- FENDER
- chevron_right GENERAL INFORMATION
In late 1997, Fender began marketing the StratPak (Model 013-4600-011), an all-in-one package that included a Mexican production Fender Standard Stratocaster, a gig bag, Fender Frontman 15R amplifier (with reverb), tuner, cable, strings, and picks (retail list $650). This all-in-one set helps the guitar student get into an electric guitar package in "one-stop shopping."
In the late 1970s, instrument bodies generally became heavier and less desirable due to their weight. With the higher prices of 1950s and 1960s Stratocasters and Telecasters on today´s vintage market (and less access to the average player), however, the 1970s models are beginning to climb in price.
Here's a bit of revisionist history: The 1970s were Fender's "Dark Ages," which lead to players and dealers looking for the models from the '50s and '60s (and the formation of today's vintage guitar market). Now that the source of the sought-after models is drying up or getting "too spendy," those 1970s models aren't looking too bad!
The most common Fender custom color finishes from the 1950s/1960s found are Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue and Olympic White. These custom colors may not be as highly sought after as other custom color finishes, and therefore will not be as highly valued as rarer custom colors such as Burgundy Mist.
Fender also produced a number of other electric stringed instruments. In early 1956, Fender debuted the solid body Electric Mandolin. This four-stringed model originally had a slab cut body, but became more contoured like a Stratocaster in 1959. The Electric Mandolin had a four-on-a-side Fender headstock, single coil pickup, volume/tone control, and a 2-screw shared-saddle bridge, available in Blond or Sunburst finishes, the Electric Mandolin was in production from 1956 to 1976.
Fender´s Electric Violin was first introduced (briefly) in 1958. The first production model had a violin-shaped solid body, single coil pickup, volume/tone controls, and a slotted peghead with four-on-a-side tuners. A revised edition with a scrolled headstock and ebony tuning pegs was produced from 1969 to 1975.
In the mid-2000s, Fender started producing several limited/special edition guitars in their custom shop. Most of these are very high end instruments that are produced in limited quantities. Because so few are produced, we don't list them individually for space considerations. However, refer to each respective section for basic information on each limited edition.
In the late 1970s, instrument bodies generally became heavier and less desirable due to their weight. With the higher prices of 1950s and 1960s Stratocasters and Telecasters on today´s vintage market (and less access to the average player), however, the 1970s models are beginning to climb in price.
Here's a bit of revisionist history: The 1970s were Fender's "Dark Ages," which lead to players and dealers looking for the models from the '50s and '60s (and the formation of today's vintage guitar market). Now that the source of the sought-after models is drying up or getting "too spendy," those 1970s models aren't looking too bad!
The most common Fender custom color finishes from the 1950s/1960s found are Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue and Olympic White. These custom colors may not be as highly sought after as other custom color finishes, and therefore will not be as highly valued as rarer custom colors such as Burgundy Mist.
Fender also produced a number of other electric stringed instruments. In early 1956, Fender debuted the solid body Electric Mandolin. This four-stringed model originally had a slab cut body, but became more contoured like a Stratocaster in 1959. The Electric Mandolin had a four-on-a-side Fender headstock, single coil pickup, volume/tone control, and a 2-screw shared-saddle bridge, available in Blond or Sunburst finishes, the Electric Mandolin was in production from 1956 to 1976.
Fender´s Electric Violin was first introduced (briefly) in 1958. The first production model had a violin-shaped solid body, single coil pickup, volume/tone controls, and a slotted peghead with four-on-a-side tuners. A revised edition with a scrolled headstock and ebony tuning pegs was produced from 1969 to 1975.
In the mid-2000s, Fender started producing several limited/special edition guitars in their custom shop. Most of these are very high end instruments that are produced in limited quantities. Because so few are produced, we don't list them individually for space considerations. However, refer to each respective section for basic information on each limited edition.
Add 20%-50% to the price of those vintage Fenders with an original factory custom color finish, depending on the rarity of color and original condition. An original custom color Fender's price tag will depend on both the rarity of the finish/model, and the original condition factor.
As a rule, professional refinished guitars are worth approximately 50% less than an original model, if the refin is in the original color/finish.