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How to sell a vintage guitar online:
Finding out what your guitar is worth

A guide to selling quickly at the best possible price

Step 1: How to sell a vintage guitar online
Step 2: Finding out what your guitar is worth
Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

Step 3: Advertising your guitar for sale

It is important you know what you are selling, but equally important you let everyone else know. This is key. Wherever you intend to sell your guitar, be it Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or a private guitar classified website, there will invariably be a listing title. Get this wrong and you reduce the likelihood of viewers buying. Leave it out entirely (rather, leave out the keywords for which people search) and you dramatically reduce the number of viewers. Great listing titles will include the make, model, year and maybe other details too. For example
Good: "Vintage Gibson SG Special guitar, 1969 with case" - this will be easily found by all of those buyers looking for a vintage SG Special
OK: "Gibson SG, red" - although this will come up in many searches, it will be swamped by the many thousands of SG listings, all variants, new and old
Bad: "Gibson guitar, rare" - it is difficult to come up in search results with so few specifics.

Use pictures to remove doubt

Close-up images really help demonstrate a guitars condition Taking as many close-up pictures as possible is an enormous help in showing a guitars true condition. The old adage of a picture being worth a thousand words is certainly true here.

The value of a vintage guitar is proportional to its originality. And it is well known that online sellers sometimes hide defects; posting poor quality pictures and claiming "I don't know anything about guitars" or "I'm selling this for a friend"... These tricks are well known, and in most cases will deter buyers. In some cases people will still buy, but assume there to be a problem, and bid accordingly. If you are not hiding anything, you should make this known! And truly the best way to do this is with large-sized, clear, photographs. Show the scratches, dents and wear patches. Show the electronics (and state potentiometer date codes if present) and the underside of pickups. You may also need to pay special attention to potential problem areas typical to that guitar. For example:

Gibson guitars can suffer from a cracked or broken headstock, especially those with a mahogany neck. There is a weak point at thinnest part, behind the truss rod cavity, and many breaks occur at this point. Guitars like the Gibson SG often break where the neck meets the body, or at the tail end of the body around the controls and input jack. A really good repair can be difficult to spot in a bad photograph. You must show these areas when selling a Gibson.

The pickups in a vintage Gibson are crucial for it's sound. You must show that these are original. Usually done by removing them from their routes, and photographing the underside (with patent sticker), and the routes themselves (this also shows whether extra pickups have been added, and that the finish is original.

Hofner guitars often require a neck reset to achieve a playable action This early 1960s Hofner guitar has had a neck reset; a standard procedure for such guitars.

A Hofner may have a high action due to movement on a neck joint, or worse damage from a badly performed reset. Hofner was previously better known as a violin maker, and the hide glues used in violin construction were also used on their guitars. This allows easy neck resetting, but over time they also slip, making a reset a standard procedure for Hofner instruments. However if this has previously been performed badly, it can impact on the value significantly. You must show the heel area and the side of the neck (to show the action) when selling a Hofner.

Fender guitars were designed to be easily bolted together, and parts replaced when necessary. Very many Fenders out there have had components swapped over the years. Naturally buyers want originality, so you have to try and establish this where possible. A Fender neck should have date markings on the body end of the neck. Any serious buyer will want to see this. Also many Fender guitars out there are actually an old neck with a whole load of new parts added. The more places you can show - inside the neck pocket, under the scratchplate etc, the less room there is for confusion.

Guitars in rare or custom finishes are often claimed to be original, but very often have just been refinished. To prove your rare coloured guitar has always been that colour, make a point of showing the serial number stamp - too faint suggests a refin; and underneath the scratchplate - finishes fade over time, but less so in areas not directly exposed to sunlight.

When pictures don't help

Potentiometer codes on a vintage Fender bass guitar If you are unable to clearly capture smaller details, such as potentiometer codes and serial numbers, be sure to include these within your description.

But pictures can't always tell the whole story. Sometimes you just need to state some obvious and some not so obvious facts, especially if you are unable to get decent close-ups, or if you are unwilling to dismantle the guitar.

  • Does it work?
  • Is the finish original
  • What colour is it (different monitors can show images very differently)
  • Does the truss rod nut turn
  • Is the neck straight
  • How high is the action at the twelfth fret (distance between neck and strings)
  • Is there concealed routing under the scratchplate
  • Are the electronics original, and working
  • What are the potentiometer codes

Disclosing a guitars faults may not reduce the amount a potential buyer may bid, as it also tells them that you are honest, knowledgeable seller, hopefully reducing the chances of them getting a nasty surprise when the instrument arrives. This is also simple fairness.

