Bob's Vintage Guitars

Determining the Value of a Vintage Acoustic Guitar

There are many people out there with a vintage acoustic guitar or vintage electric guitar that really don’t know much about what they got? They don’t have a clear idea what their antique guitar is worth? or even the age? or Where to look to find out this information or even the value of the information they find.

Well, you could always go to your local music store and get an estimate. You may learn a few things there. But, what do you know about their background and expertise? About their honesty? Well without saying too much negative about the local music stores, I will just say most of them are not experts in this field and probably are basing quotes on local pricing values and their limited knowledge, not qualifying them as an expert.

There are also books! and websites! If you plan on using a book or website, most importantly look at the year it is published. Old information and old price estimates or quotes is about worthless. The older the more useless, because the vintage acoustic guitar and vintage electric guitar are like classic and antique cars. The value is based on many different factors. To begin with the year, the make, and the model. Then of course, is this a limited number or limited edition, or special version. Is this a special order item or mass produced or a small production or limited number quality.

And the Quality, of course the closer to perfect condition and like new the more valuable in most eyes. But, on the other hand, an antique guitar in original condition such as original parts and paint and scratches, scuffs, pings, dents, etc would be worth much more than one that had been restored repaired and repainted to look like new. Even worse would be updating the parts to new type or something other than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) It is usually worth more 100% original or as close as possible. Keep the instrument original!

Most important factor in determining value is the demand. No matter the condition or age or other qualities, if there is not a demand for the vintage acoustic guitar and vintage electric guitar then the value is down no matter the age or rareness or other factor or quality. I has to be a vintage guitar that is in demand, one that people are willing to pay for! Either because of actual value or perceived value due to demand! It is worth what someone is willing to pay! Based on these many factors and what part of the United States you are in or what part of the World you are in. And the value or perceived value there!
So, how do we know? Like classic and antique cars, all these factors are broken down and took into consideration and put in book form. These books are like a car blue book, not precise, especially for the older, rarer, and more in demand, etc. But the book is just an estimate based on the market value and sometimes the location too, just to give a starting point and a ball park value or perceived value! It really pays to use the book as starting point and then do your homework! Do all the research so you will know exactly what you got! And what it is worth! Whether you are buying or selling you don’t want to find out later that you didn’t make a fair deal, because you didn’t know or take the time to do your homework. Knowledge is power.

Of course sometimes on non vintage valuable guitars it is worth restoring, repairing and even customizing! Depending on value, needs, and wants. Value is truly perceived and rarely a set price. ONLY ballparks!