And when the "real" owner comes forth a year from now, what kind of a deal do you think you might have made ?

I would like to see proof the seller bought the guitar.

Another issue some of the 70s micro tilt necks had was, the tilt with 3 bolts would put stress on the guitar's neck pocket and would crack the wood around one of the 2 neck screws. Inquire if the body and neck have any damage/cracks. If they say no, keep the response (email) so that hopefully you can return it if it does, as this would degrade the value of the strat.

That was certainly my first thought when reading this thread.

I bet the "owner" is the guy who stole it ... kept it hidden in its case for fear of being discovered with it.

Guys will scratch off the "Made in Japan" or the "Made in Mexico" to try to make people think that it's a MIA guitar ... the only reason to scratch off the serial number is because it is stolen. Call the cops.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Unfortunately calling the cops would do nothing. The know nothing about where the guitar is located. I'm thinking you guys might be right. Maybe he was playing it off as he didn't know anything. He hasn't returned an email since I brought up the scratched serial number. Wonder if he's been busy tonight or he realizes what's up. Very unfortunate.. I thought I had a good deal here.

I wouldn't call the cops as there is no proof of wrong doing... only evidence that the serial number is missing.

I would not buy the guitar. I would not take a chance on being a party to a possible misdeed.

indeed, i let him know that i couldn't in good conscious (or risk my money) buy the guitar. he understood, but assured me if it was stolen, it was done 30 years ago. he said he was going to put it up on eBay. I'm curious to see how the auction goes, if he in fact does list it. I feel bad for him if he really is clueless about the situation.

By the way guys.. I just wanted to express my sincerest thanks for all the help you guys gave me. It's not very often that a guy goes into a forum with no posts and I get 3 pages of honest and very useful info and opinions. Can't thank you guys enough.