Browse our collection of used Fender electric guitars for sale, from 1980s Fullerton-era and early Corona-built instruments to modern American Professional, American Ultra, Custom Shop, and Japan-made Fenders. A used Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, or Jazzmaster delivers the feel and tone that shaped rock, country, blues, and indie music, often at a fraction of the price of a vintage example.
At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every used Fender is inspected, documented, and professionally set up before it ships. We photograph serial numbers, neck dates, and hardware up close, and we disclose repairs, refrets, and non-original parts in every listing, so you know exactly what you’re buying. Our inventory changes constantly, so check back often.
Looking for something older? Explore our vintage Fender guitars (1979 and earlier), browse used Gibson electric guitars, or pair your guitar with a used Fender amplifier.
We buy used and vintage Fender guitars and welcome trades toward your next instrument. Selling one guitar or a whole collection? Use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it easy.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Used Fender Electric Guitar
Fender eras from the 1980s to today
Fender’s modern history starts in the CBS years, which ended in 1985 when a group of company executives bought Fender from CBS. The early 1980s brought the Fullerton-built Vintage reissues, which recreated the look and specs of 1950s and 1960s guitars, and the launch of Fender Japan in 1982. Production then moved to a new factory in Corona, California, where the American Standard series arrived in 1986. Since then Fender has built guitars in the United States, Mexico, and Japan across many lines, including Mexican-made Player and Classic Series models, American Professional and American Ultra guitars, and Custom Shop instruments built by hand, including factory-aged “Relic” and “Journeyman Relic” finishes designed to look like decades of wear.
What drives value in a used Fender
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Series and country of origin — American-made, Custom Shop, and Japan-made Fenders (especially 1980s guitars built at Fender Japan) generally hold their value better than entry-level lines.
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Originality — factory finish, pickups, electronics, and hardware matter. Modifications can make a guitar a great player, but they usually reduce collector value.
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Condition and wear — finish checking and light wear are normal on a guitar with some years behind it; neck repairs, refinishes, and non-original routing are not, and should always be disclosed.
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Case and paperwork — the original hard case, case candy, and (for Custom Shop guitars) the certificate of authenticity all add to value.
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Limited runs and artist models — special colors, anniversary models, and signature guitars can carry a premium over standard production.
How we grade and document our guitars
Every Fender in this collection is inspected in-house before listing. We check the serial number against Fender’s known production ranges, verify that pickups, pots, and hardware are consistent with the guitar’s stated year and model, and note any repairs or non-original parts clearly. Each listing includes close-up photos so you can judge condition and authenticity yourself, and every guitar gets a professional setup before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between American-made, Mexican-made, and Japan-made Fenders?
American-made Fenders are built in Corona, California, and generally use higher-grade components and a higher level of fit and finish. Mexican-made Fenders offer the classic Fender feel at a lower price and are built in Ensenada. Japan-made Fenders have a loyal following for their consistent build quality, especially guitars from the 1980s and early 1990s. Serial numbers and headstock markings identify where a guitar was made, and you can use our Dating Your Guitar guide to help pin down a specific instrument, or contact us and we’ll lend a hand.
Are 1980s Fender guitars worth buying?
Yes, and they’re often undervalued. The Fullerton-built Vintage reissues of the early 1980s and the first Corona-built American Standard guitars of the mid-to-late 1980s offer solid construction and classic Fender tone, and collectors have increasingly taken notice of them. Condition, originality, and model all matter, so we document each one carefully.
What does “Relic” mean on a Fender Custom Shop guitar?
A Relic finish is factory-applied aging: the Custom Shop deliberately wears the finish, hardware, and sometimes the neck to look like a guitar that has been played for decades. A “Journeyman Relic” has lighter aging than a full “Relic.” This is cosmetic wear applied at the factory, not damage, and it’s different from genuine age and use.
Do you ship used guitars internationally, and how are they insured?
Yes, we ship internationally, and every instrument is insured in transit and packed to protect it from damage. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility and vary by destination country.
Can I trade my current guitar toward a used Fender?
Yes, we accept trades toward guitars in our inventory. Send us details and photos of your guitar and we’ll provide a trade valuation. You can use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it super easy.