I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar :)

[Sigma.xiria]

Alright, so my buddy was given a 1962 Fender Esquire. we checked the number and everything and it is from 1962. Anyway, he doesn't play guitar and he wants to sell it. what is a good price?

The condition is very good. 8.5-9/10 seems to be an off-white/creme color. maple neck (?) and rosewood fret board. with zero rust.

guitar center (lame, I know) offered him 8.5K, but they have one for sale (that even they admit is in way worse condition) for 16K.

I have seen them on ebay for around 8k to 22K, but I don't know much about these and I haven't looked around much.

one thing I thought was cool, is it still has the original little metal thing that covers the bridge/pickup. most the ones I see don't have it and they are very rusted...

 

[Sigma.xiria]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

oops! Caps lock on "Vintage" in subject... sorry :/

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

You need way more info that that...if he wants quick money the $8500 from GC is solid...sure they'll price it at $16 or 17k but first they won't get that much for it second they will have to wait a while to get any money for it.

If he can wait on the money tell him to find a good vintage dealer and put it on consignment...the dealer will get a % but he might still do better than the $8500 GC offered.

As for a "book value" he can go buy a copy of the VG Price guide but keep in mind that is just a guide.

I see early 60's Esquires listed all the time at crazy money...$14, 15, 16, 17k etc however you have to keep in mind those guitars have not sold for that kind of money, they are simply priced at that...and often they have been priced at that for a year, 2 years or even more...

If he's serious about selling it he needs to have it gone over top to bottom and authenticated and then appraised...that will go WAY farther in the sale of a vintage guitar than saying "well, we say one priced at $22k on the internet"...a quality authentication and appraisal will tell you for sure what it is worth and will allow a buyer to buy it w/o fear of getting ripped off...

 

[Jolly_Rancher]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

the retail rule is pay 50% of what you're selling it for, so that's why you saw it for 16k and they offered him half of that plus 500 for the guitar being in better condition.

 

[Sigma.xiria]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

You need way more info that that...if he wants quick money the $8500 from GC is solid...sure they'll price it at $16 or 17k but first they won't get that much for it second they will have to wait a while to get any money for it.

If he can wait on the money tell him to find a good vintage dealer and put it on consignment...the dealer will get a % but he might still do better than the $8500 GC offered.

As for a "book value" he can go buy a copy of the VG Price guide but keep in mind that is just a guide.

I see early 60's Esquires listed all the time at crazy money...$14, 15, 16, 17k etc however you have to keep in mind those guitars have not sold for that kind of money, they are simply priced at that...and often they have been priced at that for a year, 2 years or even more...

If he's serious about selling it he needs to have it gone over top to bottom and authenticated and then appraised...that will go WAY farther in the sale of a vintage guitar than saying "well, we say one priced at $22k on the internet"...a quality authentication and appraisal will tell you for sure what it is worth and will allow a buyer to buy it w/o fear of getting ripped off...

Wow! thank you for the very serious and detailed post

I wish I had more info... all I know is the dude bought it in highschool, played it a little and then left it alone for years. it is definitely all original.

if I may ask, where would be a good place to get it authenticated and appraised? I am assuming it is different depending on where you live, but I just wouldn't know where to start haha.

 

[Sigma.xiria]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

the retail rule is pay 50% of what you're selling it for, so that's why you saw it for 16k and they offered him half of that plus 500 for the guitar being in better condition.

haha! I figured as much... those bastards

we all gotta make our money somehow though...

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

Wow! thank you for the very serious and detailed post

I wish I had more info... all I know is the dude bought it in highschool, played it a little and then left it alone for years. it is definitely all original.

if I may ask, where would be a good place to get it authenticated and appraised? I am assuming it is different depending on where you live, but I just wouldn't know where to start haha.

What state are you in, or what state is the guitar in??

I'd find a respected vintage dealer in or around you and take the guitar to him. Call ahead and ask if they even do appraisals and if not ask them to suggest you someone local that does. This is not a free service, so get ready it will cost a few dollars but it will also make the guitar easier to sell and will allow you to get more money for it since with an appraisal from a respected dealer it is a "safe" purchase.

If you'll tell me the state you're in I can suggest a few people.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

haha! I figured as much... those bastards

we all gotta make our money somehow though...

Look at it like this...they are gonna write him a check for $8500, they will put it on the wall at $17k and it will sit...and sit......and sit the entire time taking up space, getting fresh strings now and then while they wait on someone to come in and buy it and they won't get 17 for it...they'll take the first legit over over say $12.5 so sure they are making money but they also had to put up $8500 dollars to get the guitar not to mention keeping it in stock, listing in on the web, taking pictures, keeping it up etc while they wait for a good offer on it.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

FWIW, with an appraisal your friend could get more even at GC...

It's all about dealing...

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: I need some help on a VINTAGE guitar

I would contact Gruhn Guitars in Nashville for an appraisal. You should get a "retail" price and a "dealer" price. You'll need lots of pics.

As soon as I received the appraisal, I would immediately insure the instrument for full value. You will need a special musical instrument policy, or at least a rider on your homeowner's. You need "All Risk" coverage.

I would check Vintage Guitar Magazine for prices of comparable guitars from dealers advertising in the magazine.

If you were to sell it, I would place an ad in Vintage Guitar, and even the local Nashville paper--or any other music trade publications in that area. I would also consider ads in New York and LA area as well. (These are the areas where there are professional tele players who would be interested in such an instruments. I would try to sell to them, rather than a dealer, to get the best price.)

I would be very, very careful doing the actual sale. Scammers and cons and thieves.

You might want to consider consignment of the instrument to an auction house that specializes in instruments.

Good luck!

Bill