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How to sell a vintage guitar online:
Finding out what your guitar is worth

A guide to selling quickly at the best possible price

Step 1: How to sell a vintage guitar online
Step 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth
Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

It is important you know what you are selling, but equally important you let everyone else know. This is key. Wherever you intend to sell your guitar, be it Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or a private guitar classified website, there will invariably be a listing title. Get this wrong and you reduce the likelihood of viewers buying. Leave it out entirely (rather, leave out the keywords for which people search) and you dramatically reduce the number of viewers. Great listing titles will include the make, model, year and maybe other details too. For example
Good: "Vintage Gibson SG Special guitar, 1969 with case" - this will be easily found by all of those buyers looking for a vintage SG Special
OK: "Gibson SG, red" - although this will come up in many searches, it will be swamped by the many thousands of SG listings, all variants, new and old
Bad: "Gibson guitar, rare" - it is difficult to come up in search results with so few specifics.

Use pictures to remove doubt

Close-up images really help demonstrate a guitars condition Taking as many close-up pictures as possible is an enormous help in showing a guitars true condition. The old adage of a picture being worth a thousand words is certainly true here.

The value of a vintage guitar is proportional to its originality. And it is well known that online sellers sometimes hide defects; posting poor quality pictures and claiming "I don't know anything about guitars" or "I'm selling this for a friend"... These tricks are well known, and in most cases will deter buyers. In some cases people will still buy, but assume there to be a problem, and bid accordingly. If you are not hiding anything, you should make this known! And truly the best way to do this is with large-sized, clear, photographs. Show the scratches, dents and wear patches. Show the electronics (and state potentiometer date codes if present) and the underside of pickups. You may also need to pay special attention to potential problem areas typical to that guitar. For example:

Gibson guitars can suffer from a cracked or broken headstock, especially those with a mahogany neck. There is a weak point at thinnest part, behind the truss rod cavity, and many breaks occur at this point. Guitars like the Gibson SG often break where the neck meets the body, or at the tail end of the body around the controls and input jack. A really good repair can be difficult to spot in a bad photograph. You must show these areas when selling a Gibson.

The pickups in a vintage Gibson are crucial for it's sound. You must show that these are original. Usually done by removing them from their routes, and photographing the underside (with patent sticker), and the routes themselves (this also shows whether extra pickups have been added, and that the finish is original.

Hofner guitars often require a neck reset to achieve a playable action This early 1960s Hofner guitar has had a neck reset; a standard procedure for such guitars.

A Hofner may have a high action due to movement on a neck joint, or worse damage from a badly performed reset. Hofner was previously better known as a violin maker, and the hide glues used in violin construction were also used on their guitars. This allows easy neck resetting, but over time they also slip, making a reset a standard procedure for Hofner instruments. However if this has previously been performed badly, it can impact on the value significantly. You must show the heel area and the side of the neck (to show the action) when selling a Hofner.

Fender guitars were designed to be easily bolted together, and parts replaced when necessary. Very many Fenders out there have had components swapped over the years. Naturally buyers want originality, so you have to try and establish this where possible. A Fender neck should have date markings on the body end of the neck. Any serious buyer will want to see this. Also many Fender guitars out there are actually an old neck with a whole load of new parts added. The more places you can show - inside the neck pocket, under the scratchplate etc, the less room there is for confusion.

Guitars in rare or custom finishes are often claimed to be original, but very often have just been refinished. To prove your rare coloured guitar has always been that colour, make a point of showing the serial number stamp - too faint suggests a refin; and underneath the scratchplate - finishes fade over time, but less so in areas not directly exposed to sunlight.

When pictures don't help

Potentiometer codes on a vintage Fender bass guitar If you are unable to clearly capture smaller details, such as potentiometer codes and serial numbers, be sure to include these within your description.

But pictures can't always tell the whole story. Sometimes you just need to state some obvious and some not so obvious facts, especially if you are unable to get decent close-ups, or if you are unwilling to dismantle the guitar.

  • Does it work?
  • Is the finish original
  • What colour is it (different monitors can show images very differently)
  • Does the truss rod nut turn
  • Is the neck straight
  • How high is the action at the twelfth fret (distance between neck and strings)
  • Is there concealed routing under the scratchplate
  • Are the electronics original, and working
  • What are the potentiometer codes

Disclosing a guitars faults may not reduce the amount a potential buyer may bid, as it also tells them that you are honest, knowledgeable seller, hopefully reducing the chances of them getting a nasty surprise when the instrument arrives. This is also simple fairness.

