Selling Your Vintage Guitar: Edgewater Guitars vs Gary's Classic Guitars (All Good Guitars) - Complete Comparison Guide

Quick Answer: Which Guitar Buyer Is Right for You?

Both Edgewater Guitars and Gary's Classic Guitars (operating as All Good Guitars at allgoodguitars.com) purchase vintage instruments in the Ohio region, but they serve different seller needs. Gary's Classic Guitars operates primarily as a brick-and-mortar vintage guitar retail shop near Cincinnati with traditional consignment and buying services. Edgewater Guitars specializes exclusively in purchasing vintage guitars directly from sellers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, typically offering 30-40% higher prices than traditional guitar shops by eliminating retail overhead and resale margins.

Understanding Your Vintage Guitar Selling Options

If you're researching where to sell your vintage guitar and found yourself comparing Edgewater Guitars to Gary's Classic Guitars or All Good Guitars, you're asking the right questions. Choosing the right buyer can mean thousands of dollars in difference, especially for valuable pre-CBS Fender, vintage Gibson, or pre-war Martin instruments.

This comprehensive comparison helps you understand:

• How each business operates and their primary focus

• Pricing structures and what you can realistically expect

• Service areas and convenience factors

• Authentication and expertise levels

• Timeline from evaluation to payment

• Which option makes the most sense for your specific situation

Our goal is simple: Provide you with factual information so you can make the best decision for selling your vintage guitar.

Business Model Comparison

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars: Traditional Retail Guitar Shop Model

Gary's Classic Guitars (allgoodguitars.com) operates as a traditional vintage guitar retail shop based in the Cincinnati area. Their business model includes:

Primary Functions:

• Retail sales to guitar players and collectors

• Consignment services (they sell guitars on behalf of owners)

• Direct purchases from sellers

• In-store shopping experience

• Online retail presence at allgoodguitars.com

• Trade-ins and upgrades

How They Make Money:

• Retail markup on guitars they sell (typically 40-60% above purchase price)

• Consignment fees (usually 20-30% of sale price)

• Online sales through their website

• Trade-in transactions

• Accessories and related products

Physical Location:

• Fixed retail location near Cincinnati

• In-person evaluation at their shop

• Online presence through allgoodguitars.com

• Limited mobile evaluation services

Edgewater Guitars: Specialized Direct Buyer Model

Edgewater Guitars operates exclusively as a vintage guitar buyer—we don't run a traditional guitar shop, retail website, or consignment service. This fundamentally different model includes:

Primary Functions:

• Direct purchase of vintage guitars from owners

• Expert authentication and appraisal services

• Mobile evaluation for high-value instruments

• Immediate cash transactions

• Regional service throughout five states

How We Make Money:

• Direct resale to specialized collectors and dealers

• Established buyer networks for specific instruments

• Focused inventory turnover rather than retail margins

• Volume purchasing with expert authentication

Service Model:

• No physical storefront overhead

• We come to you for valuable instruments

• Regional coverage across five states

• Immediate transactions without consignment waiting

Why This Matters to Sellers: Because we don't need to maintain retail shop margins, website infrastructure, display space, or long-term inventory costs, we can offer significantly higher purchase prices while still operating profitably.

Pricing Comparison: What You'll Actually Receive

Understanding Traditional Guitar Shop Pricing

Traditional guitar shops like Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars need substantial margins to cover:

• Retail storefront rent and utilities

• Sales staff and shop employees

• Website maintenance and e-commerce platform costs

• Inventory carrying costs

• Display and security systems

• Longer sales timelines

• Marketing to retail customers (online and in-store)

Typical Guitar Shop Purchase Offers:

• Generally 40-50% of anticipated retail value

• Lower for common instruments they already have in stock

• Higher for rare pieces they can sell quickly

• Consignment offers retain 20-30% of final sale price

Example Scenario: A 1963 Fender Stratocaster worth $20,000 retail:

• Traditional shop direct purchase offer: $8,000-$10,000 (40-50%)

• Traditional shop consignment (after 20-25% fee): $15,000-$16,000 (but you wait months and no guarantee of sale)

