Bass Guitar Value Guide
December 25th, 2007 | 
Author: 
Collecting Hall of Fame Vintage Guitars
Over the past couple of years the vintage guitar market has taken a hit here and there but overall has proven to be a sound investment for most. The experts say that when inflation accelerates and the dollar shrinks collectibles prove to be a good place for your money.
You might be asking yourself whether a guitar can really be a good investment. After all, to the untrained eye, most guitars are the same. However, the right guitar can be worth a lot to a collector. Guitars that have been owned by celebrities, or which are rare or unusual, can command very high prices indeed. If you’re worried about getting a return on your money, don’t be. Vintage guitars have consistently performed with more stability than the stock market. There are a number of reasons that collecting vintage guitars is an excellent strategy.
For one, they’re more tangible than a stock or bond. They give you an attractive piece to display, and are fun to collect, too. Guitars also don’t lose value over time. In fact, it’s just the opposite – vintage guitars consistently gain value as they get older, as long as you take the time to keep them in good condition. They’re also usually superior instruments. If you’re a musician as well as an investor, you’ll appreciate the superior action and tone of a real vintage instrument. The most popular vintage guitar with collectors is probably the Gibson Les Paul.
Here is a small example: Let’s say in 1959 you had $100.00 if you were to bury the $100.00 in a coffee can in your back yard or put it in your bank account and let it sit there drawing a couple percent interest inflation would slowly take this $100.00 and if you were to pull it out 50 years later you would find that $100.00 would barely get you a nice dinner for two. However if you would have taken that same $100.00 and gone to your local pawn shop in 1959 and picked up a 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar and placed it in the closet instead then you could pull it out of your closet today and it could be worth well over six figures.
People are starting to realize how much these instruments from the 50’s 60’s, and 70’s really mean to our culture.
There is a very limited supply and there still seems to be a high demand for these pieces of history which has proved to be a good choice for those who have invested in these instruments, such as the Gibson Les Pauls’ and Fender Telecasters and Stratocaster’s from the same era. (50’s, 60, and 70’s).
A good place to start collecting vintage guitars as an investment would be to focus your research on obtaining guitars from the list below. This list includes that have been inducted into Vintage Guitar Magazine’s Hall of Fame. There are, of course, other lists and other guitars worth investing in, but this is certainly a great place to begin. Two great sites to begin your search for these exquisite instrument are Bob’s Vintage Guitars at http://www.bestguitaronline.com and the Best Guitar Shop at http://www.best-guitar-shop.
In the coming weeks, I will be featuring each of the exquisite instruments in detail. This information will prove useful in your search for vintage guitars that will provide a good return on your investment.
Fender Stratocaster
Inducted in 1990
The VG Hall of Fame was started in 1990 and we had little doubt the Strat would be among the first instruments selected for inclusion by our readers. Three single-coils, a vibrato (usually), and that great contoured, offset-double-cutaway body. Some 50 years after its introduction, it is still one of the most popular designs.
Gibson Les Paul Standard (‘Burst)
Inducted in 1990
Also an easy first-year selection, LP Standard was introduced with a sunburst finish in 1958, and the ‘58 to’60 models are the most valuable vintage solidbody guitars. The Les Paul Standard is a classic no matter what finish it bears.
Martin D-28
Inducted in 1991
The first acoustic in the VG Hall, the D-28 launched Martin’s line of incredible big and loud dreadnoughts in 1931. The D-28 has inspired many guitarists and builders, and remains one of Martin’s most popular models.
Fender Telecaster
Inducted in 1991
Leo Fender’s timeless classic is about as simple as an electric guitar can be, but still has the magic to appeal to guitarists playing just about any style of music. Every guitar player has a Telecaster (or should). Along with the Strat and Les Paul, the Tele is among the most popular designs around.
Fender Precision Bass
Inducted in 1992
The first bass in the VG Hall, and why not, it only forever revolutionized how the bass was played. One of the most innovative ideas in modern music history.
Gibson ES-335
Inducted in 1992
Born during Gibson’s “golden era,” the semi-hollow body ES-335 wedded archtop looks with solidbody performance. Whether it has dot inlays or blocks, it remains one of the coolest designs in guitardom.
D’Angelico New Yorker
Inducted in 1993
George Gruhn said of it in the March 2000 issue of Vintage Guitar, “The New Yorker is significant due to its superb quality and aesthetic artistic appeal,” and is “one of the finest guitars in the history of the instrument.”
