"Leo Fender SN.007". for Sale What should I pay ?

[BigBob]

Hello,
There is a G&L for sale and I don't know what to pay. Here is a little info. Fender signed and numbered the joint in the back where the neck attaches to the body. It says "Leo Fender SN.007". The guitar came with a pick cover that was made of plastic. There is a little bit of oxidation/rust to the chrome .It was bought it in 1981 through a friend who was a sales representative of G&L Musical Instrument Company. He used it as a demo from store to store when he was setting up new accounts and advertised it as "Leo's Fender's guitar".The body is swamp ash and the neck rock maple. The invoice lists the color as "butterscotch blonde" but the original notes in the case said "honey blonde". It has the original invoice from G&L Musical Instrument Company and a note from Fender. Also, the invoice shows the retail price as $2,149.99 but he paid $890.88. I have notseen it yet but will this weekend and don't really have a feel for what this is worth today any ideas ? I will try and get pictures to post. Sorry don't have more info .

Thank You, Bob

[guitar_ed]

Hi Bob,

One comment here. Leo did not know how to play guitar. So any value attached to it as "Leo's guitar," as a Leo played owned guitar, is bogus. Might Leo have over seems it building, yes. But that's it.

Take care,

edg

[BigBob]

Hello, I think "Leo's guitar" in referance to G&L and not his personal Guitar . I copied his add didn't write it. I called the owner and he says it is a Legacy and has two cases, the original has been clawed by a cat so he bought a G&L Plastic hard case. Any Ideas to worth ? Thank You for the reply. More important when was the first legacy Built ?

[Ken Baker]

Also, the invoice shows the retail price as $2,149.99 but he paid $890.88.

Hmm...

Something smells like yesterday's mackerel.

The Gallery has a price list from 1985 here. Looking through it, I don't see a guitar with an MSRP higher than $1094 with a case. Figure 1981 will be a tad less and that actual sell price would be less than MSRP, usually by a sizable chunk, so even $890 is high.

The "SN.007" isn't a valid serial number, unless there was something extra-double-secret-special going on.

--SO--

Do be careful and keep your eye fully jaundiced.

Ken...

[Elwood]

When did butterscotch blonde come out as a finish option?

It sure sounds like 2001 (maybe 1991) pricing, but not 1981
as Ken points out.

(also you mention " a note from Fender" ; there were COA's issued that
were signed by Phyllis Fender , Leo's wife ... is this what the seller is referring to? )

[KenC]

I think Butterscotch Blond came out in 1997 or '98. It was definitely in the BBE era.

If this was a production guitar from 1981 (why would a sales rep show a one-off that the dealers couldn't order?), it would have to be an F-100 or a G-200. Neither of these had pickguards, and neither would have had BB or Honeyburst as color options.

As others have said, the serial number is not valid and the price is WAY out of line with 1981.

Where is the serial number located? On anything prior to late '82 it would be on the bridge.

Ken C

[KenC]

More important when was the first legacy Built ?

The Legacy was produced after Leo died (I think '93 or '94 was the first year). So, if it is a Legacy there is no way it could have legitimately been signed or even touched by Leo Fender.

You can very easily find '90s Legacies in good condition in the $600-800 range, with case. A Legacy Special (same guitar, different pickups) may cost a few dollars more. Considering the sound, build quality and finishes, Legacies can be incredible guitars for the typical prices.

I would love to see pictures of this guitar! Please post them if you do go to see it in person.

Ken C

[Craig]

Let me add to what other's have said:

The Legacy model was not in production until 1992, a year after Leo Fender died.
So, the story being told is bogus.

If you are buying this guitar because you believe it to be a collectible G&L, you should
look else where.

I would like to see pictures of all of the items included. Close ups of front and back of headstock,
neckplate, and bridge would be essential to help identify this guitar.

Hope this helps.

[BigBob]

Thank You all for the imput, You where right when I called and asked a few questions his phone died and when I called later he was not home and hasn't been .