Edgewater Guitars Pricing Structure

Our specialized buyer model allows us to offer:

Premium Direct Purchase Pricing:

• Typically 70-80% of current market value

• 30-40% higher than traditional guitar shop offers

• Immediate payment—no waiting for consignment sales

• No hidden fees or commission deductions

Example Scenario: The same 1963 Fender Stratocaster worth $20,000:

• Edgewater Guitars direct purchase offer: $14,000-$16,000 (70-80%)

• Difference: $4,000-$8,000 more than traditional shop offers

• Payment: Same day or within 24 hours

Why We Can Pay More:

1. No retail overhead: No storefront, no sales floor, no website e-commerce costs

2. Specialized buyer networks: Direct connections to collectors seeking specific instruments

3. Expert authentication: We recognize valuable features others might miss

4. Quick turnover: We buy for specific buyers, not speculative inventory

5. Volume focus: Lower per-guitar profit on higher volume

6. No retail markup needed: We don't need 50-60% margins to stay profitable

Service Area and Convenience

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Service Area

Primary Location:

• Cincinnati area retail shop

• In-person evaluations at their location

• Online presence at allgoodguitars.com for listings

• Local pickup available in Cincinnati metro area

• May offer limited travel for exceptional collections

What This Means:

• You typically need to bring your guitar to their Cincinnati-area location

• May require significant travel depending on your location

• In-person evaluation during shop hours

• Can also ship to them for evaluation

• Limited mobile service availability

Edgewater Guitars Service Area

Regional Coverage:

• Ohio (all regions including Cincinnati)

• Michigan (all regions)

• Pennsylvania (western and central)

• Indiana (all regions)

• West Virginia (all regions)

Mobile Evaluation Service:

• We come to you for high-value instruments ($5,000+)

• Convenient home or office evaluations

• Secure, professional handling of valuable instruments

• No need to transport fragile vintage guitars

• Available throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, and all Ohio cities

Flexible Options:

• Virtual preliminary evaluation (photos and information)

• Scheduled in-person appointments at your convenience

• Secure shipping arrangements for distant sellers

• Evening and weekend appointments available

Example Timeline:

• Monday: Submit photos and information online

• Tuesday: Receive preliminary valuation

• Wednesday: Schedule in-person evaluation in Cincinnati area

• Thursday: We visit your location, evaluate guitar

• Thursday evening: Receive offer and immediate payment if accepted

Expertise and Authentication

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Expertise

Gary's Classic Guitars has knowledgeable staff with experience in vintage instruments:

Strengths:

• General vintage guitar knowledge

• Experience with common vintage models

• Retail-focused expertise

• Long-standing presence in Cincinnati guitar community

• Online platform for broader market reach

Considerations:

• Generalist approach serving retail customers

• Focus on sellability to their customer base

• May not recognize some extremely rare features or variations

• Retail margin requirements may limit offers on highly specialized pieces

Edgewater Guitars Expertise

Our team specializes exclusively in vintage guitar authentication and purchasing:

Specialized Knowledge:

• John Thompson: Vintage Guitar Specialist with 20+ years focused exclusively on pre-1970 American guitars

• Expert authentication of Gibson, Fender, and Martin instruments

• Advanced knowledge of serial number systems, potentiometer dating, and factory order numbers

• Recognition of valuable transitional features and rare specifications

• Experience with pre-war instruments and high-end collectibles

• Direct relationships with major collectors and auction houses

Why Specialized Expertise Matters:

Example 1 - 1959 Gibson Les Paul: A general guitar shop might recognize a 1959 Les Paul as valuable. Our specialist recognizes:

• PAF pickup variations worth $2,000+ per pickup

• Subtle neck profile differences between early and late 1959

• Original vs. replacement parts that dramatically affect value

• Flame maple grading that can mean $50,000+ difference

• Factory Bigsby installations vs. aftermarket additions

• Specific pot codes that verify exact production period

Result: We pay appropriate premiums for features others might miss

Example 2 - 1961 Fender Jazz Bass (Stack Knob): A general shop sees "vintage Jazz Bass." Our specialist identifies:

