just trying to take a guitar and turn it into something special. I try to be as honest as I can about everything. I use high-quality paints for the hydro dips. They’re not cheap. Neither are the parts I sometimes require. 

I use SprayMax 2k Glamour to clear coat my guitars. Each gets a full can. Sometimes I put it on smoothly. Other times, I flood it to get a rippling effect (what some call orange peel). I consider it part of the artwork when I do this. Either way, I do not wet sand. Some people buy my guitars and relic them. Others build up the clear coat more and then sand and wet sand. Many leave them as is. Some use them as a base and mod/upgrade them. Again, I’m just trying to have fun doing something I love. They’re structurally sound, and that’s what matters. What you choose to do with after the fact is up to you. More info here: https://reverb.com/item/94634274-paint-job-for-your-guitar

I do accept trades, but I usually don’t go for the same for same one for one trades. Reason being, I’ve put money into getting these guitars back up and running. I like to recoup what I put into them at the very least. In cases like that, a cash/trade can work. If it’s something I want/need for my collection, I’m often more open to the trade. Things I’m currently looking for: a Sunlife pedal, Whammy DT, Heavy Empress, a resonator, a 12 string, a lap steel. Have a trade offer? Let me hear it. Always interested in guitar/music gear, but will listen to all trade or partial trade/cash offers. Check out my other listings as I usually have multiple guitars/gear available: 

I also have a Facebook page where I sometimes post guitars as I’m working on them, including sometimes TikTok videos:

I am also on Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/kenneths-gear-bazaar-604

Interested in having a guitar painted? Message me for details.