So, Vic: what do you plan to do with that 63 Strat?

I'm guessing most people on this forum would want to keep it, play it from time to time, gaze at it a lot and eventually pass it down the generations.

If it is indeed what it purports to be its value will only increase over the years.

If after all you decide to sell it you have several options. Ebay is one way to go, but check out import/export issues and insured shipping before getting nasty surprises. Spend a lot of time watching top-end guitar sales on Ebay to get a clear idea how things work. And if you finally decide to list it, do so at the very least on Ebay in North America, the UK, Germany and France and maybe Japan to stand a good chance of finding the right buyer. The more sites the better.

Many South Africans come to London a lot. If that includes you then you could seek assistance from this shop, amongst others:

http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/

Check out their Fender page: but don’t get too excited, yours doesn’t look to be in the “mint” condition that commands the highest prices. Send them an email, tell them what you have and see if they have advice for you.

If you think of bringing that guitar to Europe to sell it, find out very clearly about import duties first. And don’t even think about bringing it in pretending that it is not valuable. British Customs Service for one has experts on guitars and that one won’t slip past them. I know several people who have got stung very badly trying to sneak expensive instruments into the country. I’m sure it is the same in other countries too.

The best prices for vintage instruments are still to be found in America, though their market is taking a hit right now. I feel sure one of our esteemed colleagues State-side is ready to advise you where and how to sell that guitar in NY or LA.

Over to you, guys…

Oh, and keep posting on this site. Lots of people are very interested to follow the story of the South African ’63.

Good luck!!

Even from a distance, the guitar looks original and the condition looks good. The red would be much rarer than sunburst IMHO... $30,000 to $40,000

Woa, tiger! Let's not get the gentleman too excited, in case he's then disappointed later. There's a '63 'burst in comparable condition on that website I mentioned going for £13,850; that's about $25,000.

There's also a Fiesta Red '62 marked POA. (That tends to mean "much more expensive", Vic.)

Anyone know the status of Candy Apple Red on a 60s Strat?

Is alainlafrance watching this thread and does he have any comment to make?

Has he or anyone else already PM'd vicvtr...?

Will we ever find out how this story develops? Stay tuned.

Hi Guys
Been offered 13000USD today locally but i think it is worth more or must i let go?

greetings

Read the previous few posts, then go and do some research. Of course, we've only seen one small picture, and little details like the soldering inside makes a difference - but $13,000 sounds very low. There's collectors that'll get on a plane and come and fetch it from you for more than that.

If it's kosher, then that guitar will only gain in value. Take your time.

Thanks Ceri

I think i'll take my time the right person that will appreciate it for what it is a "1963 Fender Stratocaster" and not the value of it will come along on a fine day and buy it from!As for now back in its case and back on top of my cubboard at home,i will maybe clean more often than in the past?.So for all your passionate collecters contact me.Thanks alot for all your help and comments!!!!!It was a interisting ride for me and i learned alot from you guys.
Sunny South African greetings
Vic

Well well,put the Strat in the market and boy what a ride.O.K here is the story firstly it is complete original 1963 Strat all original parts but the body has been referbished to a sparkle red.Ok now the fun begins ,guys from U.K offered $13500 but they advertise on their website for $47000!!Then i thought stuff them i am going local and the best i can do here $13000 !!Must i let go?, because i am get tired for all of this!

Vic

Very interesting. Who was that in the UK? I haven't seen your guitar advertised. More info, please.

sandwich i have 2 vintage strats 1968 and a 1970.
i was offerd 30,000 for my 68 in 2006. the answer
was NOOOOOOO!!!

I was curious to look at your strat but I could not get the link to the pictures to work. It would be nice to get a glance.

You can put the image in this forum by doing it like this:
[ img]AddressToPhotoGoesHere[/img]

make sense?

It sure does look like Knopflers strat. Have you considered calling an auction house in London? Something like your strat would do well and they'd be able to help with all the legalities involved. A high end auction might be a good way to go.

_________________
"is that a real poncho...i mean
Is that a mexican poncho
Or is that a sears poncho?
Hmmm...no foolin ...." FZ

You're very lucky to have those strats.

...and vctrv, keep the strat and play it.
If you don't play the guitar, take up playing and play the strat.

Well THE STRAT are sold!I think i have made a big mistake but can do nothing now!It was sold to a company and thy already sold it again for 3-4 times more than what i got! link http://www.wesellguitars.com./gallery.php?product=21

and they told me it was probably refurbished and not worth that much!

Well, well. How interesting, in the light of our more recent discussions on rare guitars. Anyone not familiar with this story should read through the whole thread to see how it progressed.

It would be good if Mr Lionshead sees this thread - in time!

Vic, people did urge you to take your time and do a lot of research. Good estimates of pricing were given, and were not so far wrong. I myself mentioned that 13,000 sounded very low...

Now you just have to look on the brighter side. Compare what you got with the price of a new guitar today. Your Strat made a big profit for you while it was sitting on top of your wardrobe.

But the lesson has to be: buyer beware - and seller beware, too.

Best of luck for the future - C

Yes.

All we can do is shrug our shoulders and shake our heads.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.