So I have what was supposed to be a '76 black/maple strat. The previous owner had changed the bridge out, the pickups, and converted the 3-bolt to 4-bolt.

This this economy and being out of work now, I love the guitar, but gotta pay bills. Is there a good way to figure out what the heck it's gonna be worth realistically? I don't expect a miracle with the changes made to it, and really don't want to part ways with it...but this is "one of those times".

Any ideas from the folks who know would be appreciated much. Thanks guys. I'm not a big vintage guy, so I don't know this stuff. I do know that "original-everything" would have been much better value-wise, but I didn't make the changes so I don't have those parts.

Welcome to the forum my friend! First of all you're right that a guitar that is in original stock condition is worth more than a modded one (for re-sale). Is it possible for you to post a lot of pictures and provide more info on the guitar? Then I'm sure some of our members can give you a better idea of the value. Good luck!!

Very little if anything. Value can only be determined by how well it plays and what someone is willing to pay. There is nothing 1976 about the guitar anymore, obvious the neck is not and the pickups are not leaving you with a molested body. I would not touch it but for playability an sure not value from being old.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Sure!
I got one on this computer and can post up more detailed ones later from my other computer when I get home and have the camera.

Maybe $1500.... Usually the necks are worth a ton no matter what...

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that's shocking to me...lol
Like I said, I knew the parts being original would have been better, but I didn't know how much the neck and body are good for in the older market. hmm...

I was told by someone to expect about half that...like 800 or so with the old case and stuff.

Someone said to sell it to Yngwie...lol

Modified necks are less of a prize though.

It's a crap shoot at best selling heavily modded gear.

$1500 seems really really high for something that has been hacked apart.

if you had all the old parts you could get a lot more for it, but as you say you don't expect a lot less money.

Sorry to say, but I think your suspicions were right. Anyone with premium money to spend on a now classic guitar would have it to spend on a better preserved specimen, I could see getting OK money for it, if it plays and sounds super good, but not collector money for sure.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

I had already ascertained that it wouldn't be worth "collector money" as you put it...which is why I haven't come into this thinking it would be. lol...

heh yeah i figured, just didn't want you to get your hopes up, because someone said 1500.
You're 800 expectation doesn't seem too out there, provided the guitar sounds and plays well.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Not a chance now if you Knock 1200 off maybe! That guitar would not even be considered 50% because of all non original and mods even at book value that is only 500=%50 condition.

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

yeah, i totally understand all that good stuff.
the guitar found a home already it looks like. Someone was a big fan of the person that owned it before me, so hopefully they'll care for it and it'll bring 'em some happy tonez.

Thanks for the help guys...