Whoah BigJay!!!

Don't take me so seriously man. My post was tongue-in-cheek and I apologised in advance in case I upset anyone... especially, by implication, chartered accountants!!!

Anyway, since you've explained the thread to me, here's my take on the subject......

The potential value of my guitar is of no more interest to me than the potential value of my dog or my wife. To me – and I'm sure a lot of people who love their instruments will agree – a guitar is more than just a commodity.

But to challenge the premise of investment value, Fenders are made in such volumes nowadays, that any significant increase in value is only likely over a VERY long period of time, for instruments that are in original condition, OR if one has had a celebrity owner. Disregarding the latter, my personal view is:

a) Why buy a guitar to store under the bed for 40 years? That isn't really what a guitar is for.
b) The return on the 'investment' is unlikely, in real terms, to have been worthwhile... you'd be better of collecting stamps or Barbie dolls.

BigJay – I take back everything I said about Wall Street traders!

You've even got me considering the value of my wife.

Although you haven't corrupted me completely... the dog's not for sale.

Ok so I'm glad that you guys have kissed and made up... on the topic of paying to share your wives- there are other websites/forums that cater

So anyway. The conclusion is that certain models that have a certain rarity about them or are exclusive masterbuit designs will gain value. granted that this depends model to model. I am only asking because I would like to maybe explore the option of trading as a hobbie outside of work in models that you cant get here. The issue is there are no 'diamond dealers' or anyone with enough pulling power to enable to get fender to do special runs for them in NZ- Can someone give me some pointers in this? Pros and Cons?

Feedback pls

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You've answered your own question in some ways. If the dealers there can't swing a good enough deal with Fender, then it suggests they are not buying in sufficient quantities to satisfy Fender, which in turn suggests that there isn't the market in NZ. In theory that creates a vacuum for a smaller player who's happy with smaller volume and margins, but to make it viable it's going to be tough to get the deals you need from Fender or any intermediary... if they'll deal with you at all.

Maybe you should think about 'refinishing' genuine Fender guitars, with some custom parts, dare I say relic-ing them possibly, getting them up to a unique, custom specification and offer them to the market that way. You don't even have to start with new guitars and you don't infringe copyright by re-selling them under the Fender brand. You'd have to make a good job of them though and the USP and price point would have to be good enough to convince people who might otherwise do their own mods or buy a Custom Shop.

Guitars seem to be a tricky market. A large one, but with a massive demographic – at one end, kids with no money, at the other successful 're-borns' with money to burn. As in all businesses, it's trying to find the niche that'll make it succeed or not.

Sorry to ramble... just a few thoughts!

(Starting to think this thread is a good one after all!!!)

Yeah well, it seems that the custom models on offer here are very limited and are only the 'bread and butter' models.. I would get great satisfaction if it was a product that is highly desirable and could not be bought easily here. It would most likely be second hand, except for maybe japanese instruments, or perhaps mint early nineties stuff (pluses, ultras etc...) and second hand mint CS.

The major retailer here nearly hold a monopoly on the stuff, and the prices reflect that.


Im toying with the idea at this stage, though its an idea thats causing sleepless nights and sudden bouts of enthusiasm...

Thanks for your feedback and your ideas too slowhand!!

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Hey Blertles buddy - how you doing?!

I like your idea, and it probably has some merit. Probably try to find one or two and try to turn them for a profit and go from there. Take your $$$ from them and try to get another one or two and see what happens.

It's for sure a niche market, but it may be something with some possibilities. Give it a try! You might not make much, but as long as you're careful, I'd bet you wouldn't lose any either. It would make for a cool hobby with a chance to earn a little cash - why not give it a try on a small scale?

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Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer

Good luck and don't lose any sleep. Nice to 'chat'... brings back memories of NZ from a few years ago. Took a year off (only 5 weeks in NZ) and did the camper van thing. Loved it.

I have some pics of NZ in the vinnypop lounge thread mate- check 'em out and go down to your local travel agent.. Ill have a beer with you if your down my way

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Im good mate- good to hear from you, how are you doing with thjings up your way? Thats exactly what I want to do- Im enthusiastic and passionate about guitars and I know what will sell and what won't. Ive been looking at guitar magazines and drooled over models that you cant get here since I was a 14yr old spotty wombat I have a passion particularly for the nineties stuff- I love them man!

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Sounds great. Right time of year to tempt me and we just sold a chunk of land in Ireland, so I'm sure my wife will need no encouragement.

Like to see the pics, but I have to risk public humiliation and ask what and where is the vinnypop lounge thread?

It's a great read:
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... t=vinnypop

you'll understand once you've finished Vinnypop is an icon on this forum!!

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Vinnyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Where are you mate? I hope all is OK - haven't heard from you in a while...

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Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer