old guitars

[rchall]

I know this is not a forum for musical instruments, but I have a friend who has an old Gibson guitar that belonged to her late father. He bought it in the early 1920's she said. It looks brand new with the original purple velvet-lined case and original pick that came with it. She said she would sell it, but I'm not a musician and know nothing at all about the value of old guitars. Don't know the model# either. Does anyone on here have any experience with these old instruments?? Could you recommend someone I might contact to ask about the value of it?? Thanks much!

 

[doc540]

The top guitar appraiser in the U.S. is Gruhn Guitars.

He can be a crotchity old phart, but he's the best.

His fee is worth the price of knowing the facts about the instrument and its current value.

Or shoot me a pm and I'll hook you up with another good appraiser in SoCal, Robb Lawrence.

Good luck and post some pics.

http://www.gruhn.com/

 

[dudester]

Gruhn guitars in Nashville. Also you can call the Gibson factory and they will give you some info on it, when it was made, what model etc. Also in Nashville.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

[rchall]

OK guys, that helps a ton. I will see if I can contact the Gibson people first and then maybe Gruhn's.

 

[DeathGrip]

Gruhn is good and they're gonna ask you for the same thing I will.

Pictures?

They probably will ask better questions but I'd bet that will be the first.

Any early Gibson in good shape has value.

 

[CW Spook]

Gruhn would be my first choice for an appraisal. For second opinions; Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI or Bernunzio Uptown Music in Rochester, NY.

 

[doc540]

Yep, I'd get more than one appraisal.

 

[gregintenn]

Mr. Gruhn could likely tell you more than the Gibson company. Gibsons of that vintage in good condition can command a LOT of money.

 

[longranger]

That guitar is from the "Magic" era of instrument building,coupled with very low cost of labor and an infinite supply of tone woods.Read: no E.P.A. or other Gov. agency to impede their selection of materials.Look forward to seeing pictures on the cover of "Acoustic Guitar" Mag.

 

[gregintenn]

How bout snapping some pictures? I like pictures!

 

[RightArm]

Call Ray Henning's in Austin. Make sure they know you're not trying to sell it to them or they'll lowball ya.
On second thought, don't bother calling them.

 

[kozmic]

As a first option I would go to your local book store (or maybe library) and find The Blue Book of Guitars or Vintage Guitars Magazine's Book of Vintage Guitar Values. They will have pictures to help you identify the model and ways to age the guitar based on the serial #. All for a zero dollar investment. I think both are updated annually.
This will tell you if you have a $ 2000 or a $ 50,000 piece. At that point you can make your next move (call an appraiser or an auction house, etc.)
If the value warrants, it should be appraised and listed on your friends home owner's insurance.
Also, any fine acoustic should be stored and maintained properly. Correct humidification and care are essential. Those procedures are easily found on line and materials are available at any local guitar store or on line as well.

 

[stacer]

Elderly has always treated me right. Right down to testing a $150 amp with a $5K gibson pulled from the wall. I didn't even look at the guitars price tag till I was done, and got a pretty decent shock.

 

[cowart]

Don't know the model#

Try looking through the sound hole for a label or other markings. There may be a "Factory Order Number" stamped on the neck block inside the body. Use a small mirror to look for markings on the inside of the front of the instrument.

For a mountain of Gibson info, see
Vintage Guitars Info - Gibson collecting vintage gibson guitars

 

[HalfStack]

That old guitar may very well be worth a fortune. Don't take anybody's word on what value it is but a professional appraiser. Pay the dude.