Does anyone have any idea how many Strats are now produced each year by Fender including MIM guitars. Judging by serial numbers it looks like in the 50s thru the early 60s it was only 10,000 to 20,000 per year Maybe 100,000 or more by the late 60s. The reason I ask is that a friend and I were having a discussion on the future collectability of current guitars. His opinion is that in a few years Fenders of the 80s and later would increase greatly in value. I felt the huge volume of production today as compared to the 50s thru early 70s would limit a great increase in value. I do believe they will continue to appreciate but I don't think we'll see Strats (not limited or custom shop) pulling in huge dollars in the future. If they were building 100,000 plus by the late 70s I can't imagine how many must be produced on an annual basis now. One other question does anyone know what the last year of regular production was for the nitro finish? Thanks for your input

Way too many.

I've always been curious as to these numbers, but I'm going to guess that Fender will never realy tell. 100,000 a year seems a bit high, all things considered. I frequent most of the local shops, and while I haven't actually memerized their inventory, I don't see them turning over quite that many.
Sorry, but I don't see Fender selling 100,000 strats at all in the '70s.

Granted, with all the different models (Strat, Tele and others), the overall total of guitars made by Fender might be about that many, but you'd have to include all the different brands as well.

_________________
SG.
"Walls" video from Zero in the Sun by Villains of Yesterday

Interesting thread.

I must agree that the production numbers are more than what they used to be, and this will have an effect on the future price for vintage stuff.

So this begs the question... How old does a strat have to be before it is deemed 'Vintage'?

I think that late 80's early 90's stuff will hold their own price wise, and strats of that era that have hardly been played at all and have case candy will be sought after. It also comes down to colour too. As far as american standard goes- perhaps it will be a while yet before they increase in value. Maybe a lot quicker for the Plus, Plus Deluxe, Ultra and also American Deluxe.

Custom shop Master Built is the way to go and will appreciate the fastest and also early CS models too. Team Built will hold their own till they hit the 20yr mark.

_________________

I've never heard production figures for Fender or Gibson and I expect we never will. But I suspect 100,000 is far under the annual number.

A handful of years ago Parker's production was quoted in a guitar magazine as 75,000 p.a., and that put them way, way behind Fender, Gibson and PRS (in that order). I seem to recall hearing Taylor sold over 50,000 just of their T5 in its first full year - that's just one model.

Bear in mind that Fender's Custom Shop by itself would qualify as the sixth largest maker if it was a stand alone company. By the standards of instrument making these are big companies.

Cheers - C

Speaking chiefly about Fenders, in spite of their production numbers being ever increasingly more prolific, merely the passage of time attaches a pedigree to an instrument, regardless of the quality (or lack thereof) of the individual specimen. This can be seen historically with Pre-CBSs, all through each and every one of Fender's 'dynasties' right up to this day.

On the other hand, with our present world wide economy, except for the select few, we the majority must focus our financial resources/priorities most keenly as never before. So, I would think that once we eventually get out of our financial ruts, our experiences of us having gone through them will surely make most of us look at what qualifies for a true, prized possession with a more discerning eye, irrespective of age.

The bottom line: Only time will tell.

As always, this is merely, IMO, YMMV.

Oh, and as to when Fender switched from nitro for poly, if my memory serves me correctly, it was 1968.

_________________
You dig?

Exactly theres nothing in it difference wise. I cant imagine the players of the 50's obsessing over every nuance the way we do.

_________________
No no and no

I think there are exceptions to that and I think, masterbuilts and CS one-offs will. Ive seen a few american models hold their own... Ill say for example, a 50th Anniv Deluxe edition..



I dont think anyone on here would think that posting pics of their guitar would make it more valuble.. I would like to know who does...?

_________________

Well I beg to disagree. I posted a thread about my powder blue Strat and demand for it went through the roof. Eric Clapton phoned up and asked to buy it for a handsome price and when I wouldn't sell he had Fender build him a pale blue one instead, which he currently uses.

Or did I dream all of that...?

Cheers - C

(Yes, I dreamed it - lest there be any doubt...)

_________________

I know what you are saying, on the bread and butter models, unless they are 20+ yrs old, unplayed, all case accessories and reciepts- then they will be worth a little more

Here are some examples of production models that have seemed to gain value:
Strat plus in turquois- mint with case candy. Back in 1990 they were approx $2100 new. Take with consideration inflation, this would be in a rough estimate $3500 today. They have obviously, lost value and gained it back. maybe and then some- but not by much

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1984-FENDER-USA- ... 2c514a26bf

The same in Seafoam Green:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1988-FENDER-USA- ... 19b7110f5c


'85 '62 re-issue... note the price:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1986-FENDER-USA- ... 2c513f9bb4

Fullerton '52 re-issue tele:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1982-FENDER-USA- ... 20adee565b

'83 elite strat:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1983-FENDER-USA- ... 19b7b53ae4

This has to be my favourite example- '88 les paul '59 re-issue:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1988-GIBSON-USA- ... 2c51a54ab4


I highly doubt anyone in the 50's or 60's in the market for a custom colour strat would have bought it for an investment, nor anyone in the '50s buying a flame burst les paul standard.

_________________

The only masterbuilt guitar that has really gone up in value is the SRV Tribute and you can buy used Materbuilts and one-off Custom Shops for less than their original price any day of the week. Even the 50th Anniversary Deluxe guitars were mass produced so what would drive up their value? Playability? Quality? Collectors don't care about such things, rarity is the only thing that makes a difference to the value.

_________________
Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Excuse me for asking, but is this a thread for chartered accountants?

Why is anybody bothered how many guitars Fender produce each year?

Sorry, I just don't get it... just my ignorance maybe. Hope I've not offended anyone!