Selling Your Vintage Guitar: Edgewater Guitars vs True Vintage Guitar - Complete Comparison Guide

Quick Answer: Which Guitar Buyer Is Right for You?

Both Edgewater Guitars and True Vintage Guitar purchase vintage instruments, but they serve different seller needs. True Vintage Guitar operates as an online-focused vintage guitar dealer and retailer with inventory available through their website and various platforms. 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 dealers 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 True Vintage Guitar, 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 models 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

True Vintage Guitar: Online Retail Dealer Model

True Vintage Guitar operates as an online vintage guitar dealer and retailer with a business model focused on:

Primary Functions:

• Online retail sales through their website

• Inventory listings on multiple platforms (Reverb, eBay, etc.)

• Direct purchases from sellers for resale

• Consignment services

• National and international shipping

• Online presence and digital marketing

How They Make Money:

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

• Platform fees and shipping charges

• Consignment fees (usually 15-25% of sale price)

• Volume sales through multiple online channels

• Broader market reach through internet presence

Business Structure:

• Online-focused operations

• National shipping and receiving

• Remote evaluations (photos and descriptions)

• May have physical location but primarily operates online

• Broad inventory across many models and price points

Edgewater Guitars: Specialized Direct Buyer Model

Edgewater Guitars operates exclusively as a vintage guitar buyer—we don't run retail operations, consignment services, or online sales platforms. 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

• Quick sales to known buyers

Service Model:

• No retail overhead or online platform costs

• We come to you for valuable instruments

• Regional coverage across five states

• Immediate transactions without consignment waiting

• Personal, in-person evaluations

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

Pricing Comparison: What You'll Actually Receive

Understanding Online Dealer Pricing

Online vintage guitar dealers like True Vintage Guitar need substantial margins to cover:

• Website development and maintenance

• Platform fees (Reverb, eBay, etc.)

• Payment processing fees

• Shipping and insurance costs

• Photography and listing creation

• Customer service and returns

• Inventory carrying costs

• Marketing and advertising

• Longer sales timelines for some pieces

Typical Online Dealer Purchase Offers:

• Generally 40-50% of anticipated retail value

• Lower for common instruments already in inventory

• Higher for rare, quick-selling pieces

• Consignment offers retain 15-25% of final sale price

• Additional costs may be deducted (shipping to them, etc.)

Example Scenario: A 1962 Fender Stratocaster worth $18,000 retail:

• Online dealer direct purchase offer: $7,200-$9,000 (40-50%)

• Online dealer consignment (after 20% fee): $14,400 (but you wait months, pay shipping, assume risk)

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 dealer offers

• Immediate payment—no waiting for consignment sales

• No hidden fees, shipping costs, or commission deductions

• No payment processing fees

Example Scenario: The same 1962 Fender Stratocaster worth $18,000:

• Edgewater Guitars direct purchase offer: $12,600-$14,400 (70-80%)

• Difference: $3,600-$7,200 more than dealer offers

• Payment: Same day or within 24 hours

• We come to you (no shipping required)

Why We Can Pay More:

1. No retail overhead: No website platform fees, no listing costs, no online infrastructure

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 shipping costs: We absorb all transportation costs

7. No platform fees: No Reverb fees, eBay fees, or payment processor cuts

Service Model and Convenience

True Vintage Guitar Service Model

Online-Focused Operations:

• Guitar evaluation primarily through photos and descriptions

• Shipping guitars to them for in-person inspection

• Remote communication (email, phone, video)

• National service area (ships nationwide)

• Online inventory browsing

What This Means:

• You typically ship your guitar to them for evaluation

• Shipping costs and insurance (often seller's responsibility)

• Risk of damage during shipping

• Remote communication rather than in-person

• Wait for evaluation after they receive guitar

• Additional wait for return shipping if offer declined

Timeline Example:

• Day 1: Contact True Vintage Guitar

• Day 2-3: Discuss guitar via email/phone

• Day 4: Pack and ship guitar to them

• Day 7: They receive guitar

• Day 8-10: Evaluation conducted

• Day 11: Receive offer

• If declined: 3-5 more days for return shipping

Total: 2+ weeks just for evaluation process

Edgewater Guitars Service Model

Regional Mobile Service:

• Ohio (all regions)

• 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 shipping required—zero risk of transit damage

• Face-to-face communication with experts

Flexible Options:

• Virtual preliminary evaluation (photos and information)

• Scheduled in-person appointments at your convenience

• Secure insured shipping for distant sellers (we arrange and pay)

• Evening and weekend appointments available

• Multiple guitars evaluated in single visit

Timeline Example:

• Day 1: Contact Edgewater with photos

• Day 2: Receive preliminary valuation

• Day 3: Schedule in-person evaluation

• Day 4: We come to your location, evaluate guitar

• Day 4 (same day): Receive offer and immediate payment if accepted

Total: 4 days with no shipping risk

Expertise and Authentication

True Vintage Guitar Expertise

True Vintage Guitar has experience with vintage instruments:

