Appraisals

An appraisal is an invaluable document when it comes time to insure your instrument, or to establish its resale value.


An appraisal from Garrett Park Guitars is conducted by GPG founder Rick Hogue, who has been buying, playing, and selling vintage and collectible guitars since 1981. Recognized as the leading authority on vintage PRS guitars, Rick is equally experienced with Fender, Gibson, Martin, and other American brands. He is also a member of the Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide Dealer Team. His appraisals provide accurate, up-to-the-moment market value.

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What We Look For

  • Condition

    Condition is everything. Two guitars of the same model and year can sell for drastically different prices if one is in excellent shape and the other shows heavy play-wear or isn't 100% original. Fortunately, while we love to see near-mint instruments, there's always a market for guitars in less-than-good condition as well.

  • Brand

    Fender, Gibson, and Martin have a rich history of making great guitars and therefore can be highly collectible. (Certain models from these manufacturers can fetch upwards of $300,000!) Other notable brands include National, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Guild, Gretsch, and Paul Reed Smith (PRS).

  • Serial Number

    Manufacturers use serial numbers to track important information about their guitars, such as when and where they were made. For us, a serial number is often the starting point to accurately date a guitar and confirm its originality.

  • Materials

    Certain materials once popular among guitar makers are no longer used (or are rarely used) these days, typically due to overharvesting. For example, Indian rosewood by and large replaced Brazilian rosewood for this very reason. Because Brazilian is considered to be among the finest tone woods, guitars made of this variety command a premium.