Vintage Guitars
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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

Finding out what your guitar is worth

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 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth

Before you ask, there is no such thing as an absolute guitar value for vintage instruments. Sorry. Online guitar prices go up and down over the years, and even within a year, with prices falling off in January, and again in Summer. But you can make a few generalisations:

  • Typically, guitars of the 1950s and early 1960s are worth more than those of the mid to late 1960s, and these are worth more than guitars from the 1970s
  • American guitars are generally worth more than European guitars, which in turn are worth more than most Asian guitars
  • Guitars by collectable manufacturers (e.g. Gibson, Guild, Gretsch, Fender) are typically worth more than brands you've never heard of
  • Guitars associated with popular performers are worth more than guitars that few entertainers seem to have used
  • Guitars produced in very small numbers are often worth more than better selling models, but not always
  • But possibly most importantly, guitars regarded as exceptionally well built (the most playable) will always be worth more than budget, or entry-level instruments
  • Autographed guitars tend not to have any extra value over a non-autographed one

Following this logic a 1960 Epiphone Casino (early period, US-made by the craftsmen at Gibsons Kalamazoo factory, associated with the Beatles and the Stones) is worth massively more than a 1970 Epiphone Casino (70s, Japanese-made, average quality, aimed at students). Probably ten times as much.

Whats more, values vary from country to country, from city to city and from year to year. And then there is condition. A vintage guitar that was bought and stored unused ever since is a very rare thing. Mint guitars like this can sell for very high prices. A beaten up guitar with replaced parts, a new finish and structural repairs might be worth very little, especially if it is not the kind of thing people chose to play.

Early Fender Stratocaster guitars on display in an upmarket US vintage guitar store Early Fender guitars on display in an upmarket US vintage guitar store. Dealers are often able to add huge premiums to the prices of their guitars, but some may sit unsold for many years

So although there is no such thing as an absolute value, guitars do tend to sell for something approaching a consistent price. A number of people follow the market and put their research into various guitar value books. These do give ballpark figures, though far from absolute, but they are a guide to whether a guitar is desirable or not - see vintage guitar price guides for some more information about these books.

And you can do this research yourself. One easy way is by searching completed listings on Ebay; prices of sold items are listed in green, unsold in black or red; each is relevant as you can get an idea of what sells, how quickly, and what doesn't sell at all.

Vintage guitar stores sell guitars typically at 30%-50% more than a private sale from a classifieds advertisement or a website like Ebay. Perhaps more still in a large city with a super-rich clientele. Many online stores offer guitars for sale at a considerably higher price than they expect to sell for; they might just get lucky, plus they have room to negotiate with a potential buyer. But many have guitars sitting in their sales rooms for years. But this method can also work for the private seller who does not know the value of their guitar; as long as they are also in no desperate hurry to sell. Ebay allows sellers to offer an item for sale at a fixed price, and accept offers. This will ultimately give an idea of value, probably a shade under what it is actually attainable.

When you sell online you have a vast reach - someone, somewhere wants your guitar. It is just a matter of making sure they see it and are willing to pay for it. You can't control how many people want your guitar, or how much it is worth, but you can do a lot to make sure they see it, and it is presented in it's best light; see part three Advertising your guitar for sale.


Vintage guitars for sale

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Vintage NORMA 4-Pick-up Guitar orange Sparkle 60??s Era Very Rare

Vintage NORMA 4-Pick-up Guitar orange Sparkle 60??s Era Very Rare

Leland, North Carolina, 284**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$575

Explore the world of music with this vintage Norma Teisco electric guitar. This 6-stringed solid body guitar with a striking orange sparkle finish is a rare piece from the 1967 era. Its unique features include four pick-ups, making it a rare find for collectors and music enthusiasts alike. The guitar is made in Japan and is perfect for right-handed players of all skill levels
note:2 pickups not working
... more
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Vintage Montaya Bass 4 String Electric Guitar  Read Description

Vintage Montaya Bass 4 String Electric Guitar Read Description

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$249

46" long
For Parts and repair needs to be restored selling as is
see picture for details. stains and marks are detail in the pictures
this item is been sold as is if the buyer would like to return the item. the buyer will be responsible for any cost associated to the retuning shipping label used to return this item.
... more
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Playtime 1994 Tyco Hot Beats Randy Rhoads RR Guitar Synth TESTED w / Batteries!