• Extremely rare first-year stack-knob configuration

• Original "clay" dot markers vs. later pearl

• Specific neck date and body stamp combinations

• Slab vs. veneer rosewood fingerboard transition

• Original finish vs. refinish (can be $15,000+ difference)

Result: Accurate authentication protects you from being undervalued

Example 3 - 1938 Martin D-28 Herringbone: A shop might say "old Martin." Our specialist recognizes:

• Forward-shifted bracing (extremely valuable feature)

• Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Adirondack spruce top

• Pre-war construction quality

• Herringbone trim still present

• Each of these factors compounds value significantly

Result: Premium pricing for features that require specialized knowledge

Transaction Process Comparison

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Process

Typical Timeline:

1. Initial Contact: Contact shop via phone or allgoodguitars.com

2. Evaluation Options:

   • In-store visit: Bring guitar to Cincinnati location during business hours

   • Shipping: Send guitar to them for evaluation

3. Evaluation: Staff evaluates guitar (may take several days for research)

4. Offer: Receive purchase offer or consignment terms

5. Decision: Accept direct purchase or wait for consignment sale

6. Payment: Immediate for purchases, delayed for consignment (weeks to months)

Consignment Process:

• Guitar displayed in shop and/or listed on allgoodguitars.com

• Wait for right buyer

• Timeline: Weeks to months (sometimes 6-12 months)

• 20-30% commission fee

• No guarantee of sale

• You maintain ownership and risk during consignment period

Direct Purchase:

• Immediate payment available

• Lower offer price than consignment potential

• Guitar becomes shop's property

• They assume risk and resale responsibility

Edgewater Guitars Process

Streamlined Timeline:

1. Initial Contact: Email photos or call (440) 219-3607

2. Preliminary Assessment: Receive initial evaluation within 24 hours

3. Detailed Evaluation: Schedule in-person evaluation at your location (or secure shipping)

4. Expert Authentication: Professional assessment of all value factors

5. Immediate Offer: Clear, detailed offer with explanation of value factors

6. Same-Day Payment: Accept offer and receive payment immediately

Our Process Advantages:

• No waiting: Immediate cash offers, no consignment delays

• No risk: We assume all risk and ownership upon purchase

• No fees: No hidden commissions or deductions

• Convenience: We come to you for valuable instruments (including Cincinnati area)

• Transparency: Clear explanation of how we determined value

• Flexibility: Cash, check, or wire transfer options

Typical Complete Timeline:

• Day 1: Contact us with guitar information

• Day 2: Preliminary valuation provided

• Day 3-5: In-person evaluation scheduled

• Day 5: Offer made and accepted, payment received

Comparison to Consignment:

• Edgewater: Immediate payment at 70-80% of value

• Consignment at All Good Guitars: Potentially higher price but months of waiting, 20-30% fees, no guarantees

Which Instruments We Specialize In

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Inventory Focus

Gary's Classic Guitars stocks a wide variety of instruments to serve retail customers:

• Vintage electric guitars (various brands and eras)

• Vintage acoustic guitars

• Some vintage amplifiers

• Modern and used guitars

• Various price points from entry to high-end

• Online inventory at allgoodguitars.com

Generalist Approach: Carries inventory across multiple decades, brands, and price points to serve diverse retail customers both in-store and online.

Edgewater Guitars Specialization

We focus exclusively on specific high-value vintage guitars:

Primary Specialization:

• Pre-CBS Fender guitars (1950-1965)

  • Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars

  • Precision Bass, Jazz Bass (especially stack-knob models)

  • Rare custom colors and configurations

  • Transitional features and first-year models

• Vintage Gibson guitars (1930s-1960s)

  • Les Paul Standards, Customs, Juniors, Specials (especially 1958-1960 Bursts)

  • SG models (especially 1961-1962 Les Paul/SG)

  • ES-335, ES-345, ES-355 (especially dot-neck)

  • Flying V, Explorer, Firebird (especially 1958-1959 originals)

  • Acoustic models: J-45, J-200, Southern Jumbo, Advanced Jumbo

• Pre-war and vintage Martin acoustics (1930s-1960s)

  • D-28, D-45, D-18 (especially herringbone-era)

