Hi guys,

I'm an aussie guy, heading to the states this July, and I've got a few questions.
I'm currently playing a dodgy Squier Strat, and want to upgrade to an American Made. I've seen prices at around $600-700 USD on Cragslist, can these high quality guitars really be bought at this price? Will they become any cheaper by July with the economic crisis and all?

Do many pawn-shops in the L.A area sell American mades at competetive pricing?

Also will any american standard rise in price in say 50 years time, or do only selected models become relics?

Lastly how can you identify a fake fender. I know about the serial number starting letters but are there any other indicators of fakes?

Thanks in advance guys,
Guitarchump.

Welcome!

Yes, they really can be had for these prices and sometimes, even a bit cheaper. They will probably level off at these prices as regardless of the economic situation, people would rather hold on to them rather than outright give them away.

Pawn shops have latched onto the value of guitars in general and the days of getting a super deal at a pawn shop are now quite far and between.

Of course, the price/value of American models will perpetually increase over the years. However, there are SO MANY of them out there, even those of Special Runs, that for the vast majority of them to become outright collectors items, the odds would probably be quite negligible.

As to spotting fakes, the bootleggers have become mighty sophisticated over the years and I've personally seen them fool 'experts'. You'd really have to do a lot of research on how to tell; there's no, "universal checklist" so to speak. One thing's for sure, pawn shops would have an infinitely higher degree of selling them as opposed to a legitimate musical instruments store.

Incidentally, if you do buy one while you are here, you might not want to buy one in California as the state's sales tax is very high. Next state over, Nevada has no state sales tax and you'd save some money if you bought one there.

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Enjoy your stay mate! Always wanted to go to Australia. Good luck in your strat hunt.

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Music is the space between the notes.