FAQ

What is the value and historical significance of a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom?

USD $100,000-$140,000

A highly coveted instrument among collectors and players, the 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom represents a significant high-point in Gibson’s golden era. Its desirability is amplified by its rarity; only 256 Les Paul Custom units were shipped by Gibson in 1958, making any surviving example a scarce piece of guitar history.

In today’s vintage market, 1958 Les Paul Customs command substantial prices, typically ranging from USD $100,000 to $140,000. Pristine examples or those with notable provenance can fetch even higher figures. Key factors determining the exact value include the instrument’s condition, the degree of originality (especially concerning the finish, electronics, and hardware), and its documented history.

Known affectionately as the “Black Beauty,” the Les Paul Custom was Gibson’s top-of-the-line solid-body model. Its construction and appointments set it apart:

  • Body & Tone: Unlike the maple-capped Les Paul Standard, the 1958 Custom featured a body carved entirely from a single piece of solid mahogany. This all-mahogany construction contributes significantly to its characteristic warm, rich, and sustained tone, often perceived as darker than its Standard counterpart.
  • Groundbreaking Pickups: By 1958, Gibson’s revolutionary “Patent Applied For” (PAF) humbucking pickups were standard. The Custom model distinctively featured three PAFs. This triple-humbucker configuration, prized by collectors, offered a versatile and powerful tonal palette unique to the model and was a major innovation at the time.
  • Premium Materials & Hardware: Befitting its luxury status, the Custom included an ebony fingerboard (distinct from the Standard’s rosewood) providing a sleek feel, elegant Mother-of-Pearl block inlays, elaborate multi-ply binding on the body, neck, and headstock, and the signature “Split Diamond” mother-of-pearl headstock inlay. Crucially, all metal components – including the Kluson “Waffle Back” tuners, Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and pickup covers – were gold-plated, adding to its visual appeal and premium feel. The classic gloss black nitrocellulose lacquer finish completed the iconic look.

The combination of its extremely limited production in 1958, the highly sought-after triple PAF humbucker configuration, its luxurious and distinct appointments (solid mahogany body, ebony fingerboard, gold hardware), and the legendary Les Paul design cements the 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” as a benchmark vintage instrument and a pinnacle acquisition for serious collectors.

Market Example

Owned and recorded by Ben Harper’s guitarist for a decade, this particular piece, originally from Canada is available from ATB Guitars in Cheltenham, England:


https://www.atbguitars.com/1958-gibson-les-paul-custom-ohsc

How much does a 1951 Fender Telecaster cost?

USD $90,000-$110,000.

The 1951 Fender Telecaster, often referred to by collectors as a “Blackguard” due to its distinctive single-ply black pickguard, stands as a monumental instrument in music history. It wasn’t just a guitar; it was the world’s first commercially successful, mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, marking a revolutionary turning point initiated by Leo Fender. Its arrival fundamentally changed music and instrument manufacturing.

Historical Significance & Innovation

  • Groundbreaking Design: Developed in Fullerton, California, the Telecaster (initially launched as the Broadcaster in late 1950, then briefly unnamed “Nocaster” in early 1951 due to a trademark issue, before settling on Telecaster in September 1951) solved the feedback problems that plagued earlier electric guitars as amplification grew louder.
  • Mass Production: It proved the viability of the bolt-on neck, solid-body design for large-scale manufacturing.
  • Musical Impact: Its simple, robust design and bright, cutting tone quickly found favour across genres like country, blues, and the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll, becoming integral to the sound of popular music. It’s been wielded by countless legendary artists throughout decades.
  • Genesis Model: 1951 marks the true beginning of the Telecaster era under its final name. Guitars from this year, especially the early “Blackguards”, represent the dawn of this legendary model.

Typical Features & Construction:

  • Body: Solid Ash
  • Finish: Butterscotch Blonde Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Neck: One-piece Maple, sometimes with a Walnut back stripe
  • Pickguard: Single-ply Black Phenolic Resin (“Blackguard”)
  • Pickups: Two Fender single-coil pickups
  • Hardware: Chrome-plated bridge with three brass saddles, Kluson Deluxe tuners.

Value and Rarity

  • High Collectibility: 1951 Telecasters are among the most sought-after vintage guitars. Their value is significant, currently available between USD $90,000-$110,000. The transitional “Nocasters” from earlier in 1951 command even higher prices.
  • Rarity:
  • Value Factors: Originality and condition are paramount. Original finishes, pickups, hardware, and electronics are crucial. Modifications or refinishing can drastically reduce value (often by half or more). Earlier 1950s models generally command higher prices than later ones.
  • Investment: Due to their historical importance and rarity, early Telecasters are considered strong investment pieces.

In essence, the 1951 Fender Telecaster is far more than just a vintage guitar; it’s a foundational piece of music technology and culture. Its historical weight, combined with its enduring sound and design, secures its place as one of the most significant and valuable electric guitars ever made.

