• From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2011-01-01
  • Posts: 411

Topic: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I know this is purely a personal choice, but I'm a bit torn up on it.  Do you think I'd be hurrying the value of a bonaburst by having it aged?  It's signed by Joe, so that's a consideration....though I could one day try to have Joe sign it again.  I'm never personally selling it....it's something I'll be leaving my son.....so, please offer an opinion.  I don't want to hurt an already amazing guitat.
Thanks

Bonaburst #18, JB Epi #191, MusicMan Darklord, LP Cherryburst Traditional Plus, Gigliotti GT, Takamine, Takamine 12 string, Martin D-28 & GPCPA1, Fender Amer STD Strat, Fender Custom Shop Gold Metalflake, Custom "OSU" Wagner Tele, Gibson SG Limited Govt Model, Jim Kelly Combo
  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Don't do it!!!

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I've never really understood artificial ageing.  Play it for the next 30 years and it will be properly aged for your heirs.

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  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Joe artificially aged one of his BCC guitars...

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2011-01-01
  • Posts: 411

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I won't live that long...but I def appreciate where you're coming from.  That's how I've always felt, but then a friend went and purchased an aged strat...and there was something kinda neat about it.  But it would mean more for me...or someone...to put the scratches, dents, wear marks in it from playing.

Bonaburst #18, JB Epi #191, MusicMan Darklord, LP Cherryburst Traditional Plus, Gigliotti GT, Takamine, Takamine 12 string, Martin D-28 & GPCPA1, Fender Amer STD Strat, Fender Custom Shop Gold Metalflake, Custom "OSU" Wagner Tele, Gibson SG Limited Govt Model, Jim Kelly Combo
  • ACF
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  • Registered: 2011-01-07
  • Posts: 140

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Also if you go to the "Historic Makeover" website you can see pictures of a JB Goldtop that they did. Its a bit to relicked for me but thats just me. Only my opinion but it's my feeling that a signature guitar should be left as is. I am all for sending a guitar for a makeover but just not a signature guitar.  I'm speaking from a collectors point. If you look at it as a money thing you will never get your money back out of it. I know you said you would not sell it but you never know. After what I've said here it still comes down to how YOU feel about it. As far as playing it for years to age it. Forget it, because that finish Gibson put on your guitar will look the same for years to come. Best you can hope for is to put a few nicks in it.

Anthony
  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I would leave it as is. My JB studio I would never do anything to it except for natural wear and tear. If you had two, I'd say do the other one. But if you only have one, just play the crap out of it and nothing else.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

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8 Reply by cindyron (edited by cindyron 2012-08-04 07:02:53)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Denbon18 wrote:

I know this is purely a personal choice, but I'm a bit torn up on it.  Do you think I'd be hurrying the value of a bonaburst by having it aged?  It's signed by Joe, so that's a consideration....though I could one day try to have Joe sign it again.  I'm never personally selling it....it's something I'll be leaving my son.....so, please offer an opinion.  I don't want to hurt an already amazing guitat.
Thanks

Do not be torn....just do not do it. If you are leaving it to your son I suggest leaving it as it is. How does that go "do not fix it if it is not broke"

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
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  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2011-01-01
  • Posts: 411

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Thanks all....points well taken and much appreciated.  She's going to stay as is....which i'm much more comfortable doing

Bonaburst #18, JB Epi #191, MusicMan Darklord, LP Cherryburst Traditional Plus, Gigliotti GT, Takamine, Takamine 12 string, Martin D-28 & GPCPA1, Fender Amer STD Strat, Fender Custom Shop Gold Metalflake, Custom "OSU" Wagner Tele, Gibson SG Limited Govt Model, Jim Kelly Combo
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Artificial aging on a guitar is a personal thing. Sort of an acquired taste if you will. I think the makeovers Kim at HM does are amazing! I don't see a Historic Makeover as devaluing any guitar. On the contrary, I see it as adding value. Go price out HM guitars on the used market (when you can find one!) and you'll see for yourself. I love my Bonaburst and it's a killer guitar but the neck profile is just freaking huge!! And I like big neck guitars. I do plan on sending mine to Kim when I can afford it. Maybe next year? I doubt I will have it aged but we'll see. Mine is also signed. Joe gave me a guarantee that it would last until it was needed again. smile Kim will restamp the serial number and I'll take it to a Joe show and get it resigned. No problem.

Stay Safe Y'all

11 Reply by ACF

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  • Registered: 2011-01-07
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Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Spider, I'm going to do the same thing with my R8 but that's a little different. You are talking about a playability issue. The OP is thinking of doing it for the look. Interesting that your Bonaburst has a big neck because I thought they were more of a 59 profil

Anthony
  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Joe would say that you should make the guitar your own...that means aesthetically doing whatever you want with it!

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

The earlier issue Bonabursts, which mine is, came with big large shoulder necks. Joe even commented how big it was when he signed it.

I don't think it matters if it's a signature, a standard or otherwise, a Historic Makeover will add value. It may not appeal to everyone Ill admit. If your doing it even for aesthetics, I think you'll be very happy with the results.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Easiest way to get a crackle finish is to get a can of compressed air and a blow dryer.  Blow dry the surface in places you want the crackle finish to be make sure not to stay in one spot or you'll melt the finish.  Do this for a minute then turn the canned air upside down and spray sparingly.  The finish freezes rapidly and expands too fast causing the finish to crack.  If you spray too much its going to look fake.  Anything you wanna do is on this site this was were I got the suggestion for you, but I would do it.  http://www.relicdeluxe.com/body_guitar_ … finish.asp

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  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

Den, Don from Category 5 Amps sent his JBLP GT to Kim for a Historic Makeover. I was questioning the wisdom of it, but the result was stunning. Look up the thread on the Les Paul Forum. If you can't find it ,let me know and I'll post the link. With all due respect to AD3THREE I STRONGLY recommend that you don't do the compressed air thing.

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Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

dknight16 wrote:

I've never really understood artificial ageing.  Play it for the next 30 years and it will be properly aged for your heirs.

yep.  inject your own mojo into it.  having a guitar aged is like the medieval concept of "prima nocta".

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  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
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Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I don't do that kind of thing.  I abuse my stuff the natural way. smile

wharris wrote:

Den, Don from Category 5 Amps sent his JBLP GT to Kim for a Historic Makeover. I was questioning the wisdom of it, but the result was stunning. Look up the thread on the Les Paul Forum. If you can't find it ,let me know and I'll post the link. With all due respect to AD3THREE I STRONGLY recommend that you don't do the compressed air thing.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Opinion on aging a Bonaburst

I totally would think of doing that to a $4000 guitar.  Maybe a squire for fun, but even that seems wrong.

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