Is 1955 Fender Triple in rough shape worth $1k?

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 6 Nov 2014 5:41 pm

I have stumbled across a 1955 or 56 stringmaster fairly close to me it is rough but complete and in working condition. It would need complete restoration and refinish. I will try and post a photo or two later. Some pretty bad wood damage in one place and lot of corrosion on tuning pans, etc. Would this likely be worth 1000 dollars ballpark?

Ben Elder · Post by **Ben Elder** » 6 Nov 2014 9:10 pm

1 (not strictly speaking a Stringmaster), 2, 3 or 4 necks?

Tom Snook · Post by **Tom Snook** » 7 Nov 2014 6:33 am

Deluxe or StringMaster? StringMaster or Deluxe ?
That is the question!

Tom Wolverton · Post by **Tom Wolverton** » 7 Nov 2014 7:35 am

For one in decent non-mint condition, typically it is about $700 per neck.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 7 Nov 2014 7:52 am

no. not with damage and needing a complete restoration. a pro restoration will cost that much. and then you will have a restored guitar thats not worth what it cost. a non pro restoration will not raise the value of it at all.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 7 Nov 2014 7:58 am

We need to see pictures, but "rough" condition with "bad wood damage" and "a lot of corrosion" doesn't sound good. Your plan is to restore it, so the total cost will be well over $1000, especially if you pay others to refinish it, reassemble it, etc. It would be cheaper and easier to buy a nice one for about $1300 or so. On the other hand, if you can do the work yourself and you enjoy that kind of work, go for it.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 7 Nov 2014 8:03 am

I posted about the same time as Bill, and we have the same basic idea. I'd pass on this Stringmaster and look for one in better condition for a few dollars more. It would be cheaper in the end and less headaches.

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 7 Nov 2014 8:34 am

I accidentally created a new thread instead of putting a reply here...here is the link to a few photos:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 24#2308324

I think I will pass on this unless I can get the price down a lot and maybe even then...I really don't have the room for a triple necker. This is located in North Alabama, if anyone is interested pm me and I'll send you some info. Asking price is actually $1300 but I figured it could be had for $1000. After some advice from Doug and others here though I don't think I would be interested for even that.

Tom Wolverton · Post by **Tom Wolverton** » 7 Nov 2014 12:19 pm

Another thing to remember is that those early steels have the lolly pop tuners that often break inside or strip gears. A neglected and rusty instrument will probably have funky tuners. Getting that repaired can be a pain and some money.

Tom Campbell · Post by **Tom Campbell** » 8 Nov 2014 7:44 am

A few months ago I saw one like that on Craigslist. It was in mint condition and asking price was $900. It was located in Florida.
By the time I stopped procrastinating and decided to buy it the listing had expired and I couldn't locate the seller

Mike D · Post by **Mike D** » 11 Nov 2014 3:48 pm

I just cringe when hear all this talk about re-fining and re-chroming. Even in rough (but playable) shape they are only original once....