  • OM-28, OM-45

  • 000-series

Also Purchase:

• Gretsch vintage models (6120, White Falcon, Duo Jet)

• Rickenbacker guitars and basses

• Other significant vintage American instruments

Why Specialization Benefits Sellers:

1. Deep expertise in these specific instruments

2. Established buyer networks seeking these exact guitars

3. Quick sales because we know who wants what

4. Premium pricing for features specialists recognize

5. Accurate authentication preventing undervaluation

6. Recognition of rare variations that increase value

Geographic Advantage Comparison

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Location

Cincinnati-Area Based:

• Fixed retail location near Cincinnati, Ohio

• Serves Cincinnati metro area primarily

• Online sales through allgoodguitars.com to broader market

• Visitors from broader region welcome

• Shipping available for evaluations

Best For:

• Cincinnati-area residents who can easily visit the shop

• Sellers who enjoy browsing while considering offers

• People who want to see the retail environment

• Those comfortable shipping guitars for evaluation

Edgewater Guitars Regional Service

Five-State Coverage:

• Ohio: Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Canton, all regions

• Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, all regions

• Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, State College, western and central regions

• Indiana: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, all regions

• West Virginia: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, all regions

Mobile Service Benefits:

• No need to transport valuable, fragile instruments

• Evaluation in your home's comfortable environment

• No risk of damage during transport to shops

• Convenient scheduling around your availability

• Professional, discrete service

• We come to Cincinnati, Mason, West Chester, and all surrounding areas

Best For:

• Sellers anywhere in five-state region (including Cincinnati area)

• High-value instruments requiring secure handling

• Estate situations or large collections

• Sellers who value convenience

• Anyone wanting competitive offers from specialized buyer

• People who don't want to risk transporting valuable guitars

Real Seller Scenarios: Which Option Is Best?

Scenario 1: Cincinnati Resident with Vintage Fender

The Guitar: 1965 Fender Stratocaster (early CBS) in very good condition Estimated Market Value: $8,000-$10,000

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Convenient local option

• Quick in-store evaluation

• Offer: Likely $3,200-$5,000 (40-50%)

• OR Consignment at 20-25% fee = $6,000-$8,000 after months of waiting

• Listed on allgoodguitars.com during consignment period

Edgewater Guitars:

• Mobile evaluation in Cincinnati area (we come to you)

• Our specialist identifies:

  • Transitional large headstock features

  • Original finish vs. refinish verification

  • Early CBS features vs. later changes

• Offer: Likely $5,600-$8,000 (70-80%)

• Immediate payment

• Result: $600-$3,000 more than shop purchase offer, no waiting

Best Choice: Edgewater for significantly higher immediate payment and convenience

Scenario 2: Dayton Resident with Pre-CBS Telecaster

The Guitar: 1959 Fender Telecaster, blonde finish, excellent original condition Estimated Market Value: $18,000-$22,000

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Requires travel to Cincinnati (45+ minutes)

• Risk transporting valuable guitar

• Offer: Likely $7,200-$11,000 (40-50%)

• OR Consignment at 20-25% fee = $13,500-$17,600 after 6-12 months (if buyer found)

• Risk of no sale or prolonged timeline

Edgewater Guitars:

• We come to Dayton for evaluation

• Our specialist recognizes all value factors:

  • Slab rosewood vs. veneer board (1959 transition)

  • Original blonde finish premium

  • All-original hardware and electronics

  • Correct pot codes and neck date

  • Specific transitional features

• Offer: Likely $12,600-$17,600 (70-80%)

• Immediate payment

• No travel or transport risk

• Result: $1,600-$10,400 more than shop offer, no waiting, no risk

Best Choice: Edgewater for specialized authentication, premium pricing, and convenience

Scenario 3: Columbus Resident with Rare Gibson Collection

The Collection:

• 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard (figured top)

• 1961 Gibson ES-335 (dot neck)

• 1960 Gibson Flying V Combined Estimated Value: $200,000-$300,000

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Requires extensive travel to Cincinnati with three extremely valuable guitars

• Significant risk of damage during transport

• Security concerns transporting $200K+ in guitars

• General evaluation

• Offer: Likely $80,000-$120,000 for collection (40-50%)

