What's this guitar worth?

[alex1fly]

I am trying to figure out what this guitar is worth. I see prices for Gibsons and Epiphones and other Les Pauls all over the place. You folks here are pretty much the experts, so here goes!

Did the pictures load?

Stats on the guitar and case:
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Mahogany body & rosewood neck with a flame (maple?) top
Gold and black hardware
Bought new, only owner, spent 95% of its life in the case
Nary a scratch on the guitar or the case (gigged only a couple times with it)
Very clean inside the cavity, as I had it professionally wired
4 or 5 years old
Dimarzio old style Vintage PAFs
Hard shell SKB case

It sounds and plays amazingly. I'm just more of a producer these days and would like to finance some more production gear.

From the pictures and the description, what do you think this guitar is worth? Or rather, what do you think I can get for it? (not trying to weasel into a sale here, I just trust this forum's opinion).

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

Nice top

I'd say $450-500....nice pickups & wiring upgraded & a good hardshell case.

I had a stock one a few years back & it played well/sounded nice. Upgraded & these are under-rated, great guitars you can gig with without the fear of it getting damaged & doinked, like with a Gibson LP Custom.

[ItsaBass]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

Check E-Bay completed listings for similar guitars. My wild guess? Maybe $300 to $400, though I don't really know the market for ued Epiphones any more. It has been a while since I shopped for one. Unfortunately, the pickups and case don't add much, if any, value. You are better off returning it to stock to sell, and then selling the pickups and case separately.

[dvadneau]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

I agree with returning it to stock to sell. I had a local shop tell me that unless you find the right buyer that wants your guitar with those specific pickups, you won't get anymore than what the guitar's worth.

I disagree about the case though. You definitely won't get what you paid for it, and it won't add a huge amount, but I'd pay an extra $50 for a hardcase.

Local sale, Epi LP Custom with a popular look and nice top in very good condition: $400-500. Anything below $350 and, as a buyer, I'd suspect something was amiss. Above $550 and I'd assume you have sentimental attachment and/or you think you should be able to get what you paid.

If you're selling it on ebay, then definitely check the completed listings. You'll probably end up going lower since shipping is involved, people can't test the guitar, and there are so many other guitars listed. Pro (or pro-looking) pics can add real value. I wouldn't pay someone for just one guitar, but if you've got the photo talent, use it. ****ty pics won't cut it, and you've got to include the money shot: the whole guitar in at least one pic. Just some advice from someone who spends WAY too much time on ebay.

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

I checked Ebay, thinking I was way off. Seems they're selling for anywhere between the mid-$200s to the upper $500s.....

So to answer your question, we go back to the old adage:

"It's worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it !"

[alex1fly]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

Thanks for the responses everyone. Where's a good spot to pick up "stock" pickups?

[post toastie]

Re: What's this guitar worth?

Ebay.

folks rip out their stock Epi pickups all the time and place them on Ebay.

read the descriptions and return policy.