I just bought a second hand strat for a fairly cheap $A850 (about $US650). As far as I can tell it is a genuine US built Fender. The serial number on the front front of the headstock is E 44xxxxx (I'm at work, not sure of the exact number) Is says Made in the USA on the headstock.
I'm concerned that I got this guitar so cheap. Strats retail for about $2000 new and I got this one with a 60 watt Carvin Amp.
Is there any way to authenticate the origins of my guitar other than serial numbers.
The dude I bought it off looked like he enjoyed the odd reefer, maybe he needed money in a hurrry to pay the man, who knows.
The guitar is beautiful either way.
i dunno, my initial thoughts are it's a decent price.
Looking at your avatar and name I'd say you would like this guitare. Its black, with black pickguard and black pickups and knobs. Like The Edge used aroudn the time of Joshua Tree. I've never seen one similar.
I'm pretty sure I haven't been ripped off, but there is always the worry that some punk has outsmarted me.
You can try looking it up here when you have the guitar handy and can check the serial number: http://www.guitardaterproject.org/
But with that said, there's no guarantee it's the original American and not just a hodge-podge of parts put together. It usually takes a real experienced eye to tell the difference.
Used to be, was a part of me felt like hiding.. but now it comes through. Comes through to you.
i was gonna say that you paid too much for it, until you said how much new ones cost in oz. new ones around here cost about $700. i don't know. it seems like a decent price.
may be stolen...
NEW made in the USA strats sell for around $800.00 USD. The REALLY good ones, the deluxe models, sell for around $1200.00 USD. They do not sell for $2,000 USD though, unless its a very special model.
So if you paid $650 for a used standard American Stratocaster, and you got a nice amp included, it's a good price.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=stratocaster
Those are listed in order from sold to least, so that should give you an idea.
your E serial number implies an 80's strat.
used strats , probably a lot like yours, sell for 650$ in US guitar stores. (Willies Guitars).
your strat is real. your paid US price in Oz. a nice deal.
enjoy.
bigboy:
i'm a total loser, cos i know exactly what guitar you're talking about. The Edge used it on Where The Streets Have No Name and a few other songs. it's a beauty. he hasnt played it live in years though...prolly since ZooTV, if i remember my DVDs correctly.
we need pics
It cost money to get stuff across the big pond! :shock: I almost feel guilty but yeah, under a grand new over here. If a new one is 2 grand american or aussie down under you got a great deal. Congrats! If your concerned it's not real, if it plays and looks good enough to be real, who cares? I'd say you probably just got a good deal.
"Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard,
grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em."
-- The Webb Wilder Credo --
bigboy:
... he hasnt played it live in years though...prolly since ZooTV, if i remember my DVDs correctly.
I saw U2 for the first time last year and came away thinking they are the greatest straight-ahead rock and roll band going... hands down. I also came away thinking Edge has more guitars than most retailers :D I'm sure he had that Strat out that night... he literally switched guitars for every song. Our seats were close, to the side at stage level so we were near him and his mega rack he had :shock:
your E serial number implies an 80's strat.
used strats , probably a lot like yours, sell for 650$ in US guitar stores. (Willies Guitars).
your strat is real. your paid US price in Oz. a nice deal.
enjoy.
Oh how I love Willie's
That is just a little chunk of heaven here :)
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." -- HST
