Question Regarding my Patent Pending Wolfie...

[smme5150]

I have a Black, Patent Pend Wolf Standard like Ed used in the Humans Being Video. I've had it for ten years ( 1996 purchased). I am thinking of getting rid of it, but it is a little sentimental to me ( recorded first cd, did some great gigs with it, kids were both born and had pics taken with it etc) but I want to sell it. The problem is the frets are worn, one of the Ivory tuning keys is got a hairline crack, belt rash on back and the strap button on the rear of the fiddle is kinda mashed inward but is still fine. There are no major scratches, dings etc and the front looks great. The neck is like butter with plenty of birdseye. Overall for being played hard, gigged, recorded etc, it's in great shape and sounds so sweet! My question is will the problems take the value way down our will the fact it is a patent Pend model help sell it at a decent price to help me over the sellers remorse!

I just don't play much anymore and the band is on indefinite hiatus and I also have a 5150 combo that needs to go as well and has just had JJ's put in and is perfect condition! Maybe I'll package the two!

Fellow players advice welcome/needed as we've all been at this crossroads.

[Eddie's Little Monster]

God man, It's like I wrote that post. I have the same guitar and I have the same problem. I've been thinking of selling it to finance a new Amp head, but Like you, I've used it a ton on Cd's, gigs etc. Not to mention the sentimental value.

Anyway, I've read that just because it's a Pat pend model it really doesn't add that much value if any.

But, If you're unsure, I would say keep it. You don't wanna any regrets.

[smme5150]

I always thought the Patent Pending were worth more! Sucks!!! Anyway I just can't decide. Yes, I could use the cash ( can't we all!) But it's just I don't ever play. My band is about in the state of Van Halen-nothingness and I just feel like I'm ready to move on and do somethin else. More help all!

[homeunit]

If you guys want big $$ it isn't going to happen. If you want to sell them eBay them with a reserve that you're willing to take.

I have 2 handmade guitars that are worth around 3-4K a peice, but like you guys I play them and they're cosmetically beat to shit so I'm sure I couldn't get what they're worth for them but fuck it they're players.

[AT]

Unfortunately you can't expect to get some of the higher prices for a Wolfgang that is a) Beat up, and b) Not a flame top model. The Patent Pending mark definitely adds some attractiveness to it, but not enough to overcome the flaws.

As an owner and player of 17 Wolfgangs, including two Custom Shop models, here's what I suggest...

1. Replace the strap buttons with similar buttons. It's a cheap way to take away one of the flaws (I keep extras around--found them on eBay for $.75 each).

2. The Gibson ebony touch-up pen does wonders for high-gloss black. Any and all of the minor dings on the black backs of my Wolfies get a treatment when necessary.

3. Those ivory tuning buttons are a pain the ass. I've seen a LOT of black and ivory Wolfies with cracked ones (all the other standard models had the pearloid buttons). I couldn't find exact replacements for the ivory buttons when a few of mine cracked, and Peavey would only sell me the full set of Schaller tuners with the buttons attached, so I searched the internet endlessly for replacements and found a small company in Germany that made something similar. It was pricey to replace them (around $30 shipped), but the new buttons are WAY better than the ones Peavey used.

4. Simichrome polish can help "buff" out mild scratches in the gloss finish. After you've given them a once-over, clean the guitar and polish it with GHS guitar polish. It'll be cleaner and shinier.

5. A fret level by a pro will be anywhere between $75 and $125. I've done fret levels to a few of my Wolfgangs, and they play amazing afterward.

6. Clean the neck with a small brush and Murphy's Oil Soap. Then apply a thin layer of lemon oil. The neck will look great and will then match it's recently cleaned, touched-up, and polished body.

7. Windex works wonders for hardware.

After you've done all that, keep your guitar and enjoy playing it in top notch form again. It's a kick-ass guitar like none other, and you'll be happy again someday that you kept it.

(I know I'm no help at all.)

[MOJODOJO]

Keep it!

I've sold guitars before that had sentimental value and have always regreted it.

I had a Kramer Baretta that my parents and I bought at the Hollywood Guitar Center in 1984 and I sold it 10-years ago for about $350. I wish I would have never sold it! If I want one now it's going to cost me over $1000.

The only good news is if you do sell it you can always buy another just like it as there's A LOT of Wolfgangs on eBay.

Good luck!