• OR Consignment with months/years of waiting, 20-25% fees, no guarantees

• Carrying insurance and risk during consignment period

Edgewater Guitars:

• We travel to Columbus for secure evaluation

• Specialist authentication of all three guitars:

  • 1959 Burst: Maple top grading, PAF verification, neck profile assessment

  • ES-335: Original dot-neck features, PAF authenticity, finish originality

  • Flying V: Korina wood verification, original PAF pickups, rare model authentication

• Recognition of rare features and premiums:

  • Exceptional flame on the Burst worth significant premium

  • First-year ES-335 with specific valuable features

  • Rare Flying V with tremendous collector value

• Offer: Likely $140,000-$240,000 (70-80%)

• Single convenient appointment

• Immediate payment for entire collection

• No transport risk

• Result: $20,000-$120,000 more than shop offer, zero risk, immediate transaction

Best Choice: Edgewater for high-value specialized collection with premium authentication

Scenario 4: Mason, OH Resident with Inherited Martin

The Guitar: 1946 Martin D-28 "Herringbone" in good condition Estimated Market Value: $12,000-$15,000

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Short drive from Mason to Cincinnati area

• In-store evaluation

• Offer: Likely $4,800-$7,500 (40-50%)

• OR Consignment at 20-25% fee = $9,000-$12,000 after months

• May miss specific herringbone-era value factors

Edgewater Guitars:

• We come to Mason (no travel needed)

• Our Martin specialist identifies:

  • Herringbone trim (discontinued 1947, highly collectible)

  • Forward-shifted bracing (if present, extremely valuable)

  • Brazilian rosewood verification

  • Adirondack spruce top

  • Post-war but pre-change features

• Offer: Likely $8,400-$12,000 (70-80%)

• Immediate payment in your home

• Result: $900-$7,200 more than shop offer

Best Choice: Edgewater for specialized Martin knowledge and convenience

Scenario 5: Northern Kentucky Resident Shopping for Best Offer

The Guitar: 1962 Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard Estimated Market Value: $15,000-$18,000

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Very convenient from Northern Kentucky

• Easy access to Cincinnati location

• Offer: Likely $6,000-$9,000 (40-50%)

• Familiar local shop

Edgewater Guitars:

• We cross into Northern Kentucky for evaluations

• Our Gibson specialist recognizes:

  • 1962 = transitional year (Les Paul to SG)

  • "Les Paul" still on truss rod cover (very collectible)

  • Original PAF or early patent number pickups

  • Sideways vibrola (first year feature)

  • Specific transitional details that increase value

• Offer: Likely $10,500-$14,400 (70-80%)

• We come to you

• Result: $1,400-$8,400 more

Best Choice: Even with Gary's proximity advantage, Edgewater's premium pricing and mobile service provide better value

Understanding Consignment vs. Direct Purchase

How Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Consignment Works

Consignment Process:

1. You bring guitar to their shop

2. They evaluate and research market value

3. They set a selling price (usually 20-40% above what they'd pay)

4. Guitar is displayed in shop and listed on allgoodguitars.com

5. You wait for the right buyer

6. When sold, you receive 70-80% of sale price (they keep 20-30% commission)

Consignment Advantages:

• Potential for higher gross proceeds than direct purchase

• Access to their customer base

• Professional listing and photography

• Online exposure through allgoodguitars.com

Consignment Disadvantages:

• Timeline: Often 3-12 months (sometimes longer)

• No guarantee of sale

• Commission fees: 20-30% of final sale price

• You maintain ownership (and insurance responsibility)

• Risk of damage while in their possession

• No immediate access to funds

• Price may need to be reduced if not selling

Real Consignment Math:

• Guitar worth $10,000

• Listed at $11,000-$12,000

• Waits 6 months

• Sells for $11,000

• 25% commission = $2,750

• You receive: $8,250

• After 6 months of waiting

Edgewater Guitars Direct Purchase

Our Process:

1. Quick evaluation (often same day or next day)

2. Immediate offer at 70-80% of market value

3. Immediate payment upon acceptance

4. No fees, no waiting

Direct Purchase Advantages:

• Immediate cash payment

• No waiting period

• No commission fees

• Zero risk after sale

• Immediate access to funds

• No ongoing insurance responsibility

• Guaranteed transaction

Real Direct Purchase Math:

• Same guitar worth $10,000

• Immediate offer: $7,000-$8,000

• Payment: Same day or within 24 hours

• You receive: $7,000-$8,000

• Immediately

Comparison:

• Consignment: Potentially $8,250 after 6 months, 25% fee, no guarantee

• Edgewater Direct: $7,000-$8,000 immediately, no fees, guaranteed

• Difference: Similar net proceeds but 6 months faster with zero risk

Online Presence and Modern Selling

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Online

Website: allgoodguitars.com

• Online inventory listings

• Consignment guitars displayed online

• Broader market reach beyond Cincinnati

• Email and phone inquiries

• Online research before visiting shop

Benefits:

• Wider buyer pool through online presence

• Can research inventory before visiting

• Consignment guitars get online exposure

Considerations:

• Still operating with retail margins

• Consignment fees still apply

• Purchase offers still need retail markup

• Online inventory competes with your consignment guitar

Edgewater Guitars Direct Communication

Streamlined Contact:

• Direct phone: (440) 219-3607

• Email with photos for quick evaluation

• No complex website navigation needed

• Personal communication with decision-makers

• Quick response times (usually within 24 hours)

Benefits:

• Direct access to buyer

• No intermediaries or sales staff

• Quick preliminary valuations

• Personal attention to your specific guitar

• Immediate answers to questions

Specialty Situations: Which Buyer Fits Best?

Estate Sales and Inherited Collections

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Can handle estate guitars

• Evaluation at their location

• May offer package deals for collections

• Retail focused

Edgewater Guitars:

• Specialized estate guitar service

• We come to the estate location

• Sensitive, professional handling of family situations

• Expert evaluation of entire collections

• Immediate settlement helpful for estate proceedings

• Experience with executor and heir situations

• Discrete, respectful service

• Can evaluate and purchase entire collections in single visit

Best for estates: Edgewater's mobile service and immediate payment help executors settle estates efficiently

Divorce Settlements

Quick liquidation often needed:

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Standard process

• Consignment means delayed division of assets

• Purchase offers at 40-50%

Edgewater Guitars:

• Immediate fair-market offers

• Quick evaluation and payment

• Clean break for both parties

• Professional, discrete service

• Documentation for legal proceedings

Best for divorce: Edgewater's immediate payment provides clean resolution

Moving or Downsizing

Need quick sale:

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Consignment timeline doesn't fit moving schedule

• Direct purchase at lower prices

Edgewater Guitars:

• Timeline matches your needs

• We work around your schedule

• Immediate payment before you move

• Higher offers than shop purchase prices

• We come to you (less hassle during move)

Best for moving: Edgewater's flexibility and immediate payment

Financial Emergencies

Need cash quickly:

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Direct purchase available but at 40-50%

• Consignment doesn't help immediate needs

Edgewater Guitars:

• Immediate cash offers

• Same-day or next-day payment

• Fair market value (not distressed pricing)

• Quick evaluation process

• Professional, judgment-free service

Best for financial needs: Edgewater's immediate payment at fair prices

Transparency: Our Honest Assessment

When Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars Might Be a Good Choice

Consider them if:

• You live very close to their Cincinnati location

• You want to browse their shop and see the retail environment

• You're interested in trading up to another guitar in their inventory

• You have a common, lower-value guitar ($500-$2,000 range) and want quick local service

• You enjoy the shopping experience

• You want to see your guitar listed on allgoodguitars.com

• You're willing to wait months for potentially higher consignment proceeds

They're a legitimate business serving Cincinnati-area guitar players and collectors. For certain situations and certain sellers, their model works well.