Provenance

For some guitars, most notably the guitars by Fender, but also Gibson and others, copies and forgeries abound. Fake parts or even whole guitars are passed of as original. Cheap Asian factories churn out authentic looking instruments that would only fool a novice. But then there are master fraudsters creating INCREDIBLY accurate guitars - often fitted with real parts. When some of these can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, it is no wonder. One thing these guitars never have is provenance. If you, or you grandfather, have played and loved this guitar for generations, show the pics! Cool old images of the instrument, however grainy, prove it's history. Buyers find these fascinating and will almost certainly add value to the instrument. In fact you should copy these images, and include them with the guitar when you sell. People buying a vintage instrument are also buying a piece of musical history.

Case Candy

Vox case candy from the mid 1960s Case candy is a term for the hang tags, manuals, catalogues and other goodies that came with the guitar when originally sold. The above came with a mid 1960s Italian Vox guitar.

If you are selling the guitar with it's case you should certainly say so, and include pictures. Is the case original? And does it come with case candy? These are the things that came with the guitar: hang tags, price labels, manuals, catalogues, inspection cards, tools, straps and cables. Many guitars came with some or all of these, and having them present and in good condition are definitely a bonus to any buyer. If they are there, photograph them, and include them in your advertisement.

Communicate

Be ready to answer questions. Hopefully you will have included everything in your listing, but if you have not, make sure you answer to the best of your ability. Failure to do so may look like you are concealing something.

Don't write "I'm selling this for a friend", or "I don't know anything about guitars". These are regarded as code for "there's something wrong with this sale, and i'm absolving myself of responsibility".

When to sell

As stated earlier, prices change throughout the year, with January and June-August being the worst times to sell. The fact is, people have less money just after Christmas, and tend to be offline in the Summer months. A good time to sell seems to be November and December, when more people are online, and in a mood for shopping!

In Conclusion

Just because your guitar seems to be worth $5000, don't get disheartened when it does not sell immediately for that amount. There are only so many vintage guitar collectors, and most are a cautious bunch. Also most will not have big piles of cash burning holes in their pockets. To buy your guitar they may need to sell one of their own, or move around funds first. You will have to be patient, and expect to wait weeks, months or even years for the most valuable guitars to sell at the best price. A dealer will no doubt offer you a much lower price in this time, and you can sell to them, but naturally they need to make a living which will be reflected in their offer.

If you want the best return, you will have to be patient. Best to sell because you want to, never because you need to.

Sellers that put a little effort into their listings certainly reap the benefits in the long run!


Vintage guitars for sale

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vintage fender Strat 1983 USA

vintage fender Strat 1983 USA

Appleton, Wisconsin, 549**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Vintage fender Strat hard tail. 1983 USA plays like butter. Just amazing action. The pickups are red white and blue lace sensors. They are way better than the original ones. Also used by Eric Clapton David Gilmore Jeff beck industry giants daily driver tone. Frets have use but still work well. Very clean guitar. With original case. The tuners are original and work perfectly. This guitar stays in tune all night long and is great to gig with. Epic tone from the pickups it??s just a gem to play ... more
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OPEN BOX - 39" Full-Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit - Green-Black

OPEN BOX - 39" Full-Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit - Green-Black

Savannah, GA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$61

... more
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1956 Silvertone 1360  /  Danelectro U2 All Original! Rare Flame Red!!

1956 Silvertone 1360 / Danelectro U2 All Original! Rare Flame Red!!

Absecon, New Jersey, 082**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Here??s a very nice, all original, 1956 Silvertone / Danelectro U2 / 1360 in the rare Flame Red color.
The guitar is in excellent condition overall. There are a few nicks and scratches, but nothing to affect playability.
The guitar has all original parts. The pickups sound just as they should, loud and full of tone.
They readout at 3 7k for the Rhythm, and 3 5k for the Bridge. When the switch is in the middle position it reads 7 2k
The concentric pots are super clean and ... more
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VINTAGE 1959 GIBSON POTS, BUMBLE BEE CAPACITOR AND JACK