An example is available here from Well Strung Guitars in Long Island, New York:


https://wellstrungguitars.com/guitar/telecaster-blond/

What is the market value of a 1954 Fender Stratocaster?

USD $100,000-$240,000.

The 1954 Fender Stratocaster marks the debut year of arguably the most influential electric guitar design in history. Conceived by Leo Fender as a significant evolution from the Telecaster, the Stratocaster introduced radical innovations in player comfort, tonal versatility, and performance stability, immediately setting a new standard and forever changing the trajectory of popular music.

Historical Context & Groundbreaking Innovation

Launched in 1954, the Stratocaster was Fender’s response to player feedback and a testament to Leo Fender’s relentless innovation. Key features that were revolutionary at the time included:

  • Contoured Body: A sculpted, offset double-cutaway Ash body designed for superior comfort and balance compared to slab-bodied guitars.
  • Triple Pickups: Three adjustable single-coil pickups offered a wider tonal palette, controlled initially by a 3-way switch (though players quickly discovered the “in-between” sounds).
  • Synchronized Tremolo: An integrated bridge and vibrato system allowing for smooth pitch bending while aiming for better tuning stability than previous designs.

Rarity & Production

While exact Fender production figures for the era are unavailable, research and estimates suggest that roughly 1,000 to 1,200 Stratocasters were produced during its inaugural year of 1954. Although a larger number than some other coveted vintage models, finding an original, well-preserved first-year Stratocaster remains a significant challenge, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The very first run in Spring 1954 is thought to have consisted of fewer than 200 guitars.

Key Features & Parts (Specific to 1954)

  • Body & Finish: Contoured Ash body, most commonly seen in a two-tone (dark brown to yellow) Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
  • Neck: One-piece Maple neck and fingerboard with a distinct, often chunky, 1954 profile (variations exist, often described as “U”, “D”, or substantial “C”), black dot position markers, 7.25″ fretboard radius, and typically a pencil date at the heel.
  • Early Plastics (‘Bakelite’): Very early examples feature unique plastic components (often mistakenly called Bakelite) with softer contours: rounded-edge pickup covers, “short skirt” control knobs, and a “football” shaped switch tip. These early parts are extremely rare and fragile.
  • Pickups: Three Fender single-coil pickups specific to ’54, often utilizing Alnico 3 magnets, delivering the clear, bright, and articulate tone that became a Stratocaster hallmark.
  • Hardware: Nickel/chrome-plated hardware including the revolutionary synchronized tremolo (bridge plate often blank, saddles stamped “PAT. PEND.”), single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners, and a distinctive round “button” string tree.
  • Pickguard: Single-ply white pickguard attached with 8 screws.
  • Serial Number: Typically a 4-digit number found on the bridge plate or, later in the year, the neck plate, often starting with “0” or low “1xxx”.

Market Value & Factors

The 1954 Fender Stratocaster is a “holy grail” instrument in the vintage guitar market, commanding exceptional prices. Values vary widely based on condition, originality, and specific features, particularly the presence of early ‘Bakelite’ parts. Original examples can range significantly, with reported estimates spanning USD $50,000 to well over $150,000 for the earliest and cleanest specimens.

As with all high-end vintage guitars, originality is paramount. An original finish, pickups, electronics, hardware, and plastics are crucial for maximum value. A refinished guitar typically loses around 50% of its potential value. Authentication relies heavily on cross-referencing serial numbers, neck and body dates, and potentiometer codes.

A clear write-up on the specifics of the “first-year” Stratocaster is available here from True Vintage Guitar:


https://truevintageguitar.com/blogs/tvg-blog/fender-stratocaster-1954-dating-value

What is a Fiesta Red 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar worth?

USD $60,000-$80,000.

The 1963 Stratocaster falls within what collectors consider the “L-Series pre-CBS” era of Fender production (before CBS purchased the company in 1965).

History and Significance:

  • Evolution of the Stratocaster:: By 1963, the Stratocaster had undergone several changes since its 1954 introduction. Key features typical of a 1963 model often include:
    • A thicker Brazilian rosewood “veneer” fingerboard (introduced in mid-1962) over the maple neck.
    • Clay fingerboard dots (though pearloid dots started appearing in 1964).
    • A “spaghetti” Fender logo on the headstock (though the “transition” logo also started appearing in the second half of 1964).
    • A greenish-tinted nitrocellulose pickguard (often referred to as a “mint green” guard).
    • Three single-coil pickups with black bottoms, wound and dated according to Fender’s practices at the time.
  • Fiesta Red Finish: Fiesta Red was one of Fender’s custom colors, offered at an additional charge. Inspired by automotive colors of the era, Fiesta Red is perhaps one of the most iconic and desirable Fender custom colors. Its popularity was significantly boosted by artists like Hank Marvin of The Shadows, whose Fiesta Red Stratocaster became instantly recognizable. Because it was a custom order, fewer were made compared to Sunburst models, increasing their rarity.

