Hey Guitar Players

TX Poolnut · **Hey Guitar Players -** 10-02-2019, 08:50 PM

My brother is a music teacher. He teaches theory and gives lessons.

About a week ago, the shop where he works was burglarized and he lost his favorite Fender Stratocaster. It wasn't particularly valuable (early 80s Japan) but it was one of his first guitars. Needless to say, he's been down in the dumps about the whole situation.

So his birthday is in November. He was born in 1972. So I was thinking of buying a 1972 Fender Stratocaster for his birthday. The thing is, I don't know jack squat about what to look for or where to begin.

I'm willing to drop as much as 15k but I'm not sure they even cost that much. It needs to be a Sunburst body 6-string.

Any advice is appreciated.

our_auctionguy · 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX Poolnut

My brother is a music teacher. He teaches theory and gives lessons.

About a week ago, the shop where he works was burglarized and he lost his favorite Fender Stratocaster. It wasn't particularly valuable (early 80s Japan) but it was one of his first guitars. Needless to say, he's been down in the dumps about the whole situation.

So his birthday is in November. He was born in 1972. So I was thinking of buying a 1972 Fender Stratocaster for his birthday. The thing is, I don't know jack squat about what to look for or where to begin.

I'm willing to drop as much as 15k but I'm not sure they even cost that much. It needs to be a Sunburst body 6-string.
Any advice is appreciated.

If you're willing to drop $15k, I suggest you buy him a $2000 guitar and spend $13k on a therapist for yourself.

How about a trip to a local Guitar Center? They are a national chain and deal in new and used. They can find a classic Fender and ship it to the store like Cabela's does used guns.

TX Poolnut · 10-02-2019, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by our_auctionguy

If you're willing to drop $15k, I suggest you buy him a $2000 guitar and spend $13k on a therapist for yourself.

I figured it might not cost that much, but I know some vintage guitars can be high priced. I've got the money to splurge. This is the result of having no kids, no girlfriend, and no personal debt. All I do is save so every once in a while I go off a little bit.

It's for a good cause, though I could see the benefit of a quality therapist.

our_auctionguy · 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX Poolnut

I figured it might not cost that much, but I know some vintage guitars can be high priced. I've got the money to splurge. This is the result of having no kids, no girlfriend, and no personal debt. All I do is save so every once in a while I go off a little bit.

It's for a good cause, though I could see the benefit of a quality therapist.

The old strats are not cheap. Here is a custom 60s that would make most wet their pants...... https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-...onalizedViewCP

Personal opinions are like ....well you know. But me...If I had the resources you are talking, I'd spend whatever money just to be with him if one of you has to travel.... then take him shopping at some guitar stores where he can try out whatever. Time together to look is more valuable than any guitar you would buy him.

jimmyco · 10-02-2019, 10:07 PM

Pre-CBS is where they get pricey.

Beware, there are a lot of frankensteins out there. If you are going to drop four figures for a '72 sunburst, take the time to educate yourself, join a forum, pester the guys at Guitar Center, they won't mind.

You are a good brother.

SpiderWeb · 10-02-2019, 10:26 PM

You can educate yourself in time. This is what I would do. Do a lot of shopping but let him make the final decision because you might dog it and he won't.

Sunchaser · 10-03-2019, 02:28 AM

I appreciate the suggestion above about taking your bro to a store, and let him get what he wants...maybe he'd like to upgrade! Awesome your in a position to do that...and the adage family first is the highest priority. I pick banjo, so no real help on the guitar front. Very thoughtful gesture. You just climbed a few notches.😊

Casual Observer · 10-03-2019, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX Poolnut

My brother is a music teacher. He teaches theory and gives lessons.

About a week ago, the shop where he works was burglarized and he lost his favorite Fender Stratocaster. It wasn't particularly valuable (early 80s Japan) but it was one of his first guitars. Needless to say, he's been down in the dumps about the whole situation.

So his birthday is in November. He was born in 1972. So I was thinking of buying a 1972 Fender Stratocaster for his birthday. The thing is, I don't know jack squat about what to look for or where to begin.

I'm willing to drop as much as 15k but I'm not sure they even cost that much. It needs to be a Sunburst body 6-string.

Any advice is appreciated.

https://reverb.com/
LOTS of instruments and very safe. I've both bought on sold and have had no issues.

PRED · 10-03-2019, 05:43 AM

https://www.mecum.com/auctions/las-v...rch-by-domino/

StrokeofLuck · 10-03-2019, 06:30 AM

Guitars are a lot like pool cues, very individual in what people like. Getting him one with a rosewood fretboard vs. maple, if that’s his preference, could make or break it. I’d tell him you want to help but let him pick (pun intended) something he’ll love.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RickLafayette · 10-03-2019, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casual Observer

https://reverb.com/
LOTS of instruments and very safe. I've both bought on sold and have had no issues.

This x 2......………...

overlord · 10-03-2019, 06:46 AM

The Fender Custom shop makes all kinds of Player signature guitars like the Eric Johnson, Eric Clapton and SRV models for example and although they are expensive they are approx. something like 2,500 they are great guitars.

Guitar center should have a reasonable inventory. The fret board is important whether maple or rosewood.

Also pickups are important given what type of music your brother plays. Some folks like the vintage pickups and others like distortion pickups.

justnum · 10-03-2019, 08:27 AM

Replacing a guitar from early on sounds nice.

However sentimental value can be much higher than actual monetary value of guitar.

Its like buying a new pet because the old pet died. It just isn't the same.

Searching the internet for someone selling a stolen guitar can be useful, especially if it leads to the one stolen from your family member.

Celophanewrap · 10-03-2019, 10:32 AM

That's might big of you. Finding a '72 might be a bit of a issue but I'm sure they're out
there. Figure around 5K to 8K for a well preserved Strat?

highkarate · 10-03-2019, 11:43 AM

You shouldn't have to go over 4k for a sunburst early 70's american-made start. I have several american-made strats and they are some of my favorite guitars. None from that era, but I have other guitars from that era and they will be good forever if they are well-crafted and cared for. GL