No no, don't! We don't want those things getting into any more hands than we can avoid.

I still own a fake neck someone sold me a decade or so ago, when I had less idea what I should be on the lookout for. Getting duped that way might explain why I tend to turn into Mr Grumpy when kids ask where to get those decals.

(Actually, there was other stuff about that neck that should have warned me off, too: I was too easy to set up. On the other hand, it was quite a nice neck from the start, and after a little "treatment" it plays very comfortably. And so far I've not sanded that fake logo off - what a hypocrite!)

But yes, I've seen utterly convincing fake decals, including Custom Shop ones. I've even seen a website that offers to manufacture decals to order and shows all kinds of specialist examples of their work. That's why I'm wondering about the thickness issue as a giveaway clue?

I think Fender need to make more use of the shiny metal foil logos they put on the US Deluxe models and a few others. I presume they are a little harder to copy - I don't see how you could run them off an inkjet printer, at any rate. And they look very nice, to my eye!

Cheers - C

Do you never quest for the ultimate bargain? I'm chasing a 57 sunburst with amp thats so cheap i'm expecting to be mugged when i go to inspect it.

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Yes I know what you mean Niki! Those are rare and hard to come by these days as the sellers of today have so many resources to inform them on price range. Heck, you used to could go to a pawn shop and find a good deal. Has not worked for anyone I know for a while now.
Never give up the search though!! It can still happen!

Good point Ceri. The links are removed.

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Hey, wow: good for you, man.

I wasn't meaning to sound preachy: I was writing my post at the same time as you were doing yours with the link in, so I hadn't actually seen it at that point.

Anyroadup: tell us more about this '57 and amp. Is it a real '57 or a reissue? Or do you want wait till it is yours?

Can't wait!

Cheers man - C

Once again I point the interest people to http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html where they show Strat decals over the vintage years and compare real vs repro

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My other guitar is a Strat.

Its listed as a 57 strat with original case and amp (a tweed deluxe). Its in greater London so i may be asking for verification assistance Ceri, if you feel like coming along. The guitar itself looks to have very little body wear though there is wear on the fingerboard. Quite unlike fenders relic'd guitars. The amount asked for is ridiculously low, even if it was a reissue. Which leads me to scepticism. I've heard of quite a few tales of 2nd hand goods being sold at bargain prices and when you turn up to buy they hold you up at gunpoint. Particularly in the used car market. There's no reason the clever urchins couldn't work out transferring the same principles to used guitars. Particularly with our greed in the way of old guitars.

The whole thing does require a lot of consideration and a few musclebound friends should i make the trip. It does all seem a bit hinckey dai dai to me.

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I'm wishing you good luck Niki! I hope you get it and it's for real. Good idea to take Ceri for muscle!!

Crikey! Well my muscles are not too impressive and I'd be of limited use authenticating gear. But I'm well up for it if backup is required!

What I lack in scariness I sometimes make up for in rage. Someone once tried to mug me at knife point in Morocco and I got so angry at the sheer cheek of it that he finally gave up and went away. Not how his plan was meant to work out...

There was a good story of how Pete Grant (Led Zep manager) handled having a gun pointed at him by a mafia hood in San Fransisco one time, too.

But it would be nice if it didn't come to that...

Cheers - C

Ceri, I'm sure you could talk or bluff your way out of any situation my friend!! All that hand sawing had to build up the muscles! BTW when I showed the wife the wood you had hand sawn she suggested that I try to be as energetic as you!!

Hahaha - you've seen right through me! Yes, that is my usual approach to most situations.

Any hoods would have to say, "good grief, let this guy go! Our ears can't stand it any longer..."

- C

PS But no, the sawing just seems to make my shoulders hurt...

PPS ...And my regards to Mrs Hopkins.

Yeah Ceri after all that saw action you must have a right arm like Tyson.

Kppowww the sommerset slugger unleashes again.

In truth Ceri i only ask your accompaniment for identification and also maybe intrest to you. I'd be some skin to ask you to come and act the heavy. Maybe i'll shove a waterpistol in my pocket and keep my right hand in that pocket. Accidentaly on purpose so the outline of the waterpistol presses against the material of the coat.

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I'd be delighted: and you'd be welcome to ask for the backup part too. But you might think it was a mistake when you saw my strong arm technique though. Have you seen how the two guys fight in that Bridget Jones film? Very manly compared to me!

We'll take my brother-in-law along, the bricklayer. Now he IS scary! Those fellas will offer a price drop on the '57 immediately.

Without giving away "confidential" information, what part of town is this deal going down? For example, if it's Kingston-upon-Thames I don't think you need to worry. But if it is certain areas near me then it can't possibly be genuine...

Cheers - C

Wish I lived near you nik I would go along for the ride. Dont no how much good I would be but you never no.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Still no reply from the seller, it could of already gone. There was no clue to the location in the ad. I emailed the seller asking if they could tell me the first 4 digits of the serial no', and when i could view or purchase the instrument. For the money they are asking it's got to be someone who doesnt know what it is. Or stolen, or a fake. £1500 for a 57 with some relic'ing in the case and a tweed deluxe that looks a lot older than the guitar or fender relic amps.

S.e London. Isnt peckham around there.
Del boys yellow van is currently situated 2 miles from me. I was considering entering the forum tshirt competition sat on the bonnet of the 3 wheel van. Theres no posting outside the US now though. I missed the boat.

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