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I am often contacted with requests to
value guitars. Unfortunately I am not an expert on valuation,
but there are a number of useful resources that can be used to gain an
estimate of instrument value. Below I have listed a number of
resources, starting with free resources, then on-line subscription
services, followed by books. The final method is to take the
instrument to an 'expert' for guitar valuation.
Free valuation resources
Prepal the worlds largest online
listing of used musical instrument prices, updated every day.
Bluebook of Electric Guitars at Google Books. Incomplete
but a good start.
Bluebook of Acoustic Guitars Incomplete preview
eBay - Simply the largest buy and sell location for musical instruments.
Follow your instrument type here over a period and you will get a good
indication of value.
Gbase is a US based aggregation service for musical instrument stores. Values
are on the high side but provide a useful start.
Elderly
Instruments offer a preliminary valuation for those wanting to
sell/trade.
Plucked out -
Apparently provides free valuations. Not sure of its reliability.
Forums are
possibly the best source - especially if the forum has a specific focus on the item of
interest to you. eg.
Unofficial Martin Forum. Note that you do not necessarily need
to participate in a forum. Many forums have buy and sell pages and
these contain useful info from enthusiasts.
On-line pay services
Blue Book
Publications 24 hour access to a guide eg. Electric guitars will
cost $US9.99.
The
Orion Blue Book A single valuation will cost $US3.99
For $US50
Gruhn will provide a
quote online
Books to buy
Vintage guitar price
guide This guide is published annually and is highly recommended as
it covers all types of guitars and a significant range of amps and
effects in a single volume. Not as comprehensive as the Blue Book
range below but fantastic value and a book worth having in any event.
Blue Book
Publications:
Blue Book of Electric Guitars
, Zachary R Fjestad
Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars
, Zachary R Fjestad
Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers
, Zachary R Fjestad
This series is the bible for music stores and is likely to be the
book turned to when you are talking to an employee of a music store.
Real people and music stores
If you are being asked to pay a
significant amount for a valuation check that the store you go to is not
simply referencing one of the above resources. You can probably do
that yourself. Do not assume that the mantle of employee in a guitar
store means that the person has any clue as to the value of a used instrument.
If the store is in the business of buying and selling used instruments
or sells on consignment - then that would move them up the knowledge
ladder.
Good luck ;) |