Gibson Super 400
Inducted in 1993
Introduced in 1934, with its 18″ body and deluxe features, the Super 400 was the largest and most expensive guitar in the Gibson line. Its influence was soon apparent in the designs of many of the great archtops built by others. Whether the earlier non-cutaway acoustic version or the later double-pickup cutaway, it remains a true work of art.
Gibson L-5
Inducted in 1994
Introduced in 1922 and with a design guided by the legendary Lloyd Loar, the L-5 was the first modern archtop guitar. Initially a non-cutaway acoustic, the L-5 went through many changes, ultimately becoming a single-cutaway with two humbuckers.
Fender Jazz Bass
Inducted in 1995
With its two specially designed pickups, offset waist, and slimmer, narrower neck, the Jazz Bass was intended to be the more tonally diverse, slicker-playing descendant of the Precision. The fact it was available in Fender custom colors (often with matching headstock) makes it all the more cool.
Gibson Flying V
Inducted in 1996
One of the most distinct guitar designs ever created, but it wasn’t a hit when it came out in 1958. Rock and rollers discovered it the late ’60s and the V still makes a unique statement today.
Gretsch 6120
Inducted in 1996
If you play rockabilly, you better have one of these! Introduced as the Chet Atkins Hollowbody in ‘54, the 6120 soon shed the “G” brand and western inlays of the early versions, but never lost the Western Orange finish or the cool twang.
Rickenbacker 360/12
Inducted in 1997
It was good enough for George Harrison and gave us the “jingle jangle” of Roger McGuinn. That’s more than enough for the 360/12 to be the only 12-string in the Vintage Guitar Hall of Fame.
Martin D-45
Inducted in 1998
Originally the fanciest of Martin’s innovative dreadnought line. If you had one of the 96 made in the 1930s and early ’40s, your net worth would be considerably higher than it is now.
Gibson ES-150
Inducted in 1999
Gibson’s first electric Spanish guitar was also the first good-quality electric to hit the market. Favored by Charlie Christian, it housed Gibson’s first pickup, which is still in high demand and considered a classic.
Fender Jazzmaster
Inducted in 2002
Designed and marketed by Leo to cut into Gibson’s jazz market, it supplanted the Strat at the top of Fender’s line in 1958. And though its sound kept it from catching on with jazzers, garage surf bands of the day ate it up. It is one of the most copied solidbody designs of all time.
Gibson SJ-200
Inducted in 2002
A landmark amongst acoustic flattops, the SJ-200 was designed for cowboy guitarist Ray Whitley, and any cowboy worth his salt played one. Its popularity carried over to other genres, and never faded. From its jumbo-sized, sunburst-finished body to its ultra-fancy pickguard, bridge, and headstock, it was considered the consummate flat-top. Just ask Emmylou!
The 1954-’56 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Inducted in 2003
Can you say “Black Beauty?” Though Gibson didn’t give it the name, Les Paul himself chose black as the secondary color for the guitar bearing his moniker. Gibson did, however, use it to experiment with a three-pickup configuration and to introduce its famed Alnico-magnet pickup.
PRS Custom
Inducted in 2004
The first production instrument from a company that has become the guitar’s preeminent modern success story.
Gretsch White Falcon
Inducted in 2004
Like many great guitars, it has evolved through several versions. But it has been a classic since day one, for both it sound and utterly unique aesthetic.
National Tri-Cone series
Inducted in 2005
Its warm, sustaining tone emanates from three aluminum “resonators” designed to help guitarists stand out in big-band or orchestra settings. But, soon after being introduced, Nationals were adopted by Hawiian and blues players. Today, the Tri-Cone produces what many consider the ultimate acoustic blues tone.
Gibson ES-5
Inducted in 2006
One of the first guitars built after Ted McCarty took charge of Gibson, it helped solidify the company’s position as the world’s preeminent electric archtop maker. Today, its late-’50s variant with three PAF humbuckers and Switchmaster tone control is one of the most collectible of its ilk.
Fender Jaguar
Inducted in 2006
Jumping on the speeding Fender bandwagon in 1962, it helped the company stay on top throughout the decade, with its fancy new vibrato tailpiece, sophisticated electronics, and (usually) a funky custom color. If you played instrumental rock at the time, you either had one of these or you were probably ignored!
Gibson J-45
Inducted in 2007
Martin’s “dreadnought” flat-tops were big and dominated the guitar market of the 1930s. By the early ’40s, Gibson knew it needed a big flat-top to compete, and he J-45 (“J” for Jumbo, “45″ indicating its price in dollars) was it. A 16″ round-shoulded flat-top, even in the tough times of its launch, it received a very warm welcome and has ever since remained one of – if not the – most popular Gibson guitars.
