Eligibility for Free Appraisal

Free appraisals are available for Fender and Gibson guitars made between the 1930s and mid-1960s. While many guitars are considered vintage, we limit our services to areas where we have deep expertise—specifically high-end solid and semi-hollow electric guitars valued at $20,000 USD or more.

If your guitar falls outside this range, we may be able to refer you to a trusted specialist.

Please note: We only provide appraisals to current owners. Buyer agent services are not available at this time.

Free Vintage Guitar Appraisal vs. Insurance Appraisal

If you're curious about the value of your vintage guitar, an appraisal from a trusted expert is essential. We offer free appraisals for vintage Fender, Gibson, Martin, and similar U.S.-made guitars built between the 1930s and about 1980. These appraisals are based on serial number verification and clear photographs to identify the model, year, and general value range.

For insurance, estate, or resale purposes, we also offer formal written appraisals. These in-depth evaluations are fully researched and documented, suitable for submission to insurance providers or legal entities. The fee is $300 per instrument, applicable to guitars, amplifiers, and other vintage musical equipment.

How I Determine Vintage Guitar Value

Providing an exact price for a vintage Fender, Gibson, Martin, or similar U.S.-made guitar can be misleading. A guitar’s value is influenced by many variables—who’s selling it, how it's marketed, its location, return policy, and more. Because of these factors, there's no single number that defines its true worth and often times each guitars desirablity is subjecive to each individual. 

Instead, I evaluate recent sales and current listings of comparable guitars across trusted marketplaces. This research-based approach provides a realistic estimate of what your guitar could sell for if presented effectively.

If you move forward with a formal appraisal, you’ll receive a comprehensive document detailing the evaluation process, relevant market comparisons, and my expert opinion on the instrument’s replacement value.