| Many of the visitors to my website ask about | | | | instruments, the 100% price refers to an |
| vintage guitar values. Do you have a guitar about | | | | instrument not previously sold at retail. Even if a |
| which you would like to have information? Do you | | | | new instrument has been played only twice and |
| have a question about Fender guitar value, Gibson | | | | traded in a week later, it no longer qualifies at |
| guitar value, or maybe the value of a Martin | | | | 100%. |
| guitar? Even if you don't know what kind of guitar | | | | Excellent - this Excellent condition range is |
| you have, a little research will help you to find the | | | | represented by both High Excellent and Low |
| value of your guitar. | | | | Excellent condition. High Excellent refers to an |
| What makes a guitar valuable? | | | | instrument that is very clean, looks almost new |
| Several factors figure into the value of a guitar. In | | | | (perhaps a few light scratches/dings only), and |
| general, the guitar must be one which is sought | | | | has hardly been used. Low Excellent refers to a |
| after by collectors and musicians. The demand for | | | | guitar that has been played/used, and has |
| a guitar is determined in general by quality, | | | | accumulated some minor wear in the form of light |
| beauty, and playability. This demand must | | | | scratches, dings, small chips, etc. The older an |
| outweigh the available supply.Age is an important | | | | instrument, the less likely it will be in High Excellent |
| factor in the value of a guitar, but a guitar is not | | | | condition Even Low Excellent is seldom |
| necessarily more valuable just because it is older. | | | | encountered on instruments over 50 years old, |
| It must have been made with a high standard of | | | | since most acoustic instruments were originally |
| quality in the first place. An old mediocre quality | | | | purchased to be played |
| guitar is just that--an old mediocre guitar! The | | | | Average - The Average guitar condition factor |
| actual year that a guitar was made may not be | | | | indicates an acoustic guitar that has been in a |
| as important as the PERIOD in which it was made. | | | | player's hands and has worn due to player use |
| For example, electric guitars which are most | | | | (hopefully, no abuse). High Average condition |
| valuable today include Fender Telecasters made | | | | instruments have normal dents, small chips, and |
| before 1954, Fender Stratocasters made | | | | light dings on the body, and/or scratches on the |
| between 1954 and 1959, and Gibson Les Pauls | | | | top and back. However, there should be no |
| made between 1958 and 1960. Acoustic guitars of | | | | problems unless indicated separately. Low |
| the greatest value include Pre-World War II | | | | Average condition instruments may reflect major |
| Martins and Gibsons.This is not to say that other | | | | finish problems, replacement parts, previous |
| guitars are not valuable. Many vintage guitars will | | | | repairs (especially on older instruments), |
| bring a good price. The trick is to know | | | | alterations, and neck/fret wear is typically visible. |
| approximately how much YOUR guitar is worth. | | | | Once you have this information at hand, you can |
| How Do I Determine the Value of My Guitar? | | | | attempt to find the value of the guitar by |
| In order for you or anyone else to determine the | | | | consulting various sources on the internet or you |
| value of your guitar, you must have certain | | | | can have it appraised by an expert. Researching |
| information available. Ideally, you would know the | | | | the value of your guitar on the internet may be |
| brand, model, and serial number. The brand and | | | | free. The downside is that this research requires a |
| model, however, can often be determined | | | | big expenditure of time and a wide knowledge of |
| through the serial number. Then you must | | | | guitar pricing resources. If you have your guitar |
| determine the condition of your guitar--prices | | | | appraised, remember that the appraiser may also |
| differ greatly according to condition. Here are | | | | be a dealer who is, after all, wanting to make a |
| some guidelines: (these guidelines are from the | | | | profit by reselling the guitar. For this reason, the |
| "Blue Book of Acoustic and Electric Guitars") | | | | appraisal MAY be biased. |
| 100% - New - New with all factory materials, | | | | Because so many of my website visitors have |
| including warranty card, owner's manual, case, and | | | | inquired about the value of their guitars, I have |
| other items that were originally included by the | | | | begun to offer a GENERAL guitar evaluation |
| manufacturer. On currently manufactured | | | | service. This service is FREE. |