Strengths:

• Experience listing and selling vintage guitars online

• Knowledge of market values and demand

• Understanding of what sells in online marketplace

• Photography and presentation skills

• Broad inventory experience

Considerations:

• Remote evaluation (primarily photo-based initially)

• Generalist approach covering many brands and eras

• Retail sales focus rather than specialized authentication

• May not recognize extremely subtle variations

• Reliance on shipping for detailed inspection

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

• In-person examination of every instrument

• Direct relationships with major collectors, museums, and auction houses

Why Specialized Expertise Matters:

Example 1 - 1960 Fender Stratocaster: An online dealer might recognize a 1960 Stratocaster as valuable based on photos. Our specialist recognizes in person:

• Slab vs. veneer rosewood (1960 transition, can mean $3,000+ difference)

• Clay dots vs. early pearl dots (authentication of exact period)

• Original "greenguard" celluloid nitrate vs. replacement

• Specific pot codes confirming exact production period

• Body and neck date stamp correlation

• Original finish vs. expert refinish (can be $10,000+ difference)

• Neck profile variations within 1960 production

Result: We pay appropriate premiums for features requiring hands-on examination

Example 2 - 1959 Gibson Les Paul "Burst": Remote photo evaluation might confirm "1959 Les Paul." Our in-person specialist identifies:

• Exact flame maple grading (can mean $50,000+ difference)

• PAF pickup authenticity (sticker vs. non-sticker, original vs. rewound)

• Neck profile (early vs. late '59, affects value and playability)

• Long vs. short magnet PAFs ($2,000+ per pickup difference)

• Original finish fade characteristics vs. artificial aging

• Solder joint originality on electronics

• Wood species verification (Brazilian rosewood vs. substitutes)

• Factory Bigsby vs. aftermarket installation

Result: Accurate authentication that can mean $20,000-$100,000+ in proper valuation

Example 3 - 1937 Martin D-28 Herringbone: Photo evaluation might say "pre-war Martin D-28." Our specialist recognizes:

• Forward-shifted bracing (extremely valuable, not visible in photos)

• Scalloped bracing (requires hands-on inspection)

• Brazilian rosewood vs. other species (grain patterns can be deceiving in photos)

• Adirondack spruce top verification

• Original bridge vs. replacement

• Neck reset history (affects both value and playability)

• Herringbone trim originality

• Each detail compounds value significantly

Result: Features requiring in-person inspection accurately valued

Transaction Process Comparison

True Vintage Guitar Process

Typical Timeline:

1. Initial Contact: Contact via website/email with guitar information

2. Photo Evaluation: Send detailed photos

3. Preliminary Discussion: Discuss guitar remotely

4. Shipping: Pack and ship guitar to their location (your cost and risk)

5. In-Hand Evaluation: They inspect upon arrival (several days)

6. Offer: Receive purchase offer or consignment terms

7. Decision: Accept or decline

8. Payment/Return: If accepted, payment processed; if declined, return shipping

Consignment Process:

• Guitar listed on their website and platforms (Reverb, etc.)

• Wait for right buyer

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

• 15-25% commission fee

• Platform fees may also apply

• You maintain ownership and risk during consignment

• No guarantee of sale

Direct Purchase:

• Payment after guitar received and inspected

• Lower offer price than consignment potential

• They assume ownership

Shipping Considerations:

• Cost of shipping to them (often $75-$150)

• Insurance during shipping

• Risk of damage in transit

• Return shipping if offer declined

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

4. Expert Authentication: Professional hands-on assessment of all value factors

5. Immediate Offer: Clear, detailed offer with explanation

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

Our Process Advantages:

• No shipping: Zero risk of transit damage, we come to you

• No waiting: Immediate cash offers, no consignment delays

• No fees: No shipping costs, commissions, or platform fees

• In-person evaluation: Hands-on authentication, not photo-based

• Convenience: We come to you for valuable instruments

• Transparency: Clear explanation of value determination

• Flexibility: Cash, check, or wire transfer options

• Speed: Complete transaction in single visit

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:

• True Vintage Guitar: 2-3 weeks minimum with shipping costs and risks

• Edgewater: 3-5 days with no shipping, no risk, higher offer

Which Instruments We Specialize In

True Vintage Guitar Inventory Focus

True Vintage Guitar maintains diverse online inventory:

• Vintage electric guitars (various brands)

• Vintage acoustic guitars

• Various eras and price points

• International and domestic brands

• Amplifiers and accessories

• Inventory rotates based on online sales

Generalist Approach: Broad inventory to serve diverse online customer base across multiple platforms and price points.