Provenance

For some guitars, most notably the guitars by Fender, but also Gibson and others, copies and forgeries abound. Fake parts or even whole guitars are passed of as original. Cheap Asian factories churn out authentic looking instruments that would only fool a novice. But then there are master fraudsters creating INCREDIBLY accurate guitars - often fitted with real parts. When some of these can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, it is no wonder. One thing these guitars never have is provenance. If you, or you grandfather, have played and loved this guitar for generations, show the pics! Cool old images of the instrument, however grainy, prove it's history. Buyers find these fascinating and will almost certainly add value to the instrument. In fact you should copy these images, and include them with the guitar when you sell. People buying a vintage instrument are also buying a piece of musical history.

Case Candy

Vox case candy from the mid 1960s Case candy is a term for the hang tags, manuals, catalogues and other goodies that came with the guitar when originally sold. The above came with a mid 1960s Italian Vox guitar.

If you are selling the guitar with it's case you should certainly say so, and include pictures. Is the case original? And does it come with case candy? These are the things that came with the guitar: hang tags, price labels, manuals, catalogues, inspection cards, tools, straps and cables. Many guitars came with some or all of these, and having them present and in good condition are definitely a bonus to any buyer. If they are there, photograph them, and include them in your advertisement.

Communicate

Be ready to answer questions. Hopefully you will have included everything in your listing, but if you have not, make sure you answer to the best of your ability. Failure to do so may look like you are concealing something.

Don't write "I'm selling this for a friend", or "I don't know anything about guitars". These are regarded as code for "there's something wrong with this sale, and i'm absolving myself of responsibility".

When to sell

As stated earlier, prices change throughout the year, with January and June-August being the worst times to sell. The fact is, people have less money just after Christmas, and tend to be offline in the Summer months. A good time to sell seems to be November and December, when more people are online, and in a mood for shopping!

In Conclusion

Just because your guitar seems to be worth $5000, don't get disheartened when it does not sell immediately for that amount. There are only so many vintage guitar collectors, and most are a cautious bunch. Also most will not have big piles of cash burning holes in their pockets. To buy your guitar they may need to sell one of their own, or move around funds first. You will have to be patient, and expect to wait weeks, months or even years for the most valuable guitars to sell at the best price. A dealer will no doubt offer you a much lower price in this time, and you can sell to them, but naturally they need to make a living which will be reflected in their offer.

If you want the best return, you will have to be patient. Best to sell because you want to, never because you need to.

Sellers that put a little effort into their listings certainly reap the benefits in the long run!


Vintage guitars for sale

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original 1962 Gibson ES-330 Sunburst

original 1962 Gibson ES-330 Sunburst

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8190


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1962 Gibson ES-330 in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original and 100% complete. The pictured period correct Gibson hardshell case is included, but it housed a guitar with a Bigsby at one time. This ES-330 is in great condition with only some minor nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The guitar itself remains structurally sound with no ... more
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1982 G&L  S-500

1982 G&L S-500

Skokie, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

Beautiful vintage G&L definitely has some ware but for 40 years old this thing feels and sounds great pickups are super clean and hold gain we??ll just an over all great guitar and a piece of history I??ve had it for about 4-5 months now and just couldn??t put it down but I need the cash so sadly have to let it go


See pictures for the damage on the body and checking all over but no major cracks or brakes and none of it affects the tone what so ever she??s definitely a ... more
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HY- LO Very Rare Vintage Electric Guitar 1965 "Includes Original Case"

HY- LO Very Rare Vintage Electric Guitar 1965 "Includes 'Original' Case"

Cranston, Rhode Island, 029**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

Hy-Lo Model 2103, Made by Hoshino Gakki company, later Ibanez, produced at Tama plant in Japan. This is a super rare guitar. Made from solid wood, fairly light and well balanced.
The segmented guard is very reminiscent of the early UK Burns guitar design. The trapezoid neck plate is a definite Hoshino marker. The guitar is on the light side and balances well.
SPECIFICATIONS:
24 75?? scale length 1 69?? nut width Rosewood fingerboard 2 color ... more
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VINTAGE 1966 GUILD STARFIRE III electric guitar EXCELLENT MUST SEE

