I have a 1979 Strat and I am thinking about trading it for a Jeff Beck Stratocaster. My Strat is too heavy! It must weigh about 10-15 lbs and I don't play it anymore. I checked out a Jeff Beck model and I really liked it.

What advise would you all give me?

Thanks.

Check ebay to see what similar 1979s are going for, so that you get the proper value out of it. Of course, you usually do better selling it on your own that trading it in to a music shop.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

That '79 Strat is probably heavy because of all the active electronics that Fender tried to hoist on the public at that time. They were bad for sound. They were well built though.

The JB model is the finest signature Strat Fender makes, IMHO. I would prefer it over the more expensive Eric Johnson model. If someone wants to trade you for it, I would do it in a heartbeat! Some of the older JB versions have THICK necks, so play it before you buy. The new ones have a older C shaped neck style that is smaller than the original versions. If you can find one w/ a Wilkinson nut, instead of the LSR nut, you will have the version that Jeff actually uses.

_________________
2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp

My 79 Stratocaster doesn't have active electronics. I saw a similar guitar on Ebay but I think that the seller was asking way too much. 3000 or so.

I would love to keep it and use it but my back can't handle the weight anymore.

Here's a nice critique of your '79:

http://www.stratcollector.com/newsdesk/archives/000093.html

_________________
2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp

I worked in music stores then and that was Fender's low point, pretty much.

But your guitar could still be a nice one....to somebody. 70s Fenders are collectible if all authentic so it's worth more as a collectible than it would be otherwise. I'd put it on eBay. You can always refund the seller's money and keep it if you don't like the bid.

The necks are better than the bodies, usually. They weigh so much because Fender used a really heavy grade of ash for the bodies. Nothing you do short of replacing the body will fix that. I'd unload it and buy or build (better) what you really want, starting with a good wood body.

I'd tend to agree with this; the JB sig model really is an excellent choice of Stratocaster.

I just bought a 50th Anniversary,I'm going to add a 79 one day.They are heavy but have a Classic look. I would keep it and go get JB too.
Every guitar I ever sold I regretted it
.

Thank you all for your input!
Someone here in town at guitar shop told me to hold on it and that it will become more valuable. I was told that the guitar is from 1979.

Thanks

Now that all the 60s Strats are fetching completely unrealistic prices and the 50s have all but gone, casual collectors/vintage fans are now casting their eyes over 70s guitars.

If your guitar is in original order, and you can afford to replace with a modern Strat, I think the shop advice is the best. Retire it, clean it and keep it safe. Could well fetch a tidy sum in a few years.

_________________
Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

I`m constantly buying and selling either guitars or amps. If you have an insturment you don`t want or don`t use anymore sell it and upgrade, you`ll be much happier.

I have a Beck as my #1 ax these days, I just love everything about the ax. I would deffinetly hold onto the 79 as you will always be able to get a Beck Strat but not a 70s model. And if you do decide to sell it do not bring it to a store or you are going to have a partner. Throw it up on ebay where you will also find a Beck for hundreds less than you would pay in a store.