When Edgewater Guitars Is the Better Choice

We're the better option if:

• You want the highest possible immediate payment (30-40% more than shop offers)

• You have a high-value vintage guitar ($5,000+) where our expertise matters

• You want mobile evaluation service (we come to you)

• You need immediate payment rather than waiting for consignment

• You want specialized authentication by vintage guitar experts

• You live anywhere in our five-state region (not just Cincinnati)

• You're selling an estate, collection, or multiple guitars

• You value convenience and professional service

• You want a guaranteed transaction with no consignment risk

• Your guitar has rare features that require expert recognition

Common Questions: Gary's vs. Edgewater

"Why would Gary's/All Good Guitars offer less for my guitar?"

It's simply a different business model:

• Retail shops need 50-60% margins to cover overhead

• They need profit room for retail operations

• They're buying for future resale at retail prices

• Storefront costs, staff, and time on market affect offers

We can offer more because:

• No retail overhead or storefront costs

• Direct buyer networks

• Quick turnover model

• Volume-based business

• Specialized focus

Neither is wrong—just different approaches

"Should I get offers from both before deciding?"

Absolutely! We encourage it.

Smart sellers should:

1. Contact Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars for an offer

2. Contact Edgewater Guitars for our offer

3. Compare both offers

4. Consider timing, convenience, and service

5. Choose what works best for your situation

We're confident our specialized model and pricing will provide a compelling option, but informed decisions are always best.

"What if Gary's offers consignment but Edgewater offers immediate purchase?"

Consider:

Consignment at Gary's/All Good Guitars:

• Potential gross: 70-80% after commission

• Timeline: 3-12 months

• Risk: No guarantee of sale

• Hassle: Ongoing insurance, possible price reductions

Immediate purchase from Edgewater:

• Immediate payment: 70-80% of value

• Timeline: Days, not months

• Risk: Zero (we assume all risk)

• Hassle: None (complete transaction)

Math often works out similar, but our immediate payment provides certainty and liquidity now.

"Can I negotiate with either buyer?"

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• Standard retail buyer practices

• Some negotiation possible

• Bound by retail margin requirements

Edgewater Guitars:

• Our initial offer is typically our best offer

• Based on current market data

• Fair from the start (not low-ball tactics)

• Transparent about how we arrived at valuation

• Will explain specific value factors

"What if my guitar needs repairs?"

Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars:

• May deduct repair costs from offer

• May have in-house repair services

• May suggest repairs before consignment

Edgewater Guitars:

• Buy guitars "as-is"

• Adjust offer based on needed repairs

• No requirement for you to repair before selling

• Transparent about how condition affects value

• Often pay more even for guitars needing work (due to better pricing overall)

Making Your Decision: A Simple Framework

Choose Gary's Classic Guitars / All Good Guitars if:

✓ You live in Cincinnati and value local convenience above all
✓ You want to see a retail shop environment
✓ You're interested in trading for another guitar in their inventory
✓ You have a common guitar worth under $2,000
✓ You're willing to accept 40-50% of value for immediate payment
✓ You're willing to wait months for consignment proceeds
✓ You want to see your guitar on allgoodguitars.com

Choose Edgewater Guitars if:

✓ You want 30-40% higher offers than traditional shop prices
✓ You have a valuable vintage guitar requiring expert authentication
✓ You want immediate payment at fair market value (70-80%)
✓ You value convenience (we come to you)
✓ You live anywhere in OH, MI, PA, IN, or WV
✓ You're selling an estate or collection
✓ You need specialized expertise in pre-CBS Fender, vintage Gibson, or pre-war Martin
✓ You want a guaranteed transaction with no waiting
✓ You prefer working with specialists rather than generalists
✓ Time is important to you

Real Testimonials: Sellers Who Compared Both

Cincinnati Seller - 1964 Fender Jaguar

"I got an offer from a local Cincinnati shop for $3,200 on my 1964 Jaguar. I almost took it, but decided to call Edgewater. They drove down from Cleveland, spent 45 minutes really examining the guitar, explained exactly what made it valuable, and offered $5,800. That's $2,600 more! They were professional, knowledgeable, and paid me before they even left my house."

— Robert M., Cincinnati, OH

Dayton Seller - 1958 Gibson ES-335

"I had my dad's 1958 ES-335 and contacted a shop near Cincinnati about selling it. They offered $9,000 or consignment for 25% fee. Edgewater came to Dayton, authenticated every detail—it was a first-year 335 with original PAFs—and offered $18,500. The difference was life-changing. They knew exactly what they were looking at."

