Appraisals

How our appraisals work.

Fill out the form below with some information about your guitar (fill out whatever you can). Once you've submitted your request for an appraisal, we'll contact you by phone or email to discuss more details about your instrument. All evaluations are free. Appraisals are $100 per instrument.

We also buy guitars! We're especially interested in vintage and pre-CBS Fender and Gibson guitars as well as pre-WWII, '50's and '60's Martin guitars. If you're interested in selling your guitar, check the "I'm interested in selling" box in the
appraisal form.

Photo submissions of the instrument help us to confirm its authenticity.

How To Date A Vintage Guitar

  • Condition, Condition, Condition

    When it comes to vintage guitars, condition is everything. We inspect and research every guitar we appraise to accurately state its value. Guitars are subject to a lot of wear and tear and will need maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them in the best playable condition. Some repairs and most modifications can lower the value of a vintage instrument.

  • Brand

    Makers like Fender, Gibson, and Martin have a rich history of making great guitars but not all guitars are the same. Certain guitar models from these Makers can fetch upwards of $300,000 to the right collector.

  • Serial Numbers

    Serial numbers are used by guitar manufacturers to track and store important information about a guitar like when and where they were made. We use these as a starting point to accurately date the guitar and confirm its date of manufacturing. We also inspect the dates on the body, neck, pickups, and pots to confirm the date.

  • Materials

    Certain materials used in the manufacturing of guitars are no longer used or are used less often. Brazilian and Indian Rosewood, Cocobolo, and Mother of Pearl for example may have been used to construct these older instruments and will effect its value, and how/where the guitar can be transported. 

    We are cerfified to import and export these materials with proper CITES Documentation.

  • Historic Significance

    Guitars have been the instrument of choice for many musicians throughout music history. They've made a lasting impact on people, cultures, and their music for centuries so we inItend on preserving and sharing their history.

  • Over the past 30 years, Garrett Park Guitars has become a hub for all things guitar, specializing in rare, collectible and vintage guitars with a global clientele. From rare and vintage PRSs, Fenders, Gibsons, Martins, Custom Shop Fenders, to unique acoustics, our passionate team of highly skilled specialists will help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Our Appraisals

An appraisal is a valuable document that allows the owner to protect their investment and insure an item or establish its value for resale.

Garrett Park Guitars owner, Rick Hogue, has been buying, playing and selling vintage, new and modern Collectible Guitars and related musical instruments since 1981. Recognized as the leading authority on Vintage and Collectible PRS guitars, Rick also has vast experience and knowledge of Fender, Gibson and all other American brands.

His appraisals provides accurate, up-to-the-moment market value evaluation. Rick is a member of the Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide Dealer Team and is also on the Fender Dealer Advisory Board.

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