hi guys im new here i signed up because i wanted some expert (or otherwise) opinions out there on what this guitar might be worth. Its in really good nick and i have just had new strings and everything setup by my local music shop. They were pretty amazed to see it to be honest and said the only things they could see that werent original are the pot's and the fact it doesn't have the headstock decals( Though the neck is original and is stamped 02 Feb 1963).
Oh and serial number is L12026

Cheers!

Check Ebay

Hi there Jay. A non expert opinion but I think we all know that an old guitar from 63 would go for a bomb in mint condition (15 to 25K maybe) however any prospective buyer would want detailed photos of the guitar e.g. neck off, interior body shots including the pickups and those ones here are just too small to get any idea. Any modifications including paint refinishes and no decal can reduce the price significantly.
No original case?
Some proof of history is also beneficial and just reinforces its authenticity.
A full appraisal from a couple of reputable dealers would be advisable and some often refer to the blue book for prices. An appraisal would also help for insurance purposes.
You never know they also could put you in touch of buyers if you ever considered selling it which I hope you are not.
As goodinbed mentioned look around and see what similar items are going for but there are a lot of variables.

Check with Elderly Music in Lansing, Michigan. They are really good appraisers and they have many vintage strats for sale, some refinished that can help give you an idea.

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I saw a refinished black 1963 Stratocaster at a local shop- logo peeled off but the store owner who is a respected vintage dealer verified it's authenticity. Other than that, the volume knob wasn't original either but the price was NZD $8,000.00.

I thought it was worth it.

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That could be well true Blertles there is always a great find to be had however the last 64 that went on trademe (a local auction site in NZ) went for roughly the same price you mention but many NZ experts at the time failed to pick up on the fact that the pickups on the strat were pencil dated early jan 64 but had grey bottoms. I would have thought they would be black and dated with a yellow stamp. Grey bottoms did not come in till 65 so who would have pencilled a n early 64 date on them? In fairness to the seller though they made no definitive statement about everything being original and they were probably completely unaware of the fact.
What I'm driving at is that there are many quirks to vintage strat dating that can escape many which is why if you are buying or selling it is important to deal with the right people including posting here. There is a wealth of knowledge available on these forums.

appreciate all the comments guys thanks for that. I am from New Zealand so does anyone know of any people who do appraisals here? (preferably auckland). Because it would be a bit better getting the appraiser to actually look it over i feel than just send photos to someone in the states.

I'm still learning how to play really and i didn't even know it was vintage until i took it into a shop to be setup!

at this stage just wanna get it appraised and get a value on it for insurance and everything coz it plays so bloody well and the neck feels amazing i couldnt part with it!

cheers

Try Bungalow Bill's up on the corner of Khyber Pass Rd & Symonds St in the City. That is the place I saw the above Strat (I believe it is still there)- he is good.. The thing is, New Zealand market is very limited in terms of vintage gear and like the above poster said, very easily can things be overlooked as we don't use eBay like everyone else.

Rule is, you will always get a better price overseas if you are willing to take a punt because not many people take much interest in buying vintage gear. Australia is a good bet if you want to sell, Melbourne or Sydney- or even the states.But if for insurance purposes ( I would highly recommend you get it appraised) go and see Bungalow Bill- he may charge a small fee.

Also, like above- this forum will inevitably point you in the right direction and has a good wealth of knowledge.

For what it's worth- I have seen about 7 years ago, a mint 1962 Strat in original Sherwood Green with replaced saddles- thats all, otherwise completely mint. On sale for NZD $20,000.00 and that guitar was on the wall in a music shop for a very long time. Worth every penny, but no-one had the coin to buy it. I heard it got snapped up by a buyer in the states when the shop went into receivership.

http://bungalowbills.com/index.php << get in contact

I hope this helps.

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Yeah I agree with Blertles the NZ market is a tight one. Not many have the cash to pay the for the true value of vintage gear.