How would somebody go about getting a vintage guitar appraised?

argent · March 23rd, 2008, 12:13 PM

Do I contact a local music shop and hope they know what they're talking about? Is there a "bluebook" like for cars? I don't even know where to begin.

Thanks in advance

Telenator · March 23rd, 2008, 12:20 PM

You can take detailed photos of it and send them to Gruhn's for an on-line appraisal. They tend to be a bit generous in their appraisals but at least you'll get an idea.

You can also post detailed photos here and ask some of the very knowledgable members their opinion.

In short, get a few different opinions to base the value on.

skydawg · March 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM

There are a number of ways to go about it. No one way is "best". The best value is taking everything into account. Probably the best value amount would be researching past and present ebay auctions and craigslist listings to see what actual deals have taken place. There is a Blue Book to check: https://store.bluebookinc.com/Home/Default.aspx Gruhn's publishes one too. If you go to amazon under gruhn's they will list about 4 other related publications. Good luck, the research is half the fun!

March 23rd, 2008, 12:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
argent TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IL Posts: 85	How would somebody go about getting a vintage guitar appraised? Do I contact a local music shop and hope they know what they're talking about? Is there a "bluebook" like for cars? I don't even know where to begin. Thanks in advance

March 23rd, 2008, 12:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,478	You can take detailed photos of it and send them to Gruhn's for an on-line appraisal. They tend to be a bit generous in their appraisals but at least you'll get an idea. You can also post detailed photos here and ask some of the very knowledgable members their opinion. In short, get a few different opinions to base the value on. __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

March 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
skydawg Removed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: GREATER CHICAGOLAND AREA, USA Age: 55 Posts: 1,158	There are a number of ways to go about it. No one way is "best". The best value is taking everything into account. Probably the best value amount would be researching past and present ebay auctions and craigslist listings to see what actual deals have taken place. There is a Blue Book to check: https://store.bluebookinc.com/Home/Default.aspx Gruhn's publishes one too. If you go to amazon under gruhn's they will list about 4 other related publications. Good luck, the research is half the fun!