Guitar valuation

[Gatter91]

Hi there! I'm just wondering if anyone knows of anywhere I could get a guitar properly valued in the UK, specifically the Wiltshire area. I've managed to get hold of a 1968 non-reverse firebird in 'well played' condition and I'm looking to get it valued as to see whether it really is actually worth anything! I can upload some pictures at some point if anyone wants, as I'm not currently sat with the guitar

Here's a quick run down;
-Traditional 'tobacco burst' finish with no neck breaks whatsoever, bit of buckle rash and slight finish 'cracking' (read: looks old and badass)
-Has been refretted at some point in its life
-Original scratch plate/truss rod cover, backplate and all screws (plate shows typical signs of slight shrinkage)
-original (as far as I'm aware) wiring
-non original tuners but look very old and hold perfect tune

Bad points
-someone has attempted to fit a series/parallel switch by the main controls, has been disconnected and doesn't work
-slight 'scar' by the controls as well, a few inches long
-non original p90 pickups but the seller assured me they are Lindy Fralins
-many years ago the vibrola system has been changed to a les Paul style stop bar and bridge assembly. Bridge is made of brass and intonates perfectly.

Overall it sounds astonishing, played through my '70 AC30 it blows all my other guitars into the weeds!! Another thing is that as its in 'worn' condition, it's a piece that is able to be used on a regular basis as it was intended to, and not strung up in a museum in fear of it getting scratched!!

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Tonemonkey]

I wouldn't waste your money on a valuation.

Look on eBay for Firebird prices. There's a 65 refin with non original pups and pguard for less than £1.5k, admittedly in the States. Your 68, however rocking and cool it is, but with all its mods and replacement parts, likely won't fetch much more than £1000 - £1200 tops if that ... Unless it has some other "desirable to Firebird collector" vibe.

Bottom line, is our guitar is "worth" what someone will pay .... So just look to the market .... Mods and non-original parts slash the value.

If it sounds as good and has the mojo you suggest, it sounds like a bit of a keeper.

Good Luck.

 

[StuR]

Vintage & Rare in Denmark St offer such a service but you'd have to take it to them. But even they weren't good enough for MusicGuard insurance to accept for my bass.
You could also try Bonhams, they have a resident expert on instruments & either just have or about to have their twice yearly auction of guitars & music memorabilia, which means they're very good with accurate prices.

 

[dan1952]

Look on ebay, at Sold Items, or at least Completed Items. More accurate than any price guide or dealer.

 

[Gatter91]

Thanks guys i actually bought it in angel music in Denmark street for £1k, they wanted to get rid of it as it had a couple of niggles which I've since had sorted. I've been trawling eBay for one in similar condition but I can only find museum pieces going for many thousands, and I know it ain't worth that!!

 

[dannew02]

Actually it's worth 1.98. Send it to me immediately and I'll dispose of it for you! For sure post pics of your Bird, that's pretty much exactly the guitar I've always wanted.

 

[Gatter91]

Right sorry to bring an old thread back up! It's going on eBay tonight, I've taken a few pics of it for the listing ao might as well whack some on here as dannew02 asked

 

[dannew02]

WANT WANT WANT WANT!!!!

An original NR Firebird, with an unbroken headstock, with "player" mods? Perfect. I think it'll go $2500+ easy. I know the new ones (2012) run $1200 or so and I've seen 60's ones go for as much as $4000...
Man if I had a couple spare kidneys I'd be all over yours. Good luck with the sale!

 

[dannew02]

Ps lemme guess, it had coil-tapped humbuckers and some kind of wraparound bridge to replace the vibrola, right? And the slider switch for the pups always gets replaced with a 3-way on these too. What kind of bridge is that, anyway? No matter, it's still awesome.

 

[Gatter91]

Cheers man I certainly hope so! I think it might be for a series/parallel wiring or something but I'm not sure, the coil tap isn't a silly idea though... Got Fralins in currently I think too, sounds the don!

 

[dannew02]

So how about I send you all of my crummy guitars to trade for this one?

 

[Gatter91]

Well if one of your guitars happens to be a crummy old red 335 then go for it! haha

 

[dannew02]

Well mine ARE crummy...and one of them is red...
Good luck with the sale.