How much should I offer someone for an '89 MIM James Burton tele?

tele_jas · January 22nd, 2008, 10:34 PM

Well, not me but my singer...... A guy that he knows is selling a 1989-ish MIM James Burton telecaster. It's not the Paisley one, but just a plain 'ole tele. It's showing a little sign of wear but he said it plays nice.

Any idea of what these go for used? The guy is wanting to get about $300, is that too much?

Buckocaster51 · January 22nd, 2008, 11:01 PM

Doesn't seem too much to me...but what do I know?

One thing to consider...after your initial offer, you can ALWAYS go up, but you can't go down.

If he is asking $300, he is almost certainly expecting to get less.

Offer $250.

He'll counter with $275.

You can buy it and send me half of the $25 I just saved you.

With case?

With gigbag?

GuitarJonz · January 22nd, 2008, 11:40 PM

They usually go $350-450 on ebay, so I'd jump at $300, but as Buck says, if he's asking $300, try $250 and maybe settle at $275, that would be a heck of a deal for the buyer.

BroadMaster · January 23rd, 2008, 12:05 AM

if it's original, buy it. it has texas tele specials and american controls. and a little bit larger neck. if he doesn't buy it, you should. if you don't buy it, pm me.

please

tele_jas · January 23rd, 2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

Doesn't seem too much to me...but what do I know?

One thing to consider...after your initial offer, you can ALWAYS go up, but you can't go down.

If he is asking $300, he is almost certainly expecting to get less.

Offer $250.

He'll counter with $275.

You can buy it and send me half of the $25 I just saved you.

With case?

With gigbag?

Hard shell fitted Fender case... Yeah, if I had the money I'd be all over it!

....... Hmmmm, what can I sell??

mildwild · January 23rd, 2008, 12:15 AM

The neck is great on these, I know I have one .

If you like how it plays and feels don't let it get away.

mellecaster · January 23rd, 2008, 11:10 AM

89 ish ?....They weren't introduced until Jan. 1996....and almost all have ser# that start with N6....he better do some more checking...and I've seen them regularly go for $500.

CharlieO · January 23rd, 2008, 11:45 AM

At $300, I'd recommend that you borrow some money to buy it. Don't let it get away. If you can't swing it, you really should let one of your TDPRI friends in on this opportunity.

If you buy the guitar but can't afford to keep it, there is an easy $100 profit to be made. Just post it here in the Garage Sale, and it will probably be sold within an hour.

hankseiz · January 23rd, 2008, 01:46 PM

+1 with mildwild on the neck. I have '89 ('90?) Burton neck on one of my parts-teles.

mildwild · January 23rd, 2008, 02:55 PM

Mellecaster is right they weren't introduced till 96.

Dating it by the serial number will be difficult at best since the numbering system for an artist models is not the same as other Fender's.

What colour is it ?

The earlier ones came in sunburst and white ( don't know if any others)

For a number of years the have only been available in Candy Apple Red.

Get it regardless would be my opinion.

jwells393 · January 23rd, 2008, 03:24 PM

I have a couple (candie apple red) with serial numbers starting MSN5_____ which would indicate a '95-'96 date. $300 is a jump on it now price.

harlycarly · January 23rd, 2008, 03:45 PM

I looked at one locally several months back. Guy was asking $400 in the music store he works at, posting for $350 other places. It had a couple of dime sized chunks missing out of the Candy Apple Red finish on the lower edge, no other issues. No case, I'm thinking it was about 12 years old. Played and sounded great, chunky neck and hotter than standard pick ups (Tex specs I believe). I'm fairly sure he'd have gone for $300, positive for $325. Couldn't justify it at that financial time, but as well I "didn't need" another tele. If your friend or you wants a kick @$$ telecaster, I'd make an offer because $300 with a HSC is a pretty god deal. I have regularly seen them for $450+.

Keep us posted.

mellecaster · January 23rd, 2008, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mildwild

Mellecaster is right they weren't introduced till 96.

Dating it by the serial number will be difficult at best since the numbering system for an artist models is not the same as other Fender's.

What colour is it ?

The earlier ones came in sunburst and white ( don't know if any others)

For a number of years the have only been available in Candy Apple Red.

Get it regardless would be my opinion.

All of the above is correct...also I've had a Black early one [1997]...I've also had a few made after 2000, that had a Ser# like Jack showed..so as said above, the signature models (or at least this one) don't follow the year codes.The Early Sunburst and Blonde were an Ash Veneer over Poplar..and thereafter all Poplar...or so the specs said....course w/ Fender specs, you can never be sure.......???

mildwild · January 23rd, 2008, 09:19 PM

They went to alder around 2001 or there abouts, but they still had poplar stickers on them.

Poplar or alder shouldn't make a difference.

Jimmy Vaughn's still had MSN6 serial numbers a couple of years ago I believe.

jwells393 · January 23rd, 2008, 09:32 PM

Double post deleted ................ someday I'm going to stop doing this.

jwells393 · January 23rd, 2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

the signature models (or at least this one) don't follow the year codes.

I tend to believe they do. I think they just put an "S" in the prefix for signature. I think you can use the rest of the number for dating them. Mine which start MSN5 ..... would have been made the same time as another Fender with a MN5 number.

One of mine with the MSN5 number also has the 50th Anniversary sticker which would make it a '96. MN5 .....indicates '95-'96.

mellecaster · January 23rd, 2008, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwells393

I tend to believe they do. I think they just put an "S" in the prefix for signature. I think you can use the rest of the number for dating them. Mine which start MSN5 ..... would have been made the same time as another Fender with a MN5 number.

