What's a 70's Super 400 w/ headstock repair worth??

[cluster]

Hello all,

Considering a mid 70's Super 400 (vintage burst) that's had a headstock repair (good repair). Everything else is good and original. Book says 5,000 - 6,500. Does $3000 seem fair??

 

[dspellman]

Yes.

 

[cluster]

I thought headstock repairs knocked 50% off the price??

 

[Patrick2]

Hello all,

Considering a mid 70's Super 400 (vintage burst) that's had a headstock repair (good repair). Everything else is good and original. Book says 5,000 - 6,500. Does $3000 seem fair??

Hard question for anyone to answer. Too many other variables. Was the neck refinished? Or is the repair visible? If refinished, did you black light the repair to see just how severe . . . or minor the break was? What's the condition of the gold plating on the hardware? But, if everything else is good and original, as you indicated, I'd say $3,000 is more than fair . . . it's pretty damn good. Can you post pictures?

If you're just picking this up as a player . . and will eventually look to sell it off . . I would imagine you'll have no real problems getting your money back at $3,000

 

[cluster]

 

[Patrick2]

Well . . . I'll give you my opinion . . . which may or may not be what those more expert than me on this matter would say. First thing I see is that it was indeed a severe break. It was a simple break and not a nasty multiple fracture, but it was severe. If my guy did the repair on a break like that, in addition to gluing it at the point of the break, he would have drilled it and inserted glued in dowels for added support, then refinished the area so it was totally invisible. Then, if it was dropped again, or banged . . . . it might break somewhere else on the neck . . but, it would never break in that area again. The refin would not be to deceive anyone at the time of selling it . . when ever that time came . . . but, it would be needed to satisfy my own personal requirements. Also, I am curious that I don't see any other visible signs of damage.?.? With a break like that, I would expect to see some signs of it being hit, or dropped.

Now, with all of that being said . . it's more than likely that the repair done, even without the dowels will hold up just fine. I also noticed that the guitar has had a refret.

You could buy that guitar for $3,000 . . . play the hell out of it and if anything ever did happen to the repaired area, you could have it re-necked for around $1,000 and have a wonderful Super 400 at what would still be a great price.

I would say if you like the guitar and can get it for 3 grand.. . pull the trigger!!!

 

[cluster]

Thanks for the input. I'm still in negotiations, but I think the most I should pay is $3500-$3700. $3000 is my low ball. I've always wanted a super 400. Let's see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Peteyvee]

Yeah, that was a severe break and I'd also expect to see signs of it being hit or dropped as well. Maybe it was in the case and got run over? Anyway, $3,000 would be a very good price (for you, not the seller), but you might have to go a little higher. I'd draw the line at $3500.

 

[cluster]

Yeah, that was a severe break and I'd also expect to see signs of it being hit or dropped as well. Maybe it was in the case and got run over? Anyway, $3,000 would be a very good price (for you, not the seller), but you might have to go a little higher. I'd draw the line at $3500.

I agree.

 

[maaxFlux]

I hate to disagree with you guys, but as far as headstock breaks go, that's pretty run of the mill. It runs along the grain and there's lots of gluing area. Good glue and a couple of clamps strategically placed and you're good to go. A few coats of lacquer and it would nearly disappear as well. As long as it's a good repair it should last the lifetime of the guitar. I would NOT put any dowels in, as that would probably make it LESS structurally sound, and wouldn't look so good either.