I have the opportunity to still pay quite a bit for a 50+ year old Fender Strat that does have two downsides going for it. First, the original hardshell case is.......missing but it has a new Fender hardshell and second, it's body only has been refinished. The only cool thing about this is that it was originally in this Fender factory color......and like the seller explained to me 'some idiot decided to try his hand at recoating it with spray can paint'. The upside is this current owner did have it beautifully refinished in the original color but had to resolder joints and whatnot to tear it apart to repaint it like the factory. It's not made to discolor like it's 50+ years old but looks like she just came off the assembly line........which is actually fine by me! He wants approximately half the amount of $$$ a good condition original factory color Strat sells for and acknowledges vintage guitar prices have come down some these last couple of years. Any sound advice?? The prices on say LPB original Strats go from a new Hyundai Elantra to a new Lexxus in price so it all seems so insane but I'd love to own and play a Pre CBS Fender Strat before I find out if there is indeed a R&R heaven!! Thanks!! Jim C.