Gibson Les Paul Model (Goldtop)
Inducted in 2008
Les Paul tried for years to convince Gibson it needed a solidbody in its line. Finally, Ted McCarty brought a single-cut experiment guitar to Les for his approval. Though its origianl bridge/tailpiece was far from perfect, the instrument served as Gibson’s test bed through the ’50s. Eventually, it reached the pinnacle among guitars and today sits among the top collectibles.
Gibson SG Standard
Inducted in 2009
By 1960, declining sales of the Les Paul model had Gibson looking to revamp the guitar. So the company gave it a radically redesigned, much thinner (and lighter!) body intended to better compete with Fender’s Strat. But the things that made up its very heart and soul – especially its humbucking pickups – remained. Today, the early-’60s version is a true classic.
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Brown PU Leather Acoustic Electric Folk Guitar Bass Strap pressure Relief $0.99 |
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Gretsch G2202 Short Scale Electric Bass Guitar $199.00 |
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portable RED Quick Change Clamp Key Capo for electric or Acoustic Guitar few BDJ $0.75 |
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Solo STL1PK-RD Electric Guitar / Amp Package – NEW $179.99 |
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Three New Sets Of DR “Pure-Blues” Pure Nickel-Electric Guitar Strings # PHR-12 $14.95 |
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plastic SET of 3pc CONTROL Knob 1 volume 2 tone for electric guitar Fender Strat $0.01 |
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★★★★★ New Unfinished electric guitar Body & Neck Flamed maple 1 set $99.00 |
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S & P – Simon and Patrick Acoustic Electric Guitar – Godin Guitars $379.00 |
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CORBIN CVG92CBT Solid Spuce Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar $149.00 |
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ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Traditional Custom Electric Guitar Faded Cherry 88683034714 $679.20 |
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1 pcs electric guitar Neck New Unfinished Solid wood JK 24 fret $49.50 |
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Jackson SLXQ Soloist X Series Electric Guitar Burnt Cherry Sunburst 886830348693 $479.99 |
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VINTAGE c.1977 Fender Mustang Electric Guitar Natural ORIGINAL Parts – Project $9.99 |
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NEW LEFT HAND RED ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR $81.95 |
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Jasmine ES50C Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar (Blowout Special!) No Case $179.00 |
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1960’s Harmony H15 Bobkat Electric Guitar Goldtone DeArmonds w ORIGINAL Case VTG $9.99 |
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Crescent NEW SUNBURST Electric Guitar+15w AMPLIFIER+ACC+ Guitar STAND $109.99 |
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Rogue LX200B Series III Electric Bass Guitar Metallic Blue $119.99 |
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SKB Electric Guitar Hardshell Case HSC $119.95 |
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VINTAGE 1963 Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar Solidbody – SUPER CLEAN w Tag - $9.99 |
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K&M A-Frame Electric Guitar Stand Black $39.99 |
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★★★★★ 1pcs New electric guitar Neck Maple wood Big headstock Left Hand *9F $32.00 |
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VINTAGE 1970’s Greco Green Hollowbody Electric Guitar FUNKY & RARE MIJ Japan $9.99 |
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Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Electric Guitar Upper Slide Switch Black $6.95 |
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CORBIN CG99E Passive Acoustic-Electric Guitar $99.00 |
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1 pcs New Unfinished electric guitar Neck Solid wood Left hand #7F $29.99 |
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VINTAGE 1974 Rickenbacker 4001 Electric Solidbody Bass Guitar Black ORIGINAL $9.99 |
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Lot of 3 Electric Guitar Neck Necks Projects Epiphone w Tuners $29.99 |
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Fender Squier Strat Electric Guitar Neck w Machines 25/5″ Scale $24.99 |
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Martin & Co. DCX1KE Solid Spruce Top Acoustic Electric Guitar $449.99 |
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VINTAGE 1980 Gibson ES-347 Electric Hollowbody Guitar Sunburst w OHC – GORGEOUS $9.99 |
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NEW! Electric or Acoustic Guardian A FRAME Folding Guitar Instrument Stand $9.80 |
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New Jackson JS22R 24 Fret Electric Guitar + Gig Bag, Strap Fast Free Shipping ! $298.00 |
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New Jackson JS22R 24 Fret Electric Guitar + Gig Bag, Strap Fast Free Shipping ! $298.00 |
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CUSTOM MAKE YOUR OWN HOLLOW BODY DIY ELECTRIC GUITAR KIT $2.00 |
