Could someone take a gander in your Blue Book if you have a sec, and tell me what 1997 Fender California Stratocasters are going for these days in excellent condition? I have the original case, too.

SN: AMXN____________

I have a black one, with a nice dark rosewood fboard, maple neck, medium jumbo frets, and Fender Tex-Mex pups, all vintage style hardware, and I have no clue what to ask for it. Thanks for any help.

Around $600 to $675 according to recent completed Ebay sales.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

This is a much more reliable indicator for in spite of any "Blue Book" proclamation, the above figures represent what the buying public is actually willing to pay.

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You dig?

It also depends on where a guitar is located.

That guitar would sell for $600 in our market.

On the plus side it appears in good condition. On the down side it's black with a white pickguard...they are a hard sell in my market but do better elsewhere. also the year is 'so so'...not old enough to be 'collected' but old enough to be considered 'not recent or new'.

It's a guitar that 'I' would definitely consider if I wanted a good axe to play but would be reluctant to buy if I had thoughts of reselling it.

In my market (every area is unique), I'd list it for $700 and settle for $600. In reality, I'd keep it and enjoy it.

It would be interesting to hear from others if a 'color' or some type of 'burst' impacts the value in their area.

Original case for a Calif. Series Strat was a gig bag.

Mine came with case, though I could have upgraded at the time of sale and forgotten.

GC just offered me 400 for it - via email after seeing my guitar on Clist, so I guess that means 700 is not too much to ask if I sell privately?

That's what they would sell it for.

Sell it yourself and pocket the difference.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

What did you have it posted for on CL? If you post it for $700 and say "or best offer" than you can always haggle. The only advantage in dealing with GC is if you plan on trading. If the market in your area will pay your price than you're that far ahead. Set your bottom dollar at around $600. Even in my market, (east TN) MIA's sell for $600+. Also depends on how desperate you are to sell.

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TOO MANY GUITARS, TOO LITTLE TIME!

Current Stable:
Fender Stratocaster MIM 07
Squire II Stratocaster MIK 89?
ESP LTD MH-100QM
Jackson KE3 Kelly MIJ

FWIW: The 2011 Vintage Guitar price guide has this model valued at $500 to $600 in excellent condition. The guitar was made in the US and painted in Mexico.