VINTAGE 1959 GIBSON POTS, BUMBLE BEE CAPACITOR AND JACK

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$649

Vintage 1959 Gibson pots, bumble bee capacitor, and jack. Complete set up to make your late 50's Gibson all original again. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at anytime. Please continue to watch my listings for more vintage guitar parts and accessories to be listed in the following weeks. Thanks... more
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1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard with Pearl inlays, Two Mini Humbucker, Kluson tuners, Nice original frets, Great setup, Powerful sounding, Excellent condition with original hard case... more
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1937 Kay Orchestra Model Natural Blonde Finish 3 / 4-Size Upright Acoustic Bass

1937 Kay Orchestra Model Natural Blonde Finish 3 / 4-Size Upright Acoustic Bass

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4640



1937KayOrchestra ModelNatural Blonde Finish3 / 4-Size UprightAcoustic BassUsed - Fair, but mostly Playable Condition
Here is a beautiful blonde laminate 3 / 4-size double bass made in 1937 by the Kay Company. This Orchestra model is a rare first-year example, that retains its original three-piece neck, original fingerboard, and 3 of the 4 original Czech hatpeg tuning machines. During the first year or two of production, Kay was experimenting with construction materials, ... more
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Global Teisco 4010 Vintage Electric Guitar

Global Teisco 4010 Vintage Electric Guitar

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Very cool Teisco / Global 4010 very similar to the tulip

Pickups sounds great, these are the same as gold foils

Neck pickup is 5 8k

Bridge is 6 1k

Guitar switches have been wired for 4 setting

Bridge only , neck only, series , and parallel

Looks like the nut was replaced at some point

String height on low E at 12th fret is about 3 5mm

Not super low but I don??t have any trouble playing it, it??s no ... more
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Vintage 1950s Magnatone Mark Electric Guitar pickup 6 68K - nice shape

Vintage 1950s Magnatone Mark Electric Guitar pickup 6 68K - nice shape

Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

Comes as seennice shapeoriginal Vintage itemMid 1950sTested and working goodReads 6 68K Ohms3 25" x 1" not including the flange3 5" mount screw spacing... more
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1991 Rickenbacker 360 / 12 BT Black trim / hardware MAPELGLO

1991 Rickenbacker 360 / 12 BT Black trim / hardware MAPELGLO

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3190


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1991 Rickenbacker 360 / 12 BT (Black Trim) in Mapleglo. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original hardshell case. It's in EXCELLENT condition with only some very light marks on the finish on the back of the body and other very minor cosmetic wear. Everything remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. All electronics work and sound ... more
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FENDER 1971  1972 1973 1974  STRATOCASTER TREMOLO Original Bridge Matching NICE!

FENDER 1971 1972 1973 1974 STRATOCASTER TREMOLO Original Bridge Matching NICE!

Hemet, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$360

1971 1972 1973 1974 FENDER STRATOCASTER TREMOLO Original Nice !! Bridge and Saddles Complete As Pictured all matching And Correct !!!
... more
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Rare Vintage 1960s Decca Hollowbody Electric Guitar

Rare Vintage 1960's Decca Hollowbody Electric Guitar

Pacifica, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

Here??s a cool hollowbody guitar from yesteryear. The guitar is pretty small with a very small, thin neck for a unique playing experience. It??s setup with low action (the neck is straight), shimmed to the right height and has that woody hollowbody tone. The issues I??ve been able to assess is that I can only get output from the neck pickup so it will need a little work to get the bridge pickup / electronics working. The 3x3 tuners may have been installed upside down (or are lefty tuners?) ... more
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Guitar Fender Telecaster Sounds And Plays Great, USA 573- 881- Five-zero-four-5

Guitar Fender Telecaster Sounds And Plays Great, USA 573- 881- Five-zero-four-5

Centralia, Missouri, 652**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

2002 Fender USA Tele all original sounds and plays great, has a few dings original every thing and hard case, 573-881-five-zero-four-five, leave a message!
... more
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FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Intl Buyers Welcome

FENDER 1959 PRECISION BASS WITH CASE, Int'l Buyers Welcome

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 354**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15000

A friend of mine asked me to list this vintage bass in my online shops to give it maximum exposure. Here is the history of this vintage instrument It was purchased in 1975 from Gattuso Music in Canton, Ohio. They had a recording studio as part of the business and the bass was used as the in-house bass for most of their clients. My friend used it as his main bass until the late 1980's. At that time he decided it was too valuable to for everyday use, so he retired it and it has been in the ... more
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1959 Gretsch 6115 Rambler Road Worn Player (RARE )

