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Old 06-08-2006, 12:42 PM
sunburststrat sunburststrat is offline
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Default 'Vintage' Gibson SG - how to appraise?

Had to throw in the 'vintage' tag. I usually have to laugh or cry when I see vintage pricing, but anywho, here's my deal. I'm curious how to appraise my old SG, which I just got back in a reverse trade (ex-gf).

I'm considering selling it or trading for a nice small-bodied acoustic.
The SG has '544442' stamped on the back of the headstock. It was used (hard!) when I got it in 1974, so I'm guessing it's late 60's/early 70's.

First off, does this number tell me what year it was made?
Second, how to adjust the price to account for the wear factor?
It's got some dings, that's for sure.

Btw, I had it appraised about 15 years ago and the dealer looked at me and sadly shook his head saying, "nobody plays these anymore." Well that's certainly changed, as I see it quite often on the cover of guitar magazines (this month's Guitar World, for example) and music equipment catalogs.

sunburst

PS. How do I post a photo of it?
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Old 06-08-2006, 01:06 PM
jyee jyee is offline
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http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx

that should help you date it. you'll have to check some of the vintage options.
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Old 06-08-2006, 01:27 PM
sharkydude50 sharkydude50 is offline
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Contact this guy from my other forum. His user name is SGLou and I consider him that board's SG expert. Good guy who just picked up a real "vintage" '63 SG @ the Philly Guitar Show a couple weeks ago. His address is:

[email protected]
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Old 06-08-2006, 01:38 PM
Steve Z Steve Z is offline
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Perhaps this document will assist.

Gibson SERIAL NUMBERS.pdf
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Old 06-08-2006, 11:36 PM
sunburststrat sunburststrat is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Z
Perhaps this document will assist.

Gibson SERIAL NUMBERS.pdf
I tried all three approaches suggested. This one gave me the year 1967, which pleasantly surprised me. It's older than I thought. I waiting to hear back from the other two, especially SGLou.

Still wondering how to post a photo. Is that even possible?

sunburst
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  #6  
Old 06-09-2006, 06:08 AM
815C 815C is offline
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Gruhn's Guitars has an appraisal service they offer (for a fee)...

From Gruhns web site....


Your musical instrument is more than just a piece of wood -- it's an investment. In the last 25 years, top-of-the-line vintage guitars have outperformed the stock market, precious metals and other collectibles. A written appraisal from Gruhn Guitars costs just $35 and protects your investment by establishing the value of your guitar in the current market, which is valuable information for your banker, insurance agent and your peace of mind.

George Gruhn has been buying and selling used instruments since 1963, and Gruhn Guitars, established in 1970, was the first store devoted to vintage and used instrument sales. Gruhn Guitars buys, sells, trades and consigns. Mr. Gruhn is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on vintage guitars, mandolins and banjos.

George Gruhn brings many years of experience to an instrument appraisal, as well as the decades of experience of the Gruhn staff. We offer this service free with any guitar bought from us, and the appraisal charge for other instruments is relatively small compared to the value of your investment.

We now offer an online appraisal .

For a written appraisal by mail, please send:

1. Clear color front and back photo prints of the instrument.
2. Serial number and any other numbers, including the area where these numbers are found.
3. Descriptions of any modifications/damage/repairs not visible in the photos.
4. A list of any repairs that need to be done to the instrument.
5. $35 per instrument (Visa/Mastercard/check drawn from a bank in the USA).
6. Your daytime phone number.

We buy, sell and consign instruments, so if your instrument is for sale or if you're thinking of selling, please let us know.

Call 615 256-2033 for more information or to schedule an appraisal in person.
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Old 06-09-2006, 06:29 AM
Mr. IJaK Mr. IJaK is offline
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1967... you've struck oil! I think.
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  #8  
Old 06-09-2006, 08:46 AM
spruceapple spruceapple is offline
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Call Dave at Dave's Guitar in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Vintage Gibson expert, and they'll do appraisals over the phone.
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