This listing is for an extremely rare set of Fender's 50th Anniversary guitars produced for the 50th anniversary of Fender Musical Instruments. Here is how Fender described the series: "Exclusive features on these once in a lifetime instruments include: gold plated American Standard hardware, highly figured maple veneer top and back. Antique Sunburst Finish, vintage pickups and electronics, white plastic parts and black tolex vintage case with orange plush interior and vintage Fender nameplate. In addition each model is equipped with a specially engraved neck mounting plate with the Fender 50th Anniversary logo and limited edition serial numbering (ie: 1 of 2,500). A definite must for every collection!"
For over 20 years I have watched the values and the availability for these guitars. In 2005 I saw two complete sets listed on E-Bay. Interestingly both sets were located in the United Kingdom. One seller stated "I have been informed by Fender USA that this is probably the only MINT collection of all six on the planet - or in existence - even Fender dealers worldwide did not receive full sets". I was going to contact this person but decided to not start a discussion on the existence of the set. The seller had the set list for approximately US $15,500.00 and that was 18 years ago. I believe this seller broke up the set as he was trying to raise money for his children's education.
It has been a lot of years since I have seen much in the way of these special guitars. There are less and less available all of the time. And the few that are listed these days are used. Some with lots of wear. You would be hard pressed to put a set together today and surely would find it hard to impossible to put together a new complete set. Having said that about 2 years ago a set was listed here on E-Bay. It was listed as a 1994 issue (minor error). He stated "This is the best condition you will find one of these guitars in!" He violated the E-Bay rules by coding and including his phone number in the listing and eluding to discussing the price as E-Bay fees were 10% and also he listed shipping at $600.00. His listing price was $21,000. The listing appeared a couple of times then was gone. I figured the listing probably sold.
This set consists of:
Stratocaster (Right Handed) Serial Number S1831 of S2500
Stratocaster (Left Handed) Serial Number SL248 of SL250
Telecaster Serial Number T0715 of T1250
Precision Bass Serial Number P014 of P500
Jazz Bass Serial Number J238 of J500
Jazz Bass (5 String) Serial Number JV431 of JV500
These guitars are now 27 years old. Time flies! Fender Musical Instruments has now celebrated their 75th Anniversary. Another milestone for the company. And this will surely add to the value of this collection.
Just a note on the "lefty". This guitar was hard to find. Since I had never seen the brochure I didn't know there was a lefty in the set. When I found this out I contacted the dealer where I was buying guitars and he hadn't heard this either. He contacted his Fender representative and he had no information on it. Shortly I found mine in a music store. Fender only made 250 of these. When I contacted Fender for more information I was informed that of the 250 made only 125 were kept in the US. The remaining 125 were shipped all over the world. Good luck finding one of these today! Also note that my lefty is number 248 of 250. Third to the last one made. Interesting number.
If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact me.
I shouldn't have to say this but I will not under any circumstances break up the set. Don't bother asking!!!
Thanks for looking.
Sorry, I no longer ship internationally.