Playtime 1994 Tyco Hot Beats Randy Rhoads RR Guitar Synth TESTED w / Batteries!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

This listing is for -
Playtime 1994 Tyco Hot Beats Randy Rhoads
RR Guitar Synth Works w / Batteries!
Unit is tested and working perfectly!
Includes Batteries!
In good condition overall
YES WE COMBINE SHIPPING! - BUY MORE SAVE MORE!
You will receive the exact item as shown
Any questions please ask before bidding
Please look over all photo / photos for condition before bidding
All items are sold AS-IS
If you should encounter a defective or damaged item ... more
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1963 Epiphone Olympic

1963 Epiphone Olympic

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

$2795

1963Epiphone Olympic, Sunburst, Double cutaway, 1 & 11 / 16 inches wide at thenut, Black single coil pickup, Stud tailpiece, Gold knobs, Vertical logo, Lightweight, Fine instrument, EC, Gig Bag... more
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Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$399

Vintage 1968 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster
... more
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Vintage matched set of 1968 250K Stackpole pots for Telecaster P Bass Mustang

Vintage matched set of 1968 250K Stackpole pots for Telecaster P Bass Mustang

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

Vintage matched set of 1968 250K Stackpole pots as found intelecaster p bass & mustang .See all pictures
... more
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Gretsch 1957 Chet Atkins w /  Hardcase

Gretsch 1957 Chet Atkins w / Hardcase

Jenison, Michigan, 494**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000


Gretsch 1957 6120 Chet Atkins Signature Electric Guitar
Condition
Moderate wear: Lacquer is sunk in at the back of the headstock, finish checking, average vintage instrument finish wear. Moderate damage: Various dings and dents on front, back, sides, and neck heel
Description
This 1957 6120 has a maple body with 2 ply binding. The F-holes are also double bound. The neck and headstock are single bound and the fingerboard is Brazillian rosewood. The nut and bridge ... more
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Original C F Martin String Replacement Kit  M2900 Full Of Vintage Strings

Original C F Martin String Replacement Kit M2900 Full Of Vintage Strings

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Original C F Martin String Replacement Kit M2900 Full Of Vintage Strings. The logos on the outside of the box are starting to fade slightly. Other than that, great condition full of different brands of vintage strings. Please see pictures. Great dealer piece. Will ship FedEx fully insured with tracking
... more
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Beautiful Original 1971 Rare "GIBSON SB-40 BASS" Walnut Color wit Hardshell Case

Beautiful Original 1971 Rare "GIBSON SB-40 BASS" Walnut Color wit Hardshell Case

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

$2795

This is an original 1971 SB-400 Bass in abso;ute Great Condition. It;s been completely gone through and set up looks and sounds like New. SG-shaped, and finished in walnut or cherry, these basses were very different to the EB basses available in 1971. In fact the body shape and colour about the only thing these basses have in common. SB: Alder body, a two-piece maple neck, small angle (7o) headstock angle and single coil pick ups. The mix of rounded rectangular metal parts with the translucent ... more
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Electric Guitar 39 Inch H-H Pickups Trans Blue Ideal for Heavy Rock Music

Electric Guitar 39 Inch H-H Pickups Trans Blue Ideal for Heavy Rock Music

Walton, Kentucky, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$91

Introductions:

The KST 39in electric guitar features a classic C-shaped maple neck and 22 nickel-bronze pins for a great audio experience with comfortable feel and standard tone
The H-H pickup, three-way switch, tone knob, and volume knob accommodate intense rock tones and a wide range of musical styles
Features:

1. H-H Pickup get a deeper, louder and smoother sound compared to cheaper single coil
2. Matte paint finish is extremely wear-resistant and ... more
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1960s Eko Model 500 / 3 Pearl Finish Electric Guitar

1960s Eko Model 500 / 3 Pearl Finish Electric Guitar

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1595

1960s Eko Model 500 / 3 Pearl Finish Electric Guitar
In Very Good Overall Condition
Upgraded Tune-O-Matic Bridge
Pearl Finish Shows Some Playwear
Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 7lbs
Nut Width 1 6465 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .88 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret .91 "
No Case. One May Be Purchased For An Additional Fee (Please Inquire)
Made In Italy
... more
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1970??s Norma Japan electric guitar ?? COMPLETE Teisco

1970??s Norma Japan electric guitar ?? COMPLETE Teisco

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$950

The wood has some paint / finish nicks on the on the bottom.
See pics

This vintage Teisco electric guitar from 1972 is a true gem for any music enthusiast. With its unique sound and exceptional quality, it's a must-have for any collector. The guitar was made in Japan