VINTAGE 1966 GUILD STARFIRE III electric guitar EXCELLENT MUST SEE

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

GUILD 1966 STARFIRE III BORN IN HOBOKEN NJ

THIN LINE MAHAGANY BODY AND IN COLLECTABLE CONDITION
EK 715 sn
I SEE A EASY TI FIX ITEM TO DISCUSS. I TOOK A GOOD PIC OF IT. THE GUILD LAYOVER PIECE ON THE HEADSTOCK NEEDS TO BE CLAMPED AND GLUED AS IT IS SLIGHTLY RAISED AS SHOWN??NOT A BIG DEAL ON A GUITAR THAT IS NEAR MINT CONDITION. ALSO, SHE HAS LOW ACTION AND NEW STRINGS BUT AT THE 16TH FRET THE ACTION COMES UP A BIT AND THIS ONE NEEDS A SET UP. FRETS AND GUITAR SHOW NO WEAR. SHE... more
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VINTAGE USA EPIPHONE FT-79 Texan Guitar Hang Tag

VINTAGE USA EPIPHONE FT-79 Texan Guitar Hang Tag

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

Original hangtag from a 60's FT-79 Texan acoustic guitar by Epiphone / Gibson. It has been folded
Please look closely at the pictures and feel free to ask questions
All my merchandise is 100% guaranteed as described. Returns are not accepted so please no bidding unless you want it By bidding you are confirming that you understand these terms. PayPal only Payment to be received no longer than 7 days from end of auction. If there is no contact after 7 days, item will be relisted and ... more
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1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

1961 Gibson Les Paul / SG Custom original WHITE with Sideways Vibrola

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$31900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom in its original White finish with gold hardware and a factory sideways Vibrola. It has a great playing neck with very worn frets, but still playable. It's all original with the exception of one volume knob. It's also 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. This original Les Paul Custom looks great with lots of minor nicks + dings (most have been touched-up with white... more
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Starcaster By Fender Mini Strat Guitar Combo Pack Chord, Strap, Mini Deluxe Amp

Starcaster By Fender Mini Strat Guitar Combo Pack Chord, Strap, Mini Deluxe Amp

Fredericksburg, Virginia, 224**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LISTING BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS OR PURCHASING THIS ITEM.

Up for sale is this unique, new in the original packaging Starcaster Mini Strat guitar by Fender in a gloss black finish with only a single humbucker bridge pickup. This is a combo pack that includes the guitar, cable, Fender ??Mini Deluxe?? Amp, picks, Strap, and a large sticker sheet with one sticker missing.

This mini Strat guitar is a very cool and unique body design that has only a single... more
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Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 1 of 25 rarest Les Paul

Hopewell, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10695

Gibson Standard 58 Les Paul Goldtop 1958 Reissue 1971 With original hang tag and blank guarantee card returnable to Kalamazoo
Being offered from the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC

CONDITION AND PRICING PLEASE READ:
All electronics work and are original . very clean guitar. The Frets are ok but here is what my luthier said. The neck is slightly bowed on low E side and straight on high E side which he states can be fixed by replacing frets and compensating for ... more
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Vintage 1960s Global Les Paul Copy Electric Guitar W / TKL Hard Case "Lawsuit Era"

Vintage 1960s Global Les Paul Copy Electric Guitar W / TKL Hard Case "Lawsuit Era"

Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$950

Up for sale is a Vintage Electric Guitar, Very Good Condition As Shown, Please see photos for details, Plays & sounds great, Neck is straight, Low fast action, Loaded with character showing age-handling-play wear-nicks-scuffs-finish loss-light surface rust / tarnish & patina with a superficial chip near one bridge post as shown, Weighs just over 9 pounds, DiMarzio PAF pickups replaced the original pickups about 20 years ago, I misplaced the original pickups - otherwise I would include ... more
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original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst w / orig. tweed case

original 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst w / orig. tweed case

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$54900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this early 1957 Fender Stratocaster in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with a "V" profile and good frets. All parts are original to this Strat and it is 100% complete along with its original tremolo arm, bridge cover and tweed hardshell case. The neck dates to February 1957, pots dating to January 1957 and the body date of December 1956. The pickup covers and knobs are the earlier "bakelite" ... more
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Mint "2013" "Epiphone Viola"  Looks New with "HOFNER MODIFICATIONS"

Mint "2013" "Epiphone Viola" Looks New with "HOFNER MODIFICATIONS"

