Strat Value

[cjj]

Well, this isn't exactly a "classified ad", but it is non-Rick. Does anyone here have a feel for what the value would be on a MIM Fender Strat body that has a made in USA neck with rosewood fingerboard? The color of the body is a metallic blue, a color I've heard is only on the Mexican ones. Condition I'd put as excellent. Oh, it's a complete guitar, all but the whammy bar.

I really know nothing about Fender guitars, and just a little about Ricks (what can I say, I'm a bass player ). This particular guitar is one I've been borrowing from a friend for several years. He buys various pieces and parts of guitars and puts them together, mostly for his own use, he doesn't really like to sell 'em. But, when he let me borrow this one, he told me he was considering either using the parts for something else or maybe selling it. He said I could keep it as long as I wanted. Anyway, I kinda like the thing (even though I can't play guitar to save my life), and I feel like I should either give it back or make him an offer and buy it. I'd rather have a Rick, but since I can't play one, it this is cheap enough, who knows, maybe I'll figure it out and actually become worthy of a Rick guitar.

[winston]

$375.00 - 450.00 USD is about right. The USA neck alone will fetch him $175.00 - 195.00 on ebay so long as it has a serial number on it.

[cjj]

Hmm, I'll have to look for a serial number, where do they put them?. I'll try to get a few pics tomorrow too and post them.

[winston]

If it's a USA Fender neck as I believe you described it then if will be on the front of the headstock. Check the serial number and this site can tell you where it was made and when. http://www.guitarnucleus.com/fenderserial.html

[cjj]

Hmm, it has a serial number on the back of the peghead, not the front. The number is N6150258, which, according to that website puts it as made in 1996. The front of the peghead has a decal that says "Fender" and "Made in USA".

[winston]

It's a Fender USA neck. I should have said that you would find the serial number on the back of the headstock. I was playing a Japanese Strat of mine yesterday and the serial number is on the front of that one.

Post some pics. I have a large number of Strats. I can pretty much tell you the street value of a parts guitar from looking at high resolution pics.

[jdogric12]

Sorry to veer, but, on a related topic, I have a '65 Fender Mustang. I've read that 65/66 are somewhat uncertain. If I remove the neck, will it have a date on it? Thanks, J

[romo1950]

Date should be stamped on the heel of the neck , and usually the name of the person who worked on the neck

[cjj]

OK, here's a few pictures, sorry for the bad quality, I'm still figuring out this digital camera...

I'm told these are Graphtech saddles

[cjj]

And a few more

[cjj]

And the only real "issue", a scratch, fairly deep:

[winston]

CJ I would offer him $375 - $400.00 for it.

Jason the serial number on those is not always in evidence. You may find it on the neck plate and it should start with an L and have 5 numbers. What you should find on the base of the neck (if it is indeed of that vintage) is a date stamp and the persons initials who checked the neck.

[jdogric12]

Yes, it's L... 55, I think. something that I looked up and it pointed to 65/66, anyways. I may get brave and open 'er up this holiday weekend. Thanks for the info, and sorry again about the hijack!

[winston]

No problem Jason, I am glad to be of some assistance.

[wmthor]

If you can call or email the serial number to Fender's Consumer Relations Department and they will tell you the exact model, year, and specifications of the guitar.