Top-RatedVintage Fender Stratocaster Value Guide

Discover The Authentic Value Of Your Vintage Fender Stratocaster With Joe’s Vintage Guitars

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Table Of Contents

    Meet Vintage Guitar Expert, Joe Dampt

    Joe Dampt, the proprietor, has dedicated over a decade to avidly gathering vintage instruments, handling thousands of vintage guitars, mandolins, banjos, and other stringed instruments. Furthermore, he has provided his expertise as a vintage guitar appraiser and consultant to various local antique and collectible establishments, including “America’s Top Buyer,” a prestigious traveling antique show enterprise. Throughout his extensive experience, Joe has evaluated numerous noteworthy collections of musical instruments, with some valued in the six to seven-figure range. Discover more about his services by clicking here.

    Comprehensive Guide To Identifying & Valuing Your Vintage Fender Stratocaster

    Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitars from the 1950s and ’60s are some of the most desirable and collectible vintage instruments currently on the market. If you have a vintage Fender Stratocaster in your possession, you may wonder how much it is worth and what factors affect its value. I am an avid guitar collector and an expert on Fender electric instruments and I’ve put together this comprehensive vintage Fender Stratocaster price guide to help prospective sellers to price their instruments fairly and accurately.

    This guide is intended to help sellers, collectors and curious folks ascertain the value of vintage Fender Stratocaster guitars. That being said, there is no substitute for an expert’s opinion. If you would like help pricing a vintage Stratocaster, keep in mind that I offer a free vintage guitar appraisal that is fast and free! Feel free to contact me to get your free evaluation and appraisal.

    Fender Stratocaster 1956 Blonde

    Influential Factors On The Value Of A Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitar

    The main factors that affect the value of a vintage Fender Stratocaster guitar are the year, color, originality, and condition.

    • Identifying The Most Valuable Years Of Fender Stratocaster Models

      Generally speaking, the earlier your Fender Stratocaster guitar was produced, the more collectible and expensive it will be. The first year of the Fender Stratocaster was 1954, and you guessed it, that is the most valuable year. The values descend year by year after that. In this price guide, we will be covering Stratocasters made from 1954-1965. If you haven’t dated your Fender Stratocaster, it is imperative that you do so before you attempt to price it accurately. Use our handy Fender Serial Number Guide to find out what year your guitar was manufactured.

    • The Role Of Color In Determining Fender Stratocaster Value

      It may just seem like a detail, but if your Fender Stratocaster is a rare custom color (any color other than sunburst) it could be worth a LOT more than a standard Sunburst finish model of the same year. See the photos below for an example of a standard Sunburst Fender Stratocaster vs. a custom color example. Custom color Stratocasters can be worth more than twice as much as the standard Sunburst!

    • How To Authenticate The Finish Of Your Vintage Fender Guitar

      An accurate authentication of original Fender finish requires disassembly of the guitar. It is not recommended for anyone to perform this unless they know exactly what they are doing and have done it before! If you need help authenticating the finish of your guitar, please contact me for an evaluation and appraisal of your guitar.

    • Effect Of Replaced Parts & Refinishes On Vintage Fender Stratocaster Value

      In order to get top dollar for a vintage Fender Stratocaster, the guitar must be all original. This means no replaced knobs, hardware, pickguard, pickups, tuners, etc. Additionally, the guitar must have its original finish. Generally, a vintage Fender Stratocaster that has been refinished is worth about half as much as a standard Sunburst guitar of the same year. Replaced parts can also affect the value of the guitar by as much as 50% depending upon what parts are replaced. If you are wondering if your vintage Fender Stratocaster is all original, feel free to contact me for a free evaluation and appraisal!

    Identifying The Most Valuable Years Of Fender Stratocaster Models
    Sunburst Finish Fender Stratocaster Models
    Saphire Blue Squier Stratocaster By Fender

    Understanding The Impact Of Vintage Fender Guitar Condition On Its Value

    Condition is a big deal when it comes to the desirability of vintage Fender guitars! The better the condition of your Fender Stratocaster, the more it will be worth. Obviously, guitars that are “case queens” (guitars that have sat in their case all their life) are going to be the most valuable, followed by lightly played instruments, moderately worn instruments and lastly, road warriors. Still though, if your guitar is in poor condition, it is probably still worth good money! Do not attempt to restore or refurbish the guitar, you will be hurting the value even further!