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1295

Here we have a Beautiful 2013 "EPIPHONE VIOLA" in absolutley "PRISTINE CONDITION" This Bass has been modified to " HOFNER SPECS " . I had this Bass a bit overhauled for "THE BEATLES" enthusiast. I had a "HOFNER GERMAN TAILPIECE put on, a "HOFNER BRIDGE" a "HOFNER NUT" "HOFNER TUNING PEGS" put on "LABELLA FLATWOUND STRINGS" put on, and had the EPIPHONE CONTROL PANEL, (volume and tone controls) into 250k just like "THE HOFNER " . It has been completely set up and ready to do it's duty. I thought ... more
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1958 Fender Precision Bass

1958 Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30500

1958 Fender Precision Bass, Early ??58 with a Two tone burst, Anodized pickguard, Maple neck, Both Covers, Spaghetti logo, Wonderfulinstrument from the family of the original owner, VG++, Original tweed hardcase.
... more
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1964 Gibson ES-125 TC

1964 Gibson ES-125 TC

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4795

1964 Gibson ES-125 TC, Vibrant Cherry Sunburst finish, Wideat the nut, Nice looking figured Maple top, P-90 pickup, Nickel single line Klusontuners, Gold knobs, Tortoise guard, Light weight, Resonant, Acousticallyrobust, Nicely setup, Excellent condition, Worn Original soft alligator case.
... more
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1960s Teisco Del Rey Electric Guitar VG Condition Gig Bag!

1960s Teisco Del Rey Electric Guitar VG Condition Gig Bag!

South Salem, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

1960s Teisco Del Rey Model Unknown
Color: Red black burst
Condition: Used
Description: All original vintage guitar manufactured by Teisco Del Rey in Japan in the sixties
Paint: Original red burst paint finish is in very good condition with age checking no belt buckle wear. There is a small paint chip on the lower bottom edge. There are small paint chips on the body and edges throughout. No paint or finish chips on the neck or headstock. Minor edge paint dings along headstock and top ... more
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early 1940s National New Yorker electric archtop BLONDE

early 1940's National New Yorker electric archtop BLONDE

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3190


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this early 1940's National New Yorker in its original Blonde / Natural finish. It has a good playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the tuning keys and the bridge. A slightly larger vintage hardshell case is included. There is a plugged hole in the side of the body on the lower bass side. There are nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The guitar itself remains ... more
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1965 Hofner 500 / 1 Violin Bass

1965 Hofner 500 / 1 Violin Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5395

1965 Hofner 500 / 1 Violin body Beatle Bass, Amazing sounding ??Staple??pole piece pickup, individual tuners, Raised logo, Nice light weight, Fun toplay, VG+, NSSC
... more
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1967 Rickenbacker 610

1967 Rickenbacker 610

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6495

1967 Rickenbacker 610, Hard to find solid body model, Fireglo finish, Two Toaster top pickups, Kluson tuners, Two tier pickguard, 24 75 inch scale length, Plays very nicely, Replaced Tailpiece and a few tiny screw holes beneath it, Overall a really fun clean guitar, EC, Nice original hard case.
... more
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Vintage 1967 Epiphone e230td Casino

Vintage 1967 Epiphone e230td Casino

Beaumont, Texas, 777**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

57 year old vintage electric guitar. Amazing condition considering it??s age. Everything works including the knobs, the electronics, and the hardware. Original case and whammy bar. Sure to exceed all expectations.
... more
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1970s Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR IT

Olmsted Falls, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

1970's Univox Coily 4 string Bass Guitar Vintage NOW U CAN HEAR ITThis guitar has a great history was played by a member of the mushroom heads I was asked to sell his guitar but only if it was made like new by professionals Well it was taken apart, new wiring and a new rheostat, neck put back to it's proper place, buffing, replace a piece of plastic edge trim, and adjusting the resonator Etc. and last 4 new strings Last tested, made to go through it's scales, as you can see and hear in the video... more
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Vintage 1950s USA Magnatone Lap Steel Guitar Pickup HOT 8 88K

Vintage 1950s USA Magnatone Lap Steel Guitar Pickup HOT 8 88K

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$595

Nickel chrome, cover, exposed magnets, 2?? / 5 5?? Lead Wires, normal light vintage where includes original mounting screws with springs. See all pictures for dimensions and fit for your application vinyl two photos are for visual reference only listing is for pick up as shown. Original Magnatone part getting hard to find a Strong one??Thanks for looking
... more
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