The brand, Teisco, is highly regarded in the music industry, and this model is a testament to their exceptional skill and dedication. The guitar's attributes include a complete set, which makes ... more
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1966 Rickenbacker 365

1966 Rickenbacker 365

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

$7695

1967 Rickenbacker 365, Vivid Fireglo finish, Fantastic feeling neck, Two Toaster Top pickups, Shark fin inlays, Vibrola, Rick-O-Sound model, Sweet sounding, One owner, EC+, Original silver hard case.... more
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Hondo II Vintage LP Lawsuit Electric Guitar w /  Case

Hondo II Vintage LP Lawsuit Electric Guitar w / Case

Oswego, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400



Hondo Vintage LP Lawsuit Electric Guitar w / Case
appears tto be refinished, but really well.
candy white pearl with metallic purple accents
Any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Great item by DeMont Guitars!
any questions, please ask!
Returns not accepted from overseas and buyer should assume item is 'as-is' please feel free to ask any and all questions prior to auction end. Please email if you plan on bidder, or would like to purchase item for out-of-USA... more
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6  GIBSON Electric Acoustic GUITAR Mona-Steel STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s BX

6 GIBSON Electric Acoustic GUITAR Mona-Steel STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s BX

Van Buren, Arkansas, 729**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

1 / 2 DOZEN VINTAGE GIBSON ELECTRIC Mona-Steel Wound GUITAR STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s + box
VINTAGE GIBSON ELECTRIC Mona-Steel Wound GUITAR STRINGS E OR 6TH WOUND 1950s + box
These came from Pawn / Guitar Shop Estate Sale that close in Early 80's
Case candy or used them
New Old Stock never used
I open them to check condition
May & Will have Some Tarnished, spots Patina, Rust
I clean with fine sand paper
See Pictures
Some wear and scratches and tear

... more
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Vintage White Vester Stage Series Electric Guitar w / gig bag--Plays like butter!

Vintage White Vester Stage Series Electric Guitar w / gig bag--Plays like butter!

Thiensville, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$329

The Samuel Music company of Effingham, Illinois (founded 1946) decided to launch its own brand of guitars, Vester, in the late 1980s. They were typically manufactured in Southeast Asia. The serial number on this guitar, E735245, indicates that it was made in 1987-1988 by Yen Chang of South Korea. (If you know pianos, you are likely familiar with Yen Chang )
The guitar features two single coils and a splittable humbucker pickup There is a toggle switch for each pickup. The toggles for the ... more
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Electra MPC5 Power Overdrive Guitar Effects Module - Fully Tested

Electra MPC5 Power Overdrive Guitar Effects Module - Fully Tested

East Hampton, New York, 119**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$130

Electra MPC5 Power OverdriveGuitar Effects Module - Fully Tested
Fits 1970s-80s Electra MPC Guitars
Excellent condition ?? see pictures. This MPC module could be usedwith any of the Electra MPC guitars
Thephotos you see in this ad are actual photos of the module you will get
Tolearn more about MPC modules and listen to the sound clips:
[link removed by eBay]
[link removed by eBay]
Allsales and bids are final. No refunds, cancellations or exchanges will be issuedfor date or... more
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Paul Reed Smith Myles Kennedy Signature Electric Guitar - Hunters Green

Paul Reed Smith Myles Kennedy Signature Electric Guitar - Hunter's Green

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2899

... more
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Vintage 1959 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

Vintage 1959 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$699

Vintage 1959 250K Stackpole pot for Fender Stratocaster
... more
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1963 Fender Jazzmaster

1963 Fender Jazzmaster

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

$14595

1963 Fender Jazzmaster, Beautiful original Three tone Sunburst finish, Brazilianfingerboard with Clay dots, Spaghetti logo, Two fantastic sounding originalpickups, Floating Tremolo, Bridge cover, Fine instrument, Hang Tag & Strap, Bought from the original owner, EC+, Original Brown hard case... more
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Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

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Ray Bell Comment left 3rd November 2014 17:05:03 reply
Hi I have an old acoustic Guitar, I am trying to find out if it has any value. It is in need of a little attention. The information I have is . The Michigan company, I believe around 1930s Parlour, arch top acoustic guitar. Inside label is B & S.l. SOLE. Made in the USA.

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