    Vintage Fender Stratocaster Valuation Guide (1954-1965):
    Sunburst & Custom Finishes

    Now that you have identified which year and color Stratocaster you have, it is time to figure out its value. While values are not always cut and dry or 100% objective, below are some basic ranges for values on Fender Stratocaster guitars. These values are for guitars that are all original and in excellent condition with their original case. Values can vary based on provenance, condition, and market trends. Additionally, the custom color prices are a wide range because the price depends upon the rarity of the color. Once again, if you need help dating your Stratocaster, please use our Fender Serial Number Guide. As always, feel free to contact me for a fast, free and friendly evaluation!

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1954: $60,000-200,000 (Transitional Year, Depends Upon Features)

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1955: $40,000-$75,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1955: $60,000-$200,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1956: $35,000-$70,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1956: $50,000-$200,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1957: $35,000-$70,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1957: $50,000-$200,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1958: $30,000-$65,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1958: $45,000-$180,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1959: $25,000-$65,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1959: $40,000-$160,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Sunburst Finish From 1960-1965: $15,000-$60,000

    • Fender Stratocaster In Custom Finish From 1960-1965: $20,000-$85,000

    Head Of A Vintage Fender Stratocaster With Sunburst And Custom Finishes

    Get A Comprehensive Assessment, Valuation, & Strong Offer For Your Fender Stratocaster Guitar With Joe’s Vintage Guitars Today

    Get Your Free Appraisal

    How To Effectively Sell Your Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitar

    Now that you have a rough idea of the value of your Fender Stratocaster guitar, you may be wondering how to sell it! There are many courses of action you can take when selling your guitar, but when it comes to a high-dollar vintage guitar, I recommend one of the three following ways.

    Reputable Dealer For Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitars

    Trust a Reputable Dealer for Your Vintage Guitar Consignment

    Consigning your guitar has several advantages. You will benefit from spending less time responding to buyers as well as from absolving yourself of any potential shipment and return liabilities. Additionally, an experienced dealer can market your guitar to a wider market and can make use of professional photography skills, authentication experience, and more to help you get more for your guitar.
    Joe’s Vintage Guitars offers consignment for vintage guitars with rates as low as 8%! Visit our consignment page or contact us today to get started!

    Sell Your Vintage Stratocaster to a Dealer or Collector

    Consider Selling Your Vintage Stratocaster to a Dealer or Collector

    The benefits of selling your guitar to a dealer or collector are many. The process is quick and hassle-free, payment is immediate, and shipping or pickup is taken care of by the buyer. Additionally, you won’t have to take a bunch of fancy photos or write up a description. You also remove the possibility of shipping or return woes. Oftentimes, you will end up with the same amount of money in your pocket whether you consign or sell outright.
    I buy vintage guitars and will pay you a fair market value for your vintage Stratocaster. Feel free to contact me at (602) 900-6635 or at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com

    Private Market For Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitar

    Sell Your Stratocaster Yourself on the Private Market

    Some sellers opt to sell their guitars themselves on the private market. While selling a guitar yourself can be a rewarding experience, it is not recommended for first time sellers of high end vintage instruments. There is a lot of liability involved in the selling and shipping of expensive vintage instruments. Most guitar dealers keep an insurance policy active of over $100,000 just for their shipments!
    If you do want to sell your guitar on the private market, we recommend Reverb.com as they have a robust shipping protection policy. It is important to factor the selling fees that Reverb will be charging you. Also, bear in mind that in the event of a dispute, Reverb and other selling platforms will almost always side with the buyer.

    happy Vintage Fender Stratocaster customer

    Maximize Your Returns:
    Consider Selling Your Vintage Fender Stratocaster to Joe

    I am a very strong buyer for all of the Fender Stratocaster years listed above! Contact me to sell a Fender guitar. I will be happy to provide you with a comprehensive assessment and valuation as well as a strong offer to buy! Below is a photo of a happy customer who sold her Fender Stratocaster to Joe’s Vintage Guitars!

    Get In Touch With Joe For A Free Vintage Guitar Consultation Today!

    For a free vintage guitar consultation and appraisal, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Expect a prompt, amiable, and cost-free evaluation! You can contact me via phone or text at (602) 900-6635 or email at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com