So What's the Depreciation on a New Relic Strat Anyway?

(photo:www.brianeastwoodguitars.co.uk)

Friday Strat #5 Brian Eastwood's "Bender Distortocaster" is pictured here to symbolize the ongoing confusion of vintage value, new relic value, new non-relic value-- and what's collectible vs what ain't. And what that has to do with the price of twinkies in Taiwan.

Actually I'm just stirring the pot, as always.

Consider the following random bits, and make your own logical conclusions without having your head explode-- if you think you can:

1) Current street price on a new Fender American Standard Strat is $999.00*

2) Current street price on a new Fender '65 Strat Relic is $2589.00 (cheapest Fender relic Strat currently listed at Musicians Friend).

3) Current est. value of my MINT '94- 40th Anniversary Strat is $400.00. Zero scratches & dings, 40th raised emblem on headstock, special 40th neckplate and orig. plastic frizzies sticking out from pickguard screws. All orig. hardware-- $400.

4) What would be a reasonable scratch and dent price adjustment on a new American Standard?

Now, into the ether we go:

5) Has a relic model ever been marked down due to a scratch & dent, "blem" or refurb condition? What kind of Karma issues would such a dealer have to have?

6) Do relic models depreciate, and if so, are relic models marked up to offset depreciation for the end-user? Would you appreciate that?

7) What's cheaper-- returning a scratch & dent to factory for relicing OR refinishing? Cheaper for whom?

8) If you bought a scratch & dent special, would you?
a. keep it as-is and live with the compounded depreciation (shut up and play yer guitar)
b. return to factory for standard refinish and a "wholesome" depreciation
c. return to factory for relic job to gain nebulous mojo equity with nebulous depreciation
d. refinish OR relic it yourself for nifty fun and/or sweat equity
e. all or none of the above
f. seek counseling

Summary quote: "I'm afraid to go to sleep in case I dream I'm in a coma and wake up unconscious." Steven Wright


*price quote from Musicians Friend

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