Q&A for How to Find Out the Age and Value of a Guitar

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  • Question
    My acoustic LG1 Gibson 183934 is an early 60s model I think. What is its value in good shape?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Based on my research it's is worth at least $1000. You have to consider many different factors. These factors include how it plays and if it still has it's original finish and/or stings. You could sell it for much more if you know its exact year and if it has any special feature or is a limited edition. You can always go to your local music store and ask them what year they think it is. It is always better to consult with a professional.
  • Question
    How do I find the value of a guitar?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can search the internet for the value or take it to a music store to get it appraised. Make sure that you get more than one opinion about the value of the guitar.
  • Question
    How do I find the age and value of a guitar I found that has no serial numbers and the name has worn off?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Contact a antique guitar specialist if you can. Or get a guitar guide from your local library or online and check the number against the references in your guide.
  • Question
    What's the value of a 1987 Carvin Ultra-V electric guitar?
    Charlotte
    Charlotte
    Top Answerer
    The value is about $675. It's a relatively valuable guitar, especially if it's in good condition.
  • Question
    I have a Gibson Les Paul Custom that I bought new in 1978, but I cannot read the serial number. How can I get it valued?
    Amelia Krapfl
    Amelia Krapfl
    Community Answer
    You can take your guitar to a reputable guitar store for an appraisal. For a Gibson Les Paul Custom from 1978, you might expect values ranging from $3,500–$5,000 for clean, original examples, up to $5,000+ for exceptional condition or rare colors, and $2,500–$3,200 if heavily worn, repaired, or modified. While Black ("Black Beauty") is a common finish, it remains highly desirable.
  • Question
    What is the age of my Blackie Eric Clapton signed Fender Strat with serial number SE 903024?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Based on the serial number SE 903024, your Blackie Eric Clapton-signed Fender Stratocaster was likely manufactured in 1989. Fender's serial number system from that period indicates that serial numbers starting with "SE" correspond to the 1989 production year. However, for a more accurate assessment, consider contacting Fender directly or consulting with a professional guitar technician.
  • Question
    What price should I ask for my Martin D-222 acoustic guitar, which is a retired model?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The Martin D-222 model's value can vary based on condition, market demand, and included accessories. Check recent sales on platforms like eBay or Reverb for price guidance. If it's in excellent condition with the original case or papers, you can ask for a higher price. Consider the original retail price and any collector interest. Prices typically range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. You might also consult a local music shop for more specific advice.
  • Question
    I think I have a wartime Gibson flat-top guitar, but there are no serial numbers or factory order numbers. Can you help?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Identifying a wartime Gibson flat-top guitar without serial numbers or factory order numbers can be tricky. Check the headstock for the "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner logo, common from 1942 to 1946. Look inside the soundhole for faint stamps on the neck block or sides. Wartime guitars often used varied woods like maple instead of mahogany due to material shortages. If you're unsure, consult a vintage guitar expert or luthier to confirm its age and authenticity.
  • Question
    I have an Ibanez Les Paul copy from around 1979. What would be its value if it's in great condition?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    It's likely valued between $500 and $700. These "lawsuit era" guitars are known for their quality craftsmanship and have become collectible over time. The exact value depends on factors like model specifics, originality of parts, and current market demand. For a precise valuation, consider consulting a vintage guitar appraiser or checking recent sales of similar models on platforms like Reverb.
  • Question
    What is the value of a Dean and QA GN guitar?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The value of a Dean guitar depends on the model and condition, typically ranging from $200 to $1,500. For a QA GN, if it's a specific model or brand, the value would depend on the same factors like condition and demand. To find an accurate price, check recent sales on sites like eBay or Reverb, or ask a local music shop.
  • Question
    What is the estimated value of a Gibson Les Paul Custom manufactured in Nashville, TN, on July 19, 2005?
    Songreviews
    Songreviews
    Community Answer
    That's considered a high-end model. While its original retail price was approximately $4,000, its current resale value will range between $5,500 and $8,500. This value can vary significantly based on the guitar's condition, rarity, and specific finish, with special editions or rare finishes potentially selling for more.
  • Question
    I have a black and white bass guitar with a fancy letter 'B' on the headstock. Could it be an Ibanez?
    Songreviews
    Songreviews
    Community Answer
    A fancy letter 'B' on the headstock of your bass guitar could indicate it's an Ibanez, as they frequently use a stylized 'B' in their logo. To confirm, you should thoroughly check the headstock for the full 'Ibanez' name, a model number, or a serial number, then cross-reference these with Ibanez catalogs.
  • Question
    I have a Comanche guitar by Leo, model CLF 20301, that was new in 1999 and never used. What is its current value?
    Songreviews
    Songreviews
    Community Answer
    That's a budget/entry-level brand common in the 1990s. While an unused model may have some collector or nostalgia value, it is generally not high. You can expect it to be worth between $100 and $300, unless it has rare features or is a sought-after vintage model.
  • Question
    I have a Washburn Style 5200 vintage guitar, serial #2328. Could you tell me its approximate build year and value?
    Songreviews
    Songreviews
    Community Answer
    Based on the serial number, it was likely built in the late 1970s. This model's value ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on its condition and originality.
  • Question
    I have an old Washburn guitar with numbers on it that include "1887 style." Could this indicate the year it was made, as I am beginning my research?