One of mine with the MSN5 number also has the 50th Anniversary sticker which would make it a '96. MN5 .....indicates '95-'96.

Jack...I used to think that too...until I ran into two that were untouched Factory Originals...one had a 2003 Neck pocket date...the other was stamped 2001..but both had unplayed necks w/ MSN6 numbers on the headstock ???...So I just don't know ??

jwells393 · January 24th, 2008, 12:03 AM

I'm sure you've seen more of them than I have so I concede to your experience and expertise.

January 22nd, 2008, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
tele_jas Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Springfield/Mt.Vernon, MO Age: 36 Posts: 515 12 Photos	How much should I offer someone for an '89 MIM James Burton tele? Well, not me but my singer...... A guy that he knows is selling a 1989-ish MIM James Burton telecaster. It's not the Paisley one, but just a plain 'ole tele. It's showing a little sign of wear but he said it plays nice. Any idea of what these go for used? The guy is wanting to get about $300, is that too much? __________________ *Dr. Z Stangray Genz Benz Black Pearl * 3 tele's * & stuff...** Good deals with: tweeddeluxe, Lwilliams, Sunkidd www.southerngreenband.com www.myspace.com/southgreen www.guitartest.moonfruit.com

January 22nd, 2008, 11:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 57 Posts: 5,751 1 Photos	Doesn't seem too much to me...but what do I know? One thing to consider...after your initial offer, you can ALWAYS go up, but you can't go down. If he is asking $300, he is almost certainly expecting to get less. Offer $250. He'll counter with $275. You can buy it and send me half of the $25 I just saved you. With case? With gigbag? __________________ "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all." - Thumper the Rabbit "An awfully lot of time can be wasted waiting for the right time." - Gunsmoke's Doc Adams

January 23rd, 2008, 12:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
BroadMaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: PARIS. REPUBLIC of TEXAS Age: 55 Posts: 1,521 4 Photos	if it's original, buy it. it has texas tele specials and american controls. and a little bit larger neck. if he doesn't buy it, you should. if you don't buy it, pm me. please __________________ {disclaimer} It's like EVERYTHING* else on this entire forum, it boils down to what *YOU* choose, to suit you. If the human mind was a simple thing to understand, we would be too simple to understand it.

January 23rd, 2008, 11:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
mellecaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,989 17 Photos	89 ish ?....They weren't introduced until Jan. 1996....and almost all have ser# that start with N6....he better do some more checking...and I've seen them regularly go for $500. __________________ I have never owned an Ipod or Blackberry..and doubt that I ever will......

January 23rd, 2008, 11:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 56 Posts: 1,412 10 Photos	At $300, I'd recommend that you borrow some money to buy it. Don't let it get away. If you can't swing it, you really should let one of your TDPRI friends in on this opportunity. If you buy the guitar but can't afford to keep it, there is an easy $100 profit to be made. Just post it here in the Garage Sale, and it will probably be sold within an hour. __________________ http://www.CharlesOffer.com

January 22nd, 2008, 11:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,865 7 Photos	They usually go $350-450 on ebay, so I'd jump at $300, but as Buck says, if he's asking $300, try $250 and maybe settle at $275, that would be a heck of a deal for the buyer.

January 23rd, 2008, 12:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
mildwild Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2004 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 479 57 Photos	The neck is great on these, I know I have one . If you like how it plays and feels don't let it get away.

January 23rd, 2008, 01:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
hankseiz Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ Posts: 162	+1 with mildwild on the neck. I have '89 ('90?) Burton neck on one of my parts-teles.

January 23rd, 2008, 02:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
mildwild Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2004 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 479 57 Photos	Mellecaster is right they weren't introduced till 96. Dating it by the serial number will be difficult at best since the numbering system for an artist models is not the same as other Fender's. What colour is it ? The earlier ones came in sunburst and white ( don't know if any others) For a number of years the have only been available in Candy Apple Red. Get it regardless would be my opinion.

January 23rd, 2008, 03:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,506 101 Photos	I have a couple (candie apple red) with serial numbers starting MSN5_____ which would indicate a '95-'96 date. $300 is a *jump on it now* price. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

January 23rd, 2008, 03:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
harlycarly Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Republik of Vermont Posts: 657	I looked at one locally several months back. Guy was asking $400 in the music store he works at, posting for $350 other places. It had a couple of dime sized chunks missing out of the Candy Apple Red finish on the lower edge, no other issues. No case, I'm thinking it was about 12 years old. Played and sounded great, chunky neck and hotter than standard pick ups (Tex specs I believe). I'm fairly sure he'd have gone for $300, positive for $325. Couldn't justify it at that financial time, but as well I "didn't need" another tele. If your friend or you wants a kick @$$ telecaster, I'd make an offer because $300 with a HSC is a pretty god deal. I have regularly seen them for $450+. Keep us posted.

January 23rd, 2008, 09:19 PM	#14 (permalink)
mildwild Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2004 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 479 57 Photos	They went to alder around 2001 or there abouts, but they still had poplar stickers on them. Poplar or alder shouldn't make a difference. Jimmy Vaughn's still had MSN6 serial numbers a couple of years ago I believe.

January 23rd, 2008, 09:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,506 101 Photos	Double post deleted ................ someday I'm going to stop doing this. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

January 24th, 2008, 12:03 AM	#18 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,506 101 Photos	I'm sure you've seen more of them than I have so I concede to your experience and expertise. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.