1959 Gretsch 6115 Rambler Road Worn Player (RARE )

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1959 Gretsch 6115 Rambler Road Worn Player. This guitar sounds and plays as it should with the original wiring and the original pickup. The tuners have been changed out to a more modern tuner and the knobs have been changed out. Binding is all there has a few cracks Everything else is all original. This guitar appears to have been painted at some point on the rear. The pots are very scratchy. There is one back crack. if it was painted. It was many many years ago because the paint on the back ... more
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Vintage Japanese HY- LO Electric Guitar 1960s With Hard Case Single Pickup

Vintage Japanese HY- LO Electric Guitar 1960s With Hard Case Single Pickup

Lilburn, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$190

Wonks but has some static in the control knobs, some light scratches and dings, and see pictures for description. Has a vintage leather strap
SELLING AS IS Buyers with less than 10 purchases must pay immediately after winning or their bid will be cancelled. We will not change anyone's address after purchase See photos for more detailed description - ask for more if needed. Selling As Is. Use shipping tab to determine your shipping fee. Ebay may assess sales tax on their end.
Prompt ... more
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1960s Ampeg AMUB-1 unfretted / fretless AMB-1 Bass Cherry-Red

1960's Ampeg AMUB-1 unfretted / fretless AMB-1 Bass Cherry-Red

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7590


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960's Ampeg AMUB-1 (unfretted AMB-1) bass in its original "Cherry-Red" finish. It has a great playing neck. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original gig bag. There are nicks + dings, belt buckle wear and other cosmetic wear. Everything remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. All electronics work and sound great as the controls are still sealed in the factory can
We ... more
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Vintage 1980s Charles Valentich Brac Tamburitza Pittsburgh PA Made in The USA

Vintage 1980's Charles Valentich Brac Tamburitza Pittsburgh PA Made in The USA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$346

This vintage 1980's Charles Valentich Brac Tamburitza, made in Pittsburgh, PA, is a rare gem for any musician. With its hollow body type and 6-string configuration, this guitar is perfect for any player looking for a unique sound. The exact year of this guitar's creation is 1970, making it a true vintage piece

The model is named after its creator, Charles Valentich, and is a great addition to any collection of vintage musical instruments. This electric guitar is perfect for... more
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39 Inch Electric Guitar H H Pickups Translucent Blue for Heavy Rock Music

39 Inch Electric Guitar H H Pickups Translucent Blue for Heavy Rock Music

Walton, Kentucky, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$93

Introductions:

The KST 39in electric guitar features a classic C-shaped maple neck and 22 nickel-bronze pins for a great audio experience with comfortable feel and standard tone
The H-H pickup, three-way switch, tone knob, and volume knob accommodate intense rock tones and a wide range of musical styles
Features:

1. H-H Pickup get a deeper, louder and smoother sound compared to cheaper single coil
2. Matte paint finish is extremely wear-resistant and ... more
eBay logo
39in Electric Guitar HH Pickups Transparent Blue Heavy Metal Rock Music

39in Electric Guitar HH Pickups Transparent Blue Heavy Metal Rock Music

Walton, Kentucky, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$93

Introductions:

The KST 39in electric guitar features a classic C-shaped maple neck and 22 nickel-bronze pins for a great audio experience with comfortable feel and standard tone
The H-H pickup, three-way switch, tone knob, and volume knob accommodate intense rock tones and a wide range of musical styles
Features:

1. H-H Pickup get a deeper, louder and smoother sound compared to cheaper single coil
2. Matte paint finish is extremely wear-resistant and ... more
eBay logo
39 Inch Electric Guitar H H Pickups Translucent Blue Perfect for Heavy Rock

39 Inch Electric Guitar H H Pickups Translucent Blue Perfect for Heavy Rock

Walton, Kentucky, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$93

Introductions:

The KST 39in electric guitar features a classic C-shaped maple neck and 22 nickel-bronze pins for a great audio experience with comfortable feel and standard tone
The H-H pickup, three-way switch, tone knob, and volume knob accommodate intense rock tones and a wide range of musical styles
Features:

1. H-H Pickup get a deeper, louder and smoother sound compared to cheaper single coil
2. Matte paint finish is extremely wear-resistant and ... more
eBay logo

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