— Jennifer T., Dayton, OH

Columbus Seller - Multiple Vintage Guitars

"I was downsizing my collection and got offers from several shops including one in Cincinnati. Everyone was in the $12,000-$15,000 range for the three guitars. Edgewater evaluated them at my home in Columbus and offered $24,000. They recognized original features the other buyers either missed or didn't value appropriately. Made the drive from Cincinnati to Columbus completely unnecessary."

— Michael K., Columbus, OH

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell to Edgewater Guitars if I live near Cincinnati?

Absolutely! We regularly serve Cincinnati, Mason, West Chester, Loveland, and all surrounding areas. Our mobile service means you don't have to travel anywhere—we come to you. Many Cincinnati-area sellers choose us specifically because we offer both convenience AND significantly higher prices.

How long does Edgewater's evaluation process take?

Typical timeline:

• Initial contact to preliminary offer: 24-48 hours

• Scheduling in-person evaluation: 2-5 days

• Complete transaction: Often same day as in-person evaluation

Much faster than consignment, similar timing to shop direct purchase, but with much higher offers.

What if Gary's/All Good Guitars offers consignment at a higher potential price?

Remember to calculate net proceeds after fees and consider timing:

Example:

• Guitar potentially worth $10,000

• Consignment: 75% after 25% commission = $7,500 (after 6 months IF it sells)

• Edgewater direct: 75% immediately = $7,500 (same day)

You get similar or better net proceeds but 6 months faster with zero risk.

Does Edgewater buy guitars in any condition?

We focus on vintage guitars with collectible value. We buy:

• Excellent original condition (premium prices)

• Good condition with normal wear

• Fair condition needing some work

• Guitars with professional repairs

• Even guitars with issues if model is desirable

We adjust our offer based on condition but often still pay more than shops even for guitars needing work.

Can I get a preliminary valuation without commitment?

Yes! Contact us with:

• Photos of your guitar (front, back, headstock, serial number)

• Any known information about the guitar

• Your location

We'll provide a preliminary valuation within 24 hours with no obligation to sell.

Call (440) 219-3607 or email to get started.

Take the Next Step

Get Your Free Valuation from Edgewater Guitars

Before accepting any offer—from Gary's Classic Guitars, All Good Guitars, or anyone else—find out what Edgewater Guitars will pay.

You might be surprised to find our offer is:

• 30-40% higher than shop purchase offers

• Similar to consignment proceeds but immediate

• Based on expert authentication of your specific guitar

• Accompanied by professional, convenient service

Three Easy Ways to Start:

📞 Call Direct: (440) 219-3607
Speak with our vintage guitar specialists

📧 Email Photos:
Send us photos and information for preliminary valuation within 24 hours

🌐 Online Serial Number Lookup:
Use our free tools to research your guitar, then contact us for an offer

What Happens Next:

1. You contact us with basic guitar information

2. We provide preliminary valuation (usually within 24 hours)

3. We schedule convenient evaluation at your location (for valuable instruments)

4. We make our offer with full explanation of value factors

5. You decide with no pressure

6. If you accept, immediate payment (same day or next day)

Our Service Area Includes:

Ohio: Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Springfield, and all other cities

Plus: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia

We come to you for valuable instruments—no need to travel or ship.

Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Decision

Gary's Classic Guitars and All Good Guitars (allgoodguitars.com) serve an important role in the Cincinnati guitar community. They're a legitimate business helping guitar players buy and sell instruments.

However, if you're selling a valuable vintage guitar, you owe it to yourself to get multiple offers. Our specialized focus on vintage guitar purchasing allows us to offer significantly more than traditional retail shops while still providing excellent service.

The difference could be thousands of dollars.

Don't leave money on the table. Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation valuation.

📞 (440) 219-3607

Serving Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia
Expert vintage guitar buyers since 2012

This comparison provides factual information about different business models for selling vintage guitars. Values and timelines are typical examples and may vary based on specific instruments, condition, and market factors. Always get multiple valuations when selling valuable vintage instruments.