    Paedyn_Gray powerless
    Paedyn_Gray powerless
    Community Answer
    No, if your guitar states "1887 style," it typically refers to a design or aesthetic inspiration rather than the actual manufacturing year. A "style" designation usually indicates a design influence, not the date it was made.
  • Question
    I own a 1965 Fender Mustang that has been refinished and rebuilt with new deep purple paint and some new parts, while retaining some original components. What would be its approximate value?
    Dylan Woodman
    Dylan Woodman
    Community Answer
    Its value is estimated at around $3,000 to $3,500. While similar models can range from $1,500, well-refurbished guitars like yours can sometimes reach $4,000.
  • Question
    What is the value of a Fender Stratocaster with serial number S934156?
    Gavin Leonard
    Gavin Leonard
    Community Answer
    It is difficult to determine the exact value without seeing the guitar. However, since you have the serial number, you can check a Blue Book of Guitar Values to find an estimated value. For an official price you may want to have the guitar professionally appraised.
  • Question
    I have a Taylor c5 custom which is simply collecting dust. I would like to remove but have no idea of the value, given their short manufacturing years. Any help would be appreciated.
    Amelia Krapfl
    Amelia Krapfl
    Community Answer
    Used T5‑C5 Custom listings commonly appear around $3,199 to $3,525 on major resale platforms.
  • Question
    What is the value of my guitar? Ernav model Ernandez serial number c-6-101.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Values are not being published anymore for this type of guitar. They stopped selling them a few years ago.
  • Question
    I have a Washburn D-20-N, and I want to know the age and a rough value. It's a Japanese guitar. I think it's somewhere around 1997 or 98.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Good condition, typical price: around $240. Very good or excellent condition: $250 to $375. Realistic resale range: $240 to $375, depending on condition, originality, and setup.
  • Question
    Found an old acoustic 12-string guitar with Davey Bee's on the head stock, model K-588-12. Was curious if it is worth anything.
    Amelia Krapfl
    Amelia Krapfl
    Community Answer
    Typical range for unbranded or small‑label 12‑strings: $75 to $150 if it’s a basic import; $150 to $300 if it plays well and is in good condition; $300+ if it turns out to be from a known factory or has exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Question
    I just bought a Yamaha FG-151B. It's an orange label made by Nippon Gakki Co. Ltd. The serial number is 90214. What year is this? I think it's a nice vintage guitar.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You picked up a very cool piece of Yamaha history. The FG‑151B is part of the late‑1970s FG line, and the orange Nippon Gakki label confirms it was built in Japan. Your serial number 90214: 1st digit = last digit of the year; next two digits = month; last digits = production number. For your guitar: the year ends in 9; 02 means February; 14 is the production sequence. Because the FG‑151B was made in the late 1970s, the “9” can only mean 1979. Your guitar’s build date is February 1979 — Nippon Gakki factory, Japan.
  • Question
    I have an old Epiphone acoustic-electric guitar that doesn't have any serial numbers or stickers anywhere. I've researched but can't find information about it. What can I do to learn more about it?
    Amelia Krapfl
    Amelia Krapfl
    Community Answer
    You should thoroughly check several common locations for identifying marks. These include inside the soundhole on the back brace, on the neck block (deep inside), stamped on the back of the headstock (sometimes very faint), under the truss-rod cover, on the heel of the neck (rare but possible), and under any removable pickup or preamp. Using a flashlight at an angle can often help reveal faint impressions.
  • Question
    What is a good selling price for my Alvarez acoustic guitar, model 5022, serial number 72339?
    Robin Alexander
    Community Answer
    The Alvarez 5022 acoustic guitar is valued between $300 and $600, depending on its condition, originality, and market demand. Clean the guitar, ensure all parts are intact, and take clear photos to attract buyers. Pricing may vary by region, so check local listings for similar models to set a competitive price.
  • Question
    How do I find the age and value of a guitar if there's no name or brand? What do I do if I only have the model number?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try looking up the model number on guitar manufacturer's sites (Ibanez, Martin & Co, Taylor, Gibson, Fender, etc.) to see if you can get a match.
  • Question
    Martin 6 string acoustic D-28 # 211153 Brazilian rosewood, what would you appraise this at?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Martin is a great quality brand and rosewood is a great wood. Things to take into consideration are how old it is, the condition, where it was made, etc. You didn't provide enough information though for an estimation to prove useful; take it to a dealer for advice.
  • Question
    I have a Martin acoustic, model # D78 217992. I need to know the value.
    KAILYNN 7519911
    KAILYNN 7519911
    Community Answer
    It can range from $175,000 to $350,000, depending on how old the guitar is.
  • Question
    Where do I find the model number on a Yamaha electric guitar?
    Mason Spark
    Community Answer
    From Yamaha's official website: You should be able to find it in one of the following places: the peghead, the fingerboard at the high fret position, inside the body in the case of hollow bodies, or occasionally in another spot on the instrument that you will need to locate.
  • Question
    What is an Ibanez Roadster series (serial #-P704297) guitar worth? Like-new condition.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A new instrument might retail at around $450. You could get around $300 for yours.
  • Question
    What is the value of a very old Geoff Gale guitar from the 1970s?
    Patrick Moore
    Patrick Moore
    Community Answer
    eBay is a good place to start. You can compare your guitar to similar listings to find an average price. Additionally, taking it to a local pawn shop can provide you with an appraisal.
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