He asked what it's worth. It makes no difference what the seller admits to. You can read the serial, but that means nothing without pulling the the neck ane guard and checking the pot codes and neck stamp like Chet said. I am suspicious of most sellers selling anything that's so called vintage. The bridge pup looks to have a newer cover or possibly new pup. The later you get into the 70's the worse the Strats got. Some were real boat anchors and tone turds to boot. Some were incredible.

I don't understand what the big deal is. The OP was suspicious and almost everyone who posted confirmed his suspicions.

OK I'm late to the party...The only thing tht might not be suspect on that guitar is the neck plate...

Orville Nice Does it stay in tune?

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I'm not slow... and I'm not fast... just sort of halffast...

Yeah Orville, now THAT'S what I'm talking about

Anyway for anyone who's still interested here's what the seller sent back to me:

"Hello Chris

The guitar is worth about 3500.00 USD

I feel that 2500.00 Cdn is very reasonable.

5 way switch and plastic back cover are not original.

Some touch ups to finish.

Guitar is 9 pounds 2 oz..great sustain

Pots are 1974’s..original...p/us are all 75’s

Neck is straight

You should see it and play it.

Have a fine day

Gary"


Funny guy. I'm certainly glad I checked here before anything happened.

Does this one look real?



I made the decision a few months ago, with a little help from my forum friends to play this guitar, and do not regret it one bit - I love it!

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

Niki: the head is actually in a nicely padded carrying bag:



the straps on the bag make the head a lot easier to carry.

Back on topic: I think a lot of that guitar might actually be a 1975 Strat. I would have to see better pictures before I'd consider it!

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

It looks pretty real to me, but then again I think I've seen it before!

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

That certifies my boat anchor comment. I'm glad you took a pass.

But not $2,5000 worth.

FYI
Blue Book lists a 75 in excellent condition at $3500.00 US
Vintage Guitar has the natural finish at 23 to 2900.00 US in excellent condition.

These are dealer retail prices. A dealer would offer 20 to 50% less depending on the length of time they anticipated carrying it.

It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. It's not in great shape and a lot of folks can't stand 70's CBS Strats. I have a 72 that weighs in at a little under 7 lbs. It's a great sounding guitar.

$3500 wouldnt even spark consideration for my '75 Strat - I wanted this guitar since I was 15 years old, and finally found this one and bought it - And I hear that mentioned a lot, the negativity towards 70's Strats, Mine plays great - granted, it didnt play like this when I got it, but after a nice set up, thats all it took - plays great, sounds amazing - took nothing more than spending some time with her and setting her up - I had posted a few months ago about whether or not to get this guitar refreted and play it - well, obviously made the decision to go ahead and play it - didnt quite need the refret, put some bigger strings on it, nice set up job, adjusted the pick ups, nothing like it!!

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

If you read the fine print, the 75's are actually worth more if they have the white plastic on them, rather than the black - I believe $4200 is what the strats with white on them are worth, high book

I always hear people say the CBS guitars arent that rare, and easy to find - I have honestly not seen many of them lately, at least ones that havent been altered, routed out, etc... I could be wrong, at least in my area, I havent seen many at all

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

Mhmm, I've heard mixed reviews. I don't believe people who speak negatively of 70's strats would be quite as harsh towards them if they owned one themselves

Yea, I know what you mean - I like them though - I also have a '79, it plays great - its actually out on the road with a buddy of mine right now, I doubt if I ever see this one again! lol

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

What does yours weigh, asg?

I took my 1975 (the first Strat I bought) into a local music shop and they weighed it at 9.05 pounds. I was expecting it to be higher, as it is the heaviest Strat I have.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.