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CUSTOM HD ELECTRIC OR ACOUSTIC GUITAR / BASS METAL WALL HOOK HEAVY DUTY USA MADE $26.00 |
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RARE DOUBLE NECK SG STYLE 12/6 ELECTRIC GUITAR AND CASE $9.95 |
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NEW 12 STRING STRAT STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR – SOLID ASH BODY with CLEARCOAT FINISH $9.95 |
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DIY UNFINISHED PRS STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR LUTHIER BUILDER KIT – FLAME MAPLE TOP $9.95 |
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NEW! Guitar Stand for Acoustic, Electric Bass Classical HEAVY DUTY QUALITY GEAR $9.80 |
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UNFINISHED STRAT & MANDOLIN DOUBLE NECK ELECTRIC GUITAR LUTHIER KIT DIY PROJECT $9.95 |
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Custom Electric Guitar $420.00 |
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FENDER STRAT STARCASTER ELECTRIC GUITAR W/AMP USED GOOD CONDITION $49.99 |
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Fender Squier Tele Electric Guitar Neck 25.5″ Scale w Tuners $29.99 |
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Jackson DR7 7 string electric guitar MIJ Japan Duncan DR 7string $0.99 |
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Fender Squier Strat Electric Guitar Neck w Machines $24.99 |
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Fender Squier Tele Electric Guitar Neck 25.5″ Scale w Tuners $29.99 |
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Custom Electric Guitar upgraded with Burstbucker Pro Pickups $499.99 |
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Custom Made Electric Guitar, Boutique Electric Guitar, Handmade Guitar $600.00 |
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Guitar – Electric – Rustic Tele / Broadcaster – Custom Antique Finish – Blues $377.77 |
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Fender Squier STD Strat Electric Guitar Neck w Tuners $24.99 |
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ELECTRIC GUITAR ROUTING TEMPLATES- LP special $65.00 |
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Quality Electric Guitar Strings Set .009 – .040 $0.10 |
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Round Head Black Strap Locks Knobs For Electric Guitar $22.99 |
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New DBZ Barchetta EM FR Flame Electric Arch Top Guitar $899.00 |
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Dean Playmate EVO Junior Solid Body Electric Guitar, Cl $117.93 |
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Peavey PXD VICIOUS II Electric Guitar (Gloss Black) $699.99 |
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Peavey PXD TOMB Electric Guitar (Gloss Red) $299.99 |
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Fender Squier Strat Electric Guitar Neck w Machines 21 Frets $24.99 |
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NEW OVATION CELEBRITY CC057 BLACK GLOSS ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR $225.00 |
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Godin XTSA 3 Voice Electric Guitar Dark Trans Red New Works with Roland GR55 $998.00 |
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Schecter Guitar Research Damien Special FR Electric Guitar Black Cherry Finish $439.99 |
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Godin LGXT Cognac Burst Flame AA Electric Synth Guitar Fits Roland GK55 VG99 new $1,695.00 |
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PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Carlos Santana Electric Guitar, Black : CSBL $694.00 |
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Godin LGXT Black Pearl Electric Guitar Synth Acoustic Fits Roland GR55 13 Pin $1,439.00 |
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Bridgecraft Electric Guitar $65.00 |
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Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II Archtop Electric Guitar Burgundy 886830346583 $796.00 |
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Vintage Replica Tin Metal Sign Fender Electric Guitar Instrument string tuner $19.99 |
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VINTAGE 60’s SUPRO ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH 3 PICKUPS AND ORIGINAL CASE $2.00 |
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Vintage Cherry Red Strat-style Electric Guitar $55.00 |
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Montaya Electric 4 String Bass Guitar in good working condition $100.00 |
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Martin & Co. 000XCE BLACK Acoustic Electric Guitar $425.00 |
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Fender Squier Tele Custom II w P-90 Electric Guitar Body Loaded Prewired $74.99 |
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Fender Stratacoustic Acoustic Electric Guitar Body No Elec PROJECT $39.99 |
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Luna Fauna Eclipse Trans Blue Acoustic Electric Guitar $369.00 |
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Fender Squier Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar Body VS Project $19.99 |
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Vintage ‘78 Fender USA Telecaster Tele Electric Guitar w/OHSC Gorgeous Sunburst $2,899.95 |
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