New to the site, looking for quick help

[manticus]

Hi All,

I have an offer on the table for an '89 HM Strat and wanted to get your take on it. I have just a few pictures and his assurance that's it's in good shape. Comes with the original Fender hardshell case.

Could you help me with anything info you can grasp from the photos? What it's worth? If the year is accurate, maybe specs and such. I guess anything you could tell me is great.

I'm meeting him at 3PM EDT. I know that's not much time, but info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Andy

[ofrhm]

Cant tell the year without reading the serial... Appears to be in good shape looks to be stock pickups and stock Kahler Bridge... Probably made in kapan... I say buy it worth 400 - 600 dollars i say but 600 is the best condition possible...

[Bodaggit23]

lbeast can nail down the year fairly accurately, but this one is an H/H with a 3 way toggle, so it might be an earlier version.

Even without the stock knobs, this guitar should fetch around $400-450 I'd say.

I'd jump on it if you can.

[lbeast]

Ange, (hearkening back to Andy Griffith)

The crack in the finish might hurt the price (if that's a crack I see).

Probably an 1989-90 model.

Stratcentral.com has some good HM model info. Check them out. Look under the FMI section and you will see one like yours.

www.strat-central.com/

[manticus]

Thanks.

If they turn out to be cracks, how much do you think that affects the value? Is there anything that can be done about them? Would a re-finish kill the value?

-Andy

[lbeast]

That is an "Eye of the Beholder" issue that no one could give a hard and fast answer to. It depends on the buyer and whether he cares. If he does, he might want a discount of some sort that you would have to work out with him. Also does this crack extend into the wood which could effect the sound of the guitar and its tone/sustain characteristics. The best case scenario for you is if the blemishes are just superficial scratches in the clearcoat.

[nickwellings]

Let us know how you got on with the purchase, or not!



Any damage is, money-wise in your favour, as it detracts from the price. FWIW, the knobs look non original too.

The figures given out here, about $400, are reasonable, anything less than that and you are doing well. The average ebay selling price has really crept up over the past year. Personally I am a cheapskate so I'd look to part with $350 or so for this particular HM. (scratches, non original knobs, knocks and dents). That's just me. It has a rosewood neck too, which are very flat in the rear profile, and I prefer the maple neck HM profile.


The scratches looks superficial to my eye, one from trem rout looks like a tool mark (i.e. someone tried to adjust something with a screwdriver and slipped)

Rear ones may be a concern though as they run from neckplate area where big assed screws live.

This model, is a later one, being 2 humbucker and blackstone. The earlier models were HSS and only came in a few colours (teal, pink and white were three) IIRC.

[manticus]

Thanks for the advice, all... I ended up getting it. I traded a late 70's Hohner 430LP Les Paul copy in decent shape and he chucked in $50 to boot. Considering I traded an Ibanez SA160 (around $180) for the Hohner, I figure I'm ahead.

Looks like the cracks in the paint leading from the screws are definitely just paint cracks. I'm looking at how to fix them. The ones not originating from screws are superficial and can likely be buffed out.

There are a couple things missing, but nothing large. The top half (screws and plates) are missing from the locking nut, there is no bar for the Kahler and the cap on one of the Gotoh's is missing. Other than that, solid as a rock and sounds awesome. It plays much better that I would have imagined. I'm not usually a fan of jumbo frets, I grew up on vintage size, but this just really feels good.

Anyone know where I can get the missing pieces? Also, does anyone know what wood the body is made of?

Thanks for all your help!

-Andy

[Bodaggit23]

Nicely done! I'd rather have an HM than anything!

To answer your questions:

1. www.kahlerparts.com/

2. Basswood

[lbeast]

[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300]Well played Manticus. Well played!

If you piss him off, how long does it take for a Manticus? [/glow][/shadow]