Gavin Coe and Stephen Pedone have bought and appraised over 1,250 vintage guitars and paid sellers more than $6 million since 2015. A real shop in Valley City, Ohio, buying and selling nationwide.
Two Vintage Guitar Experts, One Honest Appraisal
The Owners
Meet Gavin and Stephen
Gavin Coe
Co-Owner & Lead Buyer · 16 Years
Stephen Pedone
Co-Owner & Pre-CBS Fender Specialist
Gavin has spent 16 years buying, selling, and appraising vintage guitars, starting in the Cleveland classifieds and the local music scene. Hand him a guitar and within 30 seconds he can tell whether the finish is original, which parts have been changed, and what work it needs. He knows vintage Gretsch, Gibson, and Fender offsets cold, plays in several Cleveland bands, and keeps more than 60 guitars of his own.
Stephen’s obsession started in the early 2000s in Chicago, restoring a 1946 Gibson LG-2 as a kid. Today he is one of the most sought-after authenticators of pre-CBS Fender Stratocasters and original custom-color finishes, and other dealers hire him to verify guitars on site. He runs strategy and systems for Edgewater, collects vintage Gibsons, and tours as a working guitarist.
BY THE NUMBERS
2015
In business since
1,250+
Guitars bought & appraised
$6M+
Paid out to sellers
50
States served
$800K+
Most valuable guitar handled
143
Five-star Google reviews
Who we are
Premier Vintage Guitar Buyers in the Midwest
Our Story
Edgewater Guitars began with a lifelong passion for vintage instruments and a frustration with the traditional guitar selling experience. After years of collecting, studying, and trading fine guitars, our founder recognized a clear need in the market: a trustworthy, knowledgeable buyer offering fair prices without the hassles of consignment shops, online marketplaces, or lowball retail trade-ins.
Founded in 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio, we set out to create the guitar selling experience we always wished existed—one built on deep product knowledge, transparent valuations, and a genuine appreciation for the instruments we purchase.
What started as a small operation buying local vintage guitars has grown into one of the Midwest's most trusted guitar purchasing services, with a reputation for fair deals, expertise, and integrity that extends throughout Ohio and neighboring states.
Our Approach
At Edgewater Guitars, we take a fundamentally different approach to buying guitars:
Market-Based Valuations: Our offers are based on actual collector demand and current market values, not arbitrary trade-in formulas or consignment guesswork.
Expertise-Driven Process: Every guitar we evaluate benefits from our team's extensive knowledge of vintage and modern instruments, ensuring accurate identification, authentication, and valuation.
Seller-Focused Experience: We've designed our entire process around the seller's convenience and satisfaction, from flexible meeting options to immediate payment methods.
Long-Term Relationships: Many of our sellers become repeat customers or refer friends and family—a testament to our commitment to fair, respectful transactions.
Knowledge
We believe expertise is the foundation of fair valuation. We continuously research, study, and expand our understanding of vintage and quality instruments.
Honesty
We provide straightforward, transparent assessments without exaggeration or manipulation.
Respect
Every instrument and seller deserves respect. We honor the history and significance of the guitars we purchase and the people who have owned them.
Fairness
Our business thrives on fair dealings that leave both parties satisfied. We aim to make offers that reflect true market value.
Service
We go above and beyond to make selling convenient, straightforward, and rewarding.
Why Choose Us?
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Expertise You Can Trust
Our team combines decades of specialized knowledge in vintage and high-quality guitars. We understand the subtle details that determine value: the correct Brazilian rosewood on a pre-war Martin, the precise shade of a Cherry Sunburst on a 1960 Les Paul, or the original PAF pickup covers on a vintage ES-335.
This expertise ensures you receive an accurate, fair valuation based on your instrument's true market worth—not a lowball offer that undervalues your guitar.
Ethics & Integrity
We've built our reputation on transparent, ethical business practices:
No hidden fees or commissions
Clear explanations of how we determine value
Honest assessment of condition and authenticity
No pressure tactics or manipulation
Respect for your decision, whether you sell or not
Our Values
The Edgewater Difference
Competitive Offers
By working directly with collectors and eliminating retail overhead, we typically offer 15-30% more than guitar shops or pawn shops.
Convenient Service
We come to you throughout our service area, making selling easy and stress-free.
Immediate Payment
No waiting for consignment sales or online buyers—get paid on the spot when you accept our offer.
Specialized Knowledge
Our focus on guitars means we recognize value that general antique dealers or music stores might miss.
Service Area
Based in Ohio, we travel throughout the region to purchase quality instruments. No collection is too large or too small.
Outside our service area? Contact us anyway – we may still be interested!
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