Help appraising a Stratocaster... (1 Viewer)

[Jagan Seshadri]

Hopefully someone on the forum might know something about ascertaining the resale value of a Fender Stratocaster guitar. I got it used from a Strat enthusiast, and it was in fantastic condition, and was improved by some aftermarket parts.

It's a Mexican-made Strat (serial MN9.....), "Midnight Wine" burgundy color, two single coil, one humbucking (near the bridge), 5-way switch, maple neck, rosewood(?) fretboard, finished wood pickguard (oak), chrome knobs.

I have no idea what this would be worth, apart from what I paid for it.

Does anyone know how much this guitar is worth?

-JNS

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

These retail for around $450-500CAN new. The color and fretboard are standard issue. The aftermarket parts are probably another $50-80 new. There is not much special about the Mexis since there are hundreds of thousands of them (even though I personally prefer them to the US made ones), so resale value isn't that strong maybe $300-400?

 

[Jagan Seshadri]

So, what price would you peg it at, $300 or $400?

-JNS

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

It really depends on the buyer. If they like the upgrades, it is worth more, if not, less. If it were stock, you might be able to get $350 for it, but with new ones being available for not a lot more, it is tough to say. A lot would depend on how well it is set up too. Does it have a case?

I am also assuming this isn't a Squier.

If I were buying it myself, I'd be looking at the build quality, the condition of the neck/frets, how the grain on the neck is, if there is any figure in the wood - all things that could add or detract from what I'd pay for it.

 

[Jagan Seshadri]

It is not a Squier, and it is in fantastic shape. Looking at the wood, I see good grain and no discontinuities. There is not a scratch on it. Action is fine, no buzzing, intonation is good. Comes with a hard shell case that is also in great shape. Also comes with shoulder strap.

I'll try to pass this whole package off at $449 CDN, or best offer. That ought to be fair. I just don't play it nearly enough.

Hope the classified ads in the local paper yield some buyers

-JNS

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

With the case, $400-425 isn't unreasonable. Like I said, a new one can be bought for only $75 to $100 more without a case, so it will depend on how much added value your buyer sees in the upgrades.

 

[SteveCop]

Some people would say that putting a humbucker on a Strat is a disgraceful thing to do.

Steve

 

[Jagan Seshadri]

Thanks for your advice, Jeff. I'll see if $425 will do the trick!

-JNS

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

Strats routinely come with humbuckers these days (known as "Fat Strats"), so there's nothing disgraceful about it - in fact I prefer mine with a Floyd Rose which is even more of a sin, but I prefer a tremolo that stays in tune.

I'd ask for $449 (no harm in asking), but be prepared to sell at $425.

 

[James~P]

for all your guitaring/musicing needs, head over to


harmony-central.




since i cant type the URL because these boards are a bit on the spam-nazi side of things, just put three double-you's and a dot infront of harmony-central, followed by a dot and the word "Com"


look around the nav bar for "disucssion forums"



awsome forums, lots of fun, and INSANELY FAST.

i usually get multiple replies within 5 minutes.


i'm a guitar player myself, i'm on a G&L Legacy into a Mesa/Boogie .50 Caliber+ amp

 

[Philip Hamm]

since i cant type the URL because these boards are a bit on the spam-nazi side of things, just put three double-you's and a dot infront of harmony-central, followed by a dot and the word "Com"

What the heck are you going on about?

Harmony Central