Hi all,

It's been ages since I've posted here, but I'm in desperate need of advice. So here goes:

I have a 2008 Gretsch G5120 (rockabilly orange, Gretschbuckers), and was offered a 1983 "E-Series" Torino Red MIJ Squier Strat for it. I've been doing a bit of reading, and everyone seems to concur that these are excellent guitars - probably as good as any MIA from that period. I'm somewhat concerned, however, about possible resale value. MIA is worth a lot more to most people than "Squier" or MIJ. First off, is it a good trade, and second, should I do it?


(Edit: the Strat in question has been upgraded with a set of Lindy Fralin 'Vintage Hot' pickups -- a great set)

Thanks.

Dont do it. The Gretsch is a classic. The JV squier is a flash in the pan momentary crush by comparison.

It wont hold value anywhere near as well as the Gretsch does.

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No no and no

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking very much along the same lines. My burning desire for a Stratocaster can wait: I posted an ad offering to trade the Gretsch for a Highway One or American Standard. That would be a fair trade, I feel. And while I like the Gretsch, partly because it's interesting and not many people have them, I think a Strat would be far more amenable to the music I tend to play...

I'm not taking it.

Well you were given good advice and I am glad you took it. Even though I feel they are as good as any US guitar at the time even 80s MIJ Fenders Strats dont seem to hold as good a resale value as one would think.

I'm curious: why do you feel the Highway One would be a poor trade? They have a similar MSRP, and the Strat has the added advantage of being American-made. It seems to me that, given the potential for resale or, at the very least, lack of depreciation, would make that particular trade a good thing.

Besides, I really, really like the Highway One Stratocasters. The big headstock and matte finish really turn me on.

I have a E series Squier from 87 and I love it. It's probably the guitar I pick up the most. Partly because it was my first guitar and partly because I love the feel. It feels more vintage than my other guitars. It has the slab board rosewood fretboard, the body is heavier than my other guitars, and it's classic black. Just feels like an old guitar.

That being said, it cost $250 new, and they usually sell on ebay now for $300. So I wouldn't trade.

I'm not familar with your guitar, but if they're saying about $500 used you might able to get a older American Standard for it. I don't know what craigslist is like in your area, but in Phoenix, there's usually some American Standards that pop up for about that.

I just got another offer: a sunburst, mint condition Hwy 1 Strat. I'm sorely tempted. I'd play the snot out of it, probably more than I play the Gretsch, and I've always wanted a Stratocaster. MSRPs are about the same; resale value is probably a little higher on the Strat, actually.

And while I know the Gretsch is probably a "cooler" guitar -- subjectively -- I think Strats are timeless. They are ubiquitous, and I like interesting instruments, but I would use it all the time...

Not that one.. The G5120 is one of their Korean models... But even still its worth more than a squier.. I think it's a fair trade for a Hwy 1...

It's not a poor trade... not for a G5120... I am thinking certain persons don't realize that Gretsch (Fender) is making cheapo models in Korea now..

Do yourself a favour and hold on to the Gretsch.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Somethings Fishy, There weren't any E series Strats in 1983. If it truly is an '83 its either a JV series or SQ. If its a JV its worth a lot more than your Gretsch, and they have been increasing in value over the years. A Prime JV can fetch upwards of a grand. I disagree with the members telling you the Gretsch will hold value better. Isn't an overseas model? The Squier in Question is fastly approaching 30 years. It is most certainly not going to decrease in value. and I doubt a Korean gretsch will.

Actually that's not entirely accurate. The original Squiers were not actually entry level guitars but were meant to be Fender's answer for the European and Japanese Markets. The JV series really was top notch, even the SQ series were at least moderate intermediate level guitars. I mean what entry level guitars do you know that look like this, with this much attention to detail :




21frets.com

....This you should do....if for no other reason than what you stated above: you would play it a lot more. That's a big "win" for you in the long run. Do it and never look back!