Is Ebay Really The Place To Buy A Vintage Fender Stratocaster?

It seems that Ebay is indeed the place for you to find a vintage Fender Stratocaster or Fender Telecaster. There are a few things to watch out for, but first, here's the good part.

1. Ebay has a much larger selection of inventory, great Fender guitars, Stratocasters and Telecasters, and rare vintage models like the '52 Telecaster, '57 Stratocaster, '60 Fender Stratocaster, and much more. They have a larger inventory than Guitar Center or Musicians Friend would, possibly even Sweetwater. Well, the L.A Vintage Guitar store might have more vintage gear than Ebay, but not much.

2. That's not even MENTIONING the Re-issues. Fender came out with their reissues of old, classic, vintage fender guitars awhile ago. Here, you can get reissues, master built, or custom shop built Fender guitars for much less than you would pay for a real Stratocaster from the 1950's or '60s. In fact, reissue seems the way to go for most players, while serious Fender enthusiasts or vintage guitar collectors go for the real thing.

3. Fender Vintage Stratocasters & Fender Acoustics Are In Great Condition
Sure, a few guitars have some wear on them depending if they are truly vintage or not, but it doesn't really matter if you are trying to find a vintage fender or a more modern one, the condition is likely to be very good. Anyone who is serious about trading, collecting, or swapping vintage Fender guitars better be serious about the condition.

4. The Relic Custom Shop Guitars ROCK!
Yes, the relic series from the Fender Custom Shop will knock your socks off. They take a great guitar that they have re-built from original specks and bang it up like it's 50 years old. Another great way to get great looks and tone for a fraction of the real Fender Stratocaster electric guitar price!

5. Now, Some Bad News
There are a few things to watch out for when buying Vintage and Relic Custom Shop Stratocasters from Ebay, or any kind of guitar for that matter. First, check the number next to the seller's name on the top right of the Ebay listing. If it's 95-100%, I wouldn't worry too much about whether you are getting ripped off or not. But, a great way to check if you are is, click on the user name of the seller, and see what they have been selling in the past. If it's gumdrops and not vintage guitars, get out of there. Also, be sure to read the feedback of what others are saying.

In closing, Ebay is a awesome way to find great vintage fender strats and used fender reissues and custom shop guitars.