Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitars: A New Era of Affordable, Warrantied Instruments

Fender has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Reverb, launching the first-ever Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitar program. This initiative offers musicians the chance to own a piece of Fender history at a fraction of the cost, with the added peace of mind that comes with Fender’s quality assurance. The program is designed to provide players with affordable, high-quality guitars that have been professionally inspected and refurbished if necessary, all while contributing to a more sustainable music industry.

What Is the Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitar Program?

The Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitar program is a new initiative where Fender sells pre-owned guitars directly through Reverb. Each guitar is meticulously inspected, and if necessary, refurbished by Fender’s sustainability partner, MIRC, before being listed for sale. Every guitar also comes with a Fender-backed one-year limited warranty, providing buyers with added confidence in their purchase.

Key Features of the Program:

• Professional Inspection: Each guitar undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets Fender’s high standards.
• Sustainability: The program promotes a circular economy by giving instruments a second, third, or even fourth life.
• Affordability: Guitars are sold at significant discounts, often around 25% off their new retail price.
• Warranty: A one-year limited warranty backed by Fender provides peace of mind for buyers.

Why This Program Matters to Musicians

The second-hand guitar market has seen a significant increase in popularity, with sales on Reverb growing by more than 50% between 2019 and 2023. Fender’s Certified Pre-Owned program taps into this growing market, offering players the chance to own a quality instrument at a fraction of the cost of a new one. This program is not just about affordability; it’s about giving these instruments a new lease on life, reducing waste, and supporting a more sustainable industry.

Breaking Down the Official Press Release

Fender’s partnership with Reverb and MIRC marks a significant milestone in the musical instrument industry. This collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of the used instrument market by providing musicians with affordable, professionally inspected instruments that carry the trust and backing of the Fender brand.

Key Highlights from the Fender Press Release:

• Industry Leaders Unite: Fender, Reverb, and MIRC have come together to launch this program, signaling a strong commitment to the circular economy and the sustainable growth of the industry.
• Growth in Used Instrument Sales: Over the past few years, the demand for used musical instruments has surged, with Reverb reporting a 50% increase in used guitar sales between 2019 and 2023. This program is poised to tap into that growing market, offering quality instruments at competitive prices.
• MIRC’s Role: MIRC, a leader in the refurbishment of musical instruments, plays a crucial role in this program by ensuring that each guitar meets Fender’s rigorous quality standards before it reaches the market. MIRC’s state-of-the-art facility in La Vergne, TN, is equipped with the tools and expertise needed to restore these guitars to their best possible condition.
• Supporting the Music Industry: According to Reverb CEO David Mandelbrot, this program is not only beneficial for consumers but also supports the broader music industry by keeping guitars in circulation and making them accessible to a wider range of players, regardless of budget.

Watch: Reverb’s Introduction to Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitars

Community Reactions and Concerns

As with any significant change in the industry, the introduction of the Fender Certified Pre-Owned program has sparked various reactions from the community. Some players appreciate the opportunity to purchase quality instruments at a discount, backed by Fender’s warranty. However, others express concerns about the impact on small dealers and the potential devaluation of used guitars in the market.

• “For mass-produced consumer/student grade instruments, this is a fantastic deal. But for high-end, pro-level guitars, there’s a concern about them holding their value.”
• “It’s disappointing to see Fender competing with its own dealers, especially those who have supported the brand for years.”
• “This could hurt local shops that rely heavily on selling pre-owned gear, but for consumers, it’s a win.”

These perspectives highlight the dual nature of this initiative—while it offers undeniable benefits to consumers, it also presents challenges for smaller dealers and the broader used guitar market.

Current Deals on Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitars

If you’re interested in exploring the Fender Certified Pre-Owned program, here are some of the current deals available on Reverb, complete with their prices:

• Fender American Professional II Stratocaster: This iconic Stratocaster is available for approximately $1,399, compared to the new price of around $1,699. Save $300 while still getting Fender’s certification and one-year warranty.
• Fender Player Telecaster: You can find this classic Telecaster for about $699, down from the new price of $849. It’s a fantastic deal for anyone seeking Fender’s timeless tone at a more affordable price.
• Fender Vintera ’60s Jazzmaster: This vintage-inspired Jazzmaster is priced at $999, offering a substantial saving compared to its new price of around $1,199. It’s perfect for those who love the retro vibe and sound of the ’60s.
• Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster: Priced at $1,599, this hybrid guitar offers both acoustic and electric tones in one versatile instrument. New models typically cost around $1,999, so this certified pre-owned option is a great deal.
• Fender American Performer Jazz Bass: Available for about $1,199, this bass is a steal compared to the new price of $1,399. With Fender’s certification, you can trust it’s in excellent condition.

These are just a few examples of the deals you can find. To see more and explore the full selection, visit the Fender Certified Pre-Owned Shop on Reverb.

Whether you’re looking for a specific model or just browsing for a great deal, this program offers a unique opportunity to own a high-quality Fender instrument at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

The Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitar program – Final Thoughts

The Fender Certified Pre-Owned Guitar program marks a significant shift in how musicians can acquire quality instruments at more accessible prices. By teaming up with Reverb and MIRC, Fender is not only expanding the options for musicians but also promoting sustainability by giving these instruments a second, third, or even fourth life. This initiative is a promising development for those who seek quality without the brand-new price tag, all while enjoying the security of a Fender-backed warranty.

As this program continues to unfold, we’re eager to see how it will shape the broader guitar market. Will it set a new standard for pre-owned instruments, or will it raise concerns about the impact on small, local dealers?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this new program. Do you see this as a positive change for the guitar community, or are there potential drawbacks that concern you? Share your feedback in the comments section below, and let’s discuss how this might affect the future of guitar buying and selling.

For more insights, reviews, and discussions on the latest in the guitar world, be sure to check out our Get My Guitar Blog. We’re always updating with new content to keep you informed and inspired on your musical journey.