QUESTION :
I was recently told my 1961 Fender Stratocaster neck was only worth $1500 because the decal was not original how can that be possible when a regular neck is worth $5000.
REPLY:
That is actually true unfortunately and I will explain why. There are many fake vintage parts on the market these day and that goes for necks and bodies as well. It is easy to relic a neck swap finger boards etc. and deceive the public. I have seen guitar that looked amazing and fooled many dealers but were no more than 6 months old.
Here is the good news for the vintage guitar market. Not for your case in specific but NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FAKE AN AGED FENDER DECAL YET!!! this is the best thing and the reason why the decal weighs so heavy in the equation. I have seen people try and have seen some real close fakes but none good enough to fool a vintage expert.
The thing they cannot fake is one a pre cbs decal the lettering has a greening and an oxidation like texture to it you can feel the decal and the lettering actually gets a raised texture over the years whether the guitar in in the case or played everyday. this natural aging cannot be faked . Unfortunately I am sure soon it will but for now the market is safe. Gibson guitar are easy to fake because the the logo is either a water decal or an inlay ed veneer that is easily changed
So this is why there is such a big difference in price. to me when i look at a vintage fender the decal is the FIRST thing I look at . This is a rule all Fender buyers should apply. I hope this has helped I know this is not good news for you but it is the reality of the vintage guitar market
Any further questions just contact me at The Parts Drawer
Thank you
Jim Pasch