Market Pricing and Collectibility:

  • High Demand: The 1963 Fender Stratocaster is a highly collectible and valuable vintage guitar. The combination of the desirable pre-CBS year and the rare, iconic Fiesta Red custom color makes this specific configuration particularly sought after.
  • Value Factors: The market price for a 1963 Fiesta Red Stratocaster can vary dramatically based on several key factors:
    • Originality: The most significant factor. Guitars with all original parts (pickups, potentiometers, switches, tuners, bridge, plastic parts) and the original Fiesta Red nitrocellulose finish command the highest prices.
    • Condition: The amount of wear and tear (dings, scratches, finish checking, fret wear) affects value. While some wear (“player grade”) is acceptable or even desirable to some, extensive damage or breaks will decrease value.
    • Modifications/Repairs: Any non-original elements like refinishing, replaced pickups, routing for different hardware, or significant repairs (like headstock breaks) will substantially lower the value compared to an all-original example.
    • Provenance: A documented history, especially association with a famous musician, can significantly increase value.
    • Case: The presence of the original hardshell case also adds value.
  • Current Market Estimate: As of early 2025, finding a genuine, all-original 1963 Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster in excellent condition is rare. Prices for original examples are selling for significant prices ranging between USD $60,000-80,000


https://www.atbguitars.com/1962-fender-stratocaster-fiesta-red-near-mint-ohsc

How much does a 1961 Gibson ES-355 TDCSV guitar sell for?

USD $30,000-$50,000. This particular model guitar is from Gary’s Guitars in Cincinatti, Ohio, USA.

This particular 1961 ES-355 Custom model has a Sideways Tremolo and original PAF’s.


https://www.garysguitars.com/catalog/1961-gibson-es-355-stereo

What is a 1963 Gibson ES-355 TDCSV guitar worth?

USD $22,000-$28,000. As of September 2023, this guitar from Southside Guitars in New York sells for around USD $24,000 imported in Australia after taxes and duty.

This particular 1963 ES-355 Custom model has a Bigsby Tremolo and the following modifications: Refretted, Changed Nut, Tuners Changed To Grovers, Newer Posts and Wheels.


https://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-es-355-1963-cherry-red

How much is my vintage guitar worth? Can you value it?

As part of our consignment process, Vintage Electric can value your instrument. We simply need to see the guitar and have it in our possession to make sure it is “as described” before an assessment and valuation are conducted. Logically, we cannot offer valuations over the phone.

Will my vintage guitar go up in value?

Impossible to predict. One opinion expressed to us from collectors is that “as the collectible vintage pieces become more difficult to source, one might expect price increases on certain pieces, especially those with low production numbers”.

Although vintage guitars can be slow to sell into the market, continued strong interest, particularly for Fender and Gibson models has created a positive mood for collectors owning vintage guitars.

Are vintage guitars a good investment?

Yes. Based on historical prices, there is now a concentration of investor attention on 1950’s-1970’s Fender and Gibson electric guitars, basses and amps. The earlier pieces are attractive to investors as they have offered consistent returns over the decades due to their desirability. In addition, Martin acoustics in the 1930’s are particularly collectable in 2022 and have seen some of the highest investment returns over the last decade.

What is the most expensive guitar on your website?

That would the 1961 Fender Stratocaster followed by the 1951 Fender Telecaster and then the 1963 Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster.

1961 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White

The Vic Flick 1961 Fender Stratocaster

Do you consign vintage guitars on your site?

Yes. Vintage Electric have the simplest consignment model in Australia for vintage guitar collectors. An upfront fee of $300 is charged to get the guitar onto our website including inspection, appraisal, valuation and photography.

We take possession of the guitar for the consignment period, and once a piece sells, we then send the client 90% of the sale proceeds, and then take care of all logistics for the customer. A simple process and risk free for both parties.

Where are your vintage guitars located?

The primary vintage guitar collections are located in secure storage in Australia in Perth, Western Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, and Brisbane, Queensland.

Do you offer returns and refunds?

Yes. Customers have 48 hours after delivery to return instruments and amplifiers in their original packaging back to us for a refund if there is an issue discovered not described with the instrument.

Have customers ever returned a vintage piece?

Not one. After selling over 200 vintage pieces, no customer has ever asked to return a piece.

When people make an offer on a guitar, what happens?

If an offer is accepted, the applicant has 4 business days to pay for the piece for the agreed amount.

Where did you buy the guitars?

The majority of the guitars were imported from private vintage collectors in Australia, the US, Japan and Europe.

Can I pay a guitar off over time?

Yes. Layby of instruments involves a minimum 50% deposit with up to 60 days following to pay the remainder. After 60 days, if the instrument is not purchased outright as per the layby agreement, a default fee of 20% of the value of the product sale price as written in the invoice is retained and the remainder of all monies received is returned to the purchaser.

Do you charge GST?

Sales within Australia of our own stock include GST. Exports of instruments outside of Australia are exclusive of GST. Consigned guitars are exclusive of GST.