Synchromatic Value?

Circa 2000. Pre FMIC. I had the red one, a G1629. New, it was $350. They have the Gretschbuckers, which, some dislike, tho they weren't too bd when adjusted properly.
Present value? I've seen them go for as low as 200, and seen them listed for $1000 or more, tho I doubt anyone would get that for one.

 

It's not a bad guitar. It's an entry level instrument. It'll lead you onto the harder stuff like Electros and Pro lines. Sure isn't worth $900 when you could get a 56XX series for less. He's just fishing for a sucker. As always---Caveat Emptor!

 

Though not specifically listed over on GDP, the intuitive leap for a model number would be a 1616-T. There are a number of holes in the GDP data base on these series because, well, no one really cares much. $200 is the high end for the painted versions. The sparkles always seem to at least get listed for a bit more, and then add a few bucks for the Bigsby versions. Like Gary said, they are not bad little guitars but rare they are not.

 

I bought a similar model (maybe not the same) on a lark several years ago because it was blue (sparkle). Mine has the single F-hole feature, and lacks a vibrato. I scored mine for under $200.

 

I know that Europe it's not exactly what you need to compare prices (all is more expensive over here), but I had the same guitar (with the F-hole), same Bigsby B700, and I payed 250 Euros (around 280 USD) for it.
Nice little axe, with the right pickups (and a roller bridge) it stayed in tune and rocked.

Edit: maybe that should be the Black Sparkle, not the Silver that was the one I had. They're a bit more rare, but I don't think they'll ever worth more than 300 bucks.

 

Randy,

Worth is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

If you have to have it, certainly don't pay more than you would for a new Electromatic Jet as it is nowhere near the guitar the new Jets are.

Also don't buy it with the idea of stripping off the glitter, thinking you're going to find a nice grained maple cap...you will be sorely disappointed.

Think long and hard. Any mod/parts swap such as pickups will cost more than any real worth the guitar may have .

Best,

BIB.

 

A hard shell case would greatly affect the price. I personally like the pre FMIC stuff. Especially if you can prove it was made in Japan. No improvements to speak of that I can see. I agree with Randy's first comment. Seller needs to do some research. Need to prove the value a bit.

 

$350 max if you like it.

 

So you're saying I shouldn't have put a $170 T-Armond and a $ 20 tailpiece on a $100 guitar???

 

Honestly, that one would be a little screamer!

 

dak,

Absolutely not!

Nor should you put over $3000. in a new $450. G5222, to create a Malcolm Young ''Salute'' Jet.

And...you'd be really crazy to spend $1200. on a vintage Burns Trem unit...just because...you had to buy the complete guitar/case...and have it all shipped from the UK to Canada. I stripped off some of the Burns hardware and threw the rest out.

Finally, if you're going to say...why didn't I just buy the ''real thing'' to begin with and save myself the money/time and trouble...I did that too...

Having said all that, I'm not a ''model example'' of what someone else should do...

By the way, love your $100. Jet! I'd install a vintage ''V'' Bigsby and a dynamic bridge, a Gretsch Space Control bridge would be nice. You'll have that $100. Jet up to $1000. in no time.

Best,

BIB.