1955 Fender Stringmaster D8 for partial TRADE or sale

[Matteo Ringressi]

Hello all,
I have not posted here much, but have been lurking around for some time

I have a ca. 1955 Fender Stringmaster D8 I am considering parting with, as I want to switch to a Dual 8 Pro.
Push button neck selector having some issues at times on inner neck, needs to be pushed a couple of times to get the neck on...but I am sure this would be an easy fix.

Blend wheel cover missing. Cosmetically in very good conditions, and comes with legs and the original tweed case, not pristine but still 100% functional.

I do not know what these guitars go for these days, but as said, my goal is to get a Dual 8 Professional, so I would consider a partial trade, or perhaps something in the neighborhood of 1700€, which is what I payed for about 5 years ago when I got it.

It's located in Switzerland, so an European transaction would be easier - but I can do international.

If you want to get an idea of the sound, here it is played through a 1946 Epiphone Electar Zephyr amp, trying to channel some Joaquino

https://www.facebook.com/matteo.ringres ... 1907896490

Here are a few pics.






Thanks for your time,
Matt.

Note: corrected year and added pics

[Erv Niehaus]

If I'm not mistaken, that Stringmaster is newer than 1953.

[Matteo Ringressi]

I was told it was a 1953-54...had no reason to doubt it up to this day...could you provide more infos as to why it should be newer?

[Keith Bolog]

Heres mine - the date and initials of the builder are in the pocket under the tuners. Hope you guess which one the first time!

[Erv Niehaus]

The 1953 Stringmaster had a different style key head with the lollypop tuners. It had a different style pickup end also and NO blend wheel.
Here is a 1953 T8, you can see the differences:
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[Matteo Ringressi]

Oh wow...definitely different. Pardon my lack of knowledge on the subject. Would the tuners and pickups in my guitar be coherent with a 1954?

[Erv Niehaus]

Matteo,
Sorry, here's a page from the 1954 Fender sales brochure:

[Matteo Ringressi]

Thank you so much Erv!
Now, sorry for bugging you with so many questions...as this appears to be post-1954, how is the value affected? What would a similar example be worth?

[Erv Niehaus]

Matteo,
I'm not saying yours is worth any less, I'm not inferring that. I'm just saying the models are different. The blend wheel on your model is a nice feature.
The early model Stringmaster had a longer scale; 26". The later models, like yours, had the 24 1/2" and 22 1/2" scale. Some steelers prefer one scale over the other. It is easier to make slants with the shorter scale.
What scale length is yours? I don't think you stated.
I hope that I have helped clear up some of the confusion.
Erv

[Tim Whitlock]

I had the same problem with the push buttons on my '56 Stringmaster. Some electrical cleaner cleared it right up.

[Duane Nachbar]

If we are talking about the same guitar that is posted on Facebook, I believe that is a 22 1/2" scale.

[C Dixon]

Matteo,
I'm not saying yours is worth any less, I'm not inferring that. I'm just saying the models are different. The blend wheel on your model is a nice feature.
The early model Stringmaster had a longer scale; 26". The later models, like yours, had the 24 1/2" and 22 1/2" scale. Some steelers prefer one scale over the other. It is easier to make slants with the shorter scale.
What scale length is yours? I don't think you stated.
I hope that I have helped clear up some of the confusion.
Erv

Very well and accurately said Erv.

Sadly, most "Western Swing" SG players rarely (if at all) slant the bar. This goes for "glissing" as well. Thus the longer sustain on "long" scale SG's suits these players perfectly.

I prefer the shorter scale because I play like Jerry Byrd; which of course, means many slants of every persuasion.

For whatever it's worth.

All non pedal Fender SG's are amongst the finest sounding guitars.

Matteo, you should have little difficulty selling it regardless of its age. I would have loved to see the guitar and hear it: but I do NOT do "Facebook". Could you please post some photos. I can assure you that photos are always a great asset when selling SG's on this forum.

[Matteo Ringressi]

I will take better pics and measurements tomorrow, but here is a still image from the video above:



A great sounding guitar for sure - just out of personal preference, I seem to always favor the Dual Pro sound.

[C Dixon]

Thank you for posting that Matteo.

Looks great already. Looking forward to seeing the "better" photos you will be posting.

Thanks again,

c.

[Matteo Ringressi]

I have added some pics to original post and corrected the year - a member suggested this is probably a 1955.
Thanks all,
Matt.

[Mark Helm]

...Did they even make a single 6 consolette (with legs)? I'm looking for one.

Also: Imply: to Suggest or hint; Infer: to Deduce or guess (sorry, guys--I'm an English professor)

[Matteo Ringressi]

Also: Imply: to Suggest or hint; Infer: to Deduce or guess (sorry, guys--I'm an English professor)

I am a native Italian speaker, and although I try to be as correct as I can in the use of the English language, sometimes things like that can slip under my radar...

[Matteo Ringressi]

Trade with a Dual Pro still stands, or I could do 1600€

[Loren Depping]

No worries, about English, Matteo. You're getting your point across just fine. I'm learning a LOT reading this thread. I'd love to buy your guitar, but I can't afford it yet. Still, all the information people have offered has provided me with quite a bit of learning. How long have you owned this instrument?

[Mike Cass]

Hello, what is the serial# please?