Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the best known electric guitar models in the world. We are the UK's largest dealer of Second Hand, Used Fender Stratocaster guitars. Every second hand Fender Stratocaster we sell is fully checked and set up by our own guitar techs, and is packaged really well for transit within the UK. If you have a used Fender Stratocaster you would like to sell, or part exchange, why not check out our Sell Your Gear page for a free, no obligation quote on your Strat? Or if you are looking a new Fender Stratocaster, we are a main Fender Dealer also, with a huge array of Fender Strats in stock.
Fender Stratocaster - Frequently Asked Questions
The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as the Strat, is a popular electric guitar model known for its iconic design, versatile sound, and playability. It has been a mainstay in the music industry since its introduction in 1954.
The Stratocaster was designed by Leo Fender, along with George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares.
The Fender Stratocaster has been built in large numbers since it's inception. It was always designed around a concept of mass-production to keep the relative costs of production down. There have been numerous models over the years, including the American Professional, American Ultra, American Performer , Player Series, and Custom Shop Stratocasters, among others.
Notable Stratocaster players include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Beck.
This is a good question and one we get asked a lot! In general terms buying a 2nd Hand, Used, Fender Stratocaster is an excellent way to invest in a Fender guitar as the initial depreciation from buying new is normally already been incurred by the original owner and as such, represent a saving over buying new. That being said, there are a number of variables to consider such as model type, age and condition. In general terms; USA made guitars will be worth more than Mexican made Stratocasters. Original 1950s and 1960s stratocasters will be worth more than current equivalents. All original, non-refinished vintage stratocasters may be worth more than those that have undergone significant repairs and changes over their life.
If considering a Fender Stratocaster as an investment, you have to weigh up all the above as well as the cost of purchasing the Stratocaster in the first place. You can use our listing pages as a price-guide from which to form an opinion on the Strat's market value. Additonally, there are other aspects of ownership that add value such as; playing a high quality instrument, or appreciating the tone of a vintage strat. All these factors need to be factored in to your decision making before buying a Fender Stratocaster, or any guitar for that matter, as an investment.
Fender Stratocaster guitars do have a track record of appreciating over time. The first element to consider is buying smart! Purchasing a second hand Fender Strat is an excellent way of limiting any depreciation compared to buying new, and as such to some extent limits your downside risk. As input costs rise, the Fender factory has to increase it's prices over time also. This has had the result of gradually increasing the ceiling price of used Fender Stratocasters as customers inevitibly compare the relative value for money of buying a used Strat vs a New Fender Stratocaster. So the New and Used prices are somewhat linked. Original Strats from the 50s and 60s up to the CBS buyout in 1965 are considered to be the holy grail for guitar collectors - while their numbers are relatively limited, it is easy to see how those models command high selling prices to this day. Limited edition models from both USA and Mexican factories can also command significant selling prices even though they might not be vintage as such. This comes down to supply and demand - every now and again Fender will produce a Stratocaster model where supply is simply outstripped by demand resulting in significant appreciation in value, sometimes in a relatively short space of time. As with anything like this. Your mileage may vary! Using our site to conduct research into market values may guide you in making sure you are paying a fair price, and you never know...help you spot a bargain!!
Want to Sell Your Fender Stratocaster?
If you are interested in selling your Fender Stratocaster, OR Part Exchanging your Strat towards something else we sell, then please check out our short video below that explains how the process works, and fill in the form below for a Fast, Free and No Obligation Quote.
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