Tweed Champ

Categorized | Guitar Parts & Accessories

Posted on 06 January 2011. Tags: amp, amps, diy, electronics, guitar, tweed champ, tweed champ cabinet, tweed champ kit, tweed champ mods, tweed champ schematic

Tweed Champ

What is the best way to sell my 1960 Fender Telecaster?

I have had a variety of appraisals on this original guitar I have owned for 49 years. I have the original tweed amp (Champ) and the original case. It is valuable, I know that. But, I can't seem to find a venue to sell this on. When I go to online stores, they are all selling new "vintage" guitars for a couple thousand dollars. This, I have been told, is worth far more than that. Anyone have ideas OTHER than Ebay? Thanks.

Im a luthier who works at a vintage guitar store.For the guitar, it's got to be mint to sell to a collector. And when i say mint, i don't mean no minor scratches, but all the parts need to be original and in working condition.The finish must be pretty much intact. Some collectors don't care if the guitar has a minor patina, but nothing too funky. If the guitar is not mint, you'll be looking to sell the guitar to someone who is a guitar enthusiast with A LOT of money. The enthusiast will most likely not be a professional musician, so they will be owning the guitar not to play it a lot, but to have it (like having a stupidly expensive sports car in the garage that doesn't get to do what it was designed to do). That being said, most people looking at this guitar will be looking at it from the standpoint of an investment. So expect to be bullied, and quite honestly fucked with. They will pick the guitar apart to try to get the price down. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE, allow someone to heat up any of the solder joints. You will lose a lot of value that way. But that is assuming the guitars electronics are original. Also be very hesitant to allow someone to adjust the truss rod. To do so on a early 60's tele you must take the neck off of the guitar (assuming the neck is original and in good shape). Taking the neck off repeatedly can cause the neck pocket to become "soft". But if the truss rod gets screwed up in anyway, that is the kiss of death. You will not get good money for you guitar.
So basically, if the guitar is mint. Take it to a high end vintage guitar shop. If its not mint, try to sell it at not such a high end vintage shop. An example of a high end shop would be Gruhn, mandolin brothers, Chicago music exchange (assholes).I would try to sell the guitar in person, and not at a guitar show (sharks in the water). If you decide to sell online, Gbase, Ebay, whatever. Be ready to get hit with a million questions and request for photos. The other day i worked on a fender strat from 63' that was worth $30,000. A few months ago I worked on a 57' strat that he been completely molested and it still went for about $15 grand or so. So these things are worth stupid money. If you have responsible children, save the guitar for them. The vintage market is down right now anyway, so its kinda like playing the stock market if you know what i mean. Store the guitar in 45% humidity, keep it away from the sun. And keep it in its case. If the case is original that can be worth a lot as well. The amp is worth good money, but eventually the amp will need re-tubing/re-biasing, new capacitors and other parts. So if the amp is original and in mint condition, sell it quickly before parts start to fail. Good luck, and be careful.

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