How much is a Strat worth ?

[Gatwick1946]

This has been a most interesting thread so far.

At the risk of veering off-topic, I would mention when Licorice joined in 1962 he played a red P/B, presumably supplied by Fender in accordance with their existing obligation. I wonder if it was the same bass that Jet used, or a new one? Did Jet have his initials on the red one, like on the sunburst P/B?

In the well-known, black and white footage, from the London Palladium Licorice is using a red Jazz bass, with tort guard. But I believe he preferred the wider neck on the P/B, and continued to use one until he left the group, including one in white finish.

Some years ago I was able to have a few words with Licorice before he went on stage. He was carrying a play worn, sunburst P/B, which he said was his old bass dating back to the Wildcats. He said that he had used his own bass on several Shadows recordings; I recall that he mentioned Atlantis.

It would seem to be the case that musicians may be required by contractual obligations to use their sponsors gear in public
performance, but may prefer to use their own instruments in the studio.

Kindest regards
Christopher

[dave robinson]

That Jazz Bass was found by Licorice at the office of The Shadows management and he decided to try it for the Palladium gig. He told me that he didn't like it as much as the P Bass and didn't use it again.
The red Fender guitars were suplied by Jennings, not Fender for uniformity on stage.

[abstamaria]

Wonderful information. Christopher, Dave.

Dave, Jennings supplied just one set of guitars, would that be right? If so, would that set have been used throughout until the shift to Burns?

It is good you have first-hand information.

Andy

[dave robinson]

Wonderful information. Christopher, Dave.

Dave, Jennings supplied just one set of guitars, would that be right? If so, would that set have been used throughout until the shift to Burns?

It is good you have first-hand information.

Andy

Jennings supplied all the Fenders until eventually they made the switch to Burns, replacing them as and when and at one point re-spraying them white. I read that again only recently.

[Tigerdaisy]

If you've the spare cash you'll probably spend more than you actually need to. The truth is however, you'll get a very good guitar if you buy the cheapest body and neck consistent with being suitable for a professional set up- neck set up, frets dressed, trem adjusted and nut properly cut. Then you buy third party pups (to choice) and any other minor hardware updates you deem necessary and lo you have a quality guitar that plays well, sounds good (actually much better) at a fraction of the price of even a US basic Strat model.

[ecca]

If you've the spare cash you'll probably spend more than you actually need to. The truth is however, you'll get a very good guitar if you buy the cheapest body and neck consistent with being suitable for a professional set up- neck set up, frets dressed, trem adjusted and nut properly cut. Then you buy third party pups (to choice) and any other minor hardware updates you deem necessary and lo you have a quality guitar that plays well, sounds good (actually much better) at a fraction of the price of even a US basic Strat model.

I'll go with that Martin, that's exactly what I do.

[minimoss]

hi, ive just built my own fiesta red strat, body from warmoth very light, new usa maple neck, shaller gold locking tuners gold vintage bridge with trem arm, kinman pick ups cost was bowt £1000 my very first build, got the idea from tony mckenzie.com. im over the moon with it. to buy that from fender would prob see me depart with £2500. i would advise any one to have a go, you know what your getting.

[Billyboygretsch]

Good quality parts are so easy to obtain to make up a strat or tele to your own spec it's probably the way to go. Gibson and Fender make fine guitars but their marketing costs are so high. Nice to have the name if you can afford it.

[dave robinson]

A thousand pounds is a lot to pay for parts to do a self build. It may be a great guitar but would not fetch the money back if re-sold. As I mentioned earlier I built a beauty for under £300 with gold parts and Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II pickups. It stands up wel against my expensive real ones.That's a bargain !

[Billyboygretsch]

Not sure if I would want to spend £1k on a self build but can see how it builds up Kinman pick ups would cost a lot some maple necks can cost a fortune and to have the guitar professionally finished ?? but it would have to be very high end. Without the name though not sure you would get your money back. But you do have what you want and it's not all about investment and you had the pleasure and satisfaction of building it. Be interesting to see a pic.
Dave did you have yours ready finished or do it yourself. Couldn't see a good respray for under about £250