Edgewater Guitars Specialization

We focus exclusively on specific high-value vintage guitars:

Primary Specialization:

• Pre-CBS Fender guitars (1950-1965)

  • Stratocasters, Telecasters, Esquires

  • Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Mustangs

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

  • Custom colors and rare 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 1961-1963 Les Paul/SG)

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

  • Flying V, Explorer, Firebird (especially Korina originals)

  • Modernistic series

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

• Pre-war and vintage Martin acoustics (1930s-1970s)

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

  • OM-28, OM-45, OM-18

  • 000-series models

  • Pre-war instruments

Also Purchase:

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

• Rickenbacker guitars and basses

• Guild vintage models

• 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 exactly who wants what

4. Premium pricing for features specialists recognize

5. Accurate authentication preventing undervaluation

6. Recognition of rare variations invisible in photos

Geographic and Service Area Comparison

True Vintage Guitar Service Area

National Online Operations:

• Ship from anywhere in United States

• International shipping available

• Remote evaluation and communication

• No geographic limitations

• No in-person evaluation (unless you travel to them)

Best For:

• Sellers comfortable shipping valuable guitars

• Sellers outside typical regional buyer service areas

• Sellers who prefer remote transactions

• Sellers not concerned about shipping risks

Edgewater Guitars Regional Service

Five-State Coverage:

• Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, 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 ship valuable, fragile instruments

• Zero risk of shipping damage

• Evaluation in your home's comfortable environment

• Face-to-face communication with experts

• Convenient scheduling around your availability

• Professional, discrete service

• Multiple guitars evaluated in single visit

• Immediate payment in person

Best For:

• Sellers in five-state region

• High-value instruments requiring secure handling

• Estate situations or large collections

• Sellers who value convenience and security

• Anyone wanting competitive offers from specialized buyer

• People who don't want shipping risks

Real Seller Scenarios: Which Option Is Best?

Scenario 1: Columbus Resident with Vintage Stratocaster

The Guitar: 1964 Fender Stratocaster, sunburst, very good condition Estimated Market Value: $12,000-$15,000

True Vintage Guitar:

• Ship guitar to them ($100+ shipping, insurance)

• Wait for receipt and evaluation

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

• OR Consignment at 20% fee = $9,600-$12,000 after months of waiting

• Risk of shipping damage both ways

Edgewater Guitars:

• We come to Columbus for evaluation

• Our specialist identifies:

  • Early vs. late 1964 features

  • Clay dot vs. pearl dot transition

  • Original finish condition

  • Correct pots, pickups, hardware

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

• Immediate payment in your home

• Zero shipping risk

• Result: $800-$7,200 more than dealer offer, no shipping, no waiting

Best Choice: Edgewater for significantly higher immediate payment and zero risk

Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Resident with Custom Color Telecaster

The Guitar: 1960 Fender Telecaster, Lake Placid Blue, excellent original condition Estimated Market Value: $25,000-$32,000

True Vintage Guitar:

• Ship valuable guitar ($150+ insured shipping)

• Significant risk for high-value custom color

• Remote authentication of custom color originality

• Offer: Likely $10,000-$16,000 (40-50%)

• OR Consignment at 18-20% fee = $20,000-$26,000 after 6-12 months

• No guarantee of sale at that price

Edgewater Guitars:

• We travel to Pittsburgh for evaluation

• In-person custom color authentication:

  • Original Lake Placid Blue vs. refinish

  • Desert Sand undercoat verification

  • Correct primer layers

  • Period-correct application techniques

  • All-original hardware and electronics

  • Slab rosewood verification

• Offer: Likely $17,500-$25,600 (70-80%)

• Immediate payment

• No shipping risk for valuable custom color

• Result: $1,500-$15,600 more than dealer offer, immediate and secure

Best Choice: Edgewater for expert in-person authentication and premium pricing

Scenario 3: Detroit Resident with Les Paul Collection

The Collection:

• 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard (figured maple)

• 1961 Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard

• 1960 Gibson ES-335 (dot neck) Combined Estimated Value: $180,000-$250,000

True Vintage Guitar:

• Ship three extremely valuable guitars ($300+ shipping, massive insurance)

• Enormous risk of damage in transit

• Difficult to insure for full value during shipping

• Remote preliminary evaluation

• Offer: Likely $72,000-$125,000 for collection (40-50%)

• OR Consignment with months of waiting, 15-20% fees total

• Individual guitars may sell at different times

Edgewater Guitars:

• We travel to Detroit for secure evaluation

• Specialist authentication of all three guitars:

  • 1959 Burst: Flame grading, PAF verification, neck profile, finish originality

  • SG/Les Paul: Transitional features, original "Les Paul" truss rod cover, PAF authentication

  • ES-335: First-year dot-neck features, PAF originality, finish condition

• Recognition of rare features and premiums:

  • Exceptional flame maple on Burst

  • Rare transitional SG with Les Paul branding

  • Early dot-neck 335 premium

• Offer: Likely $126,000-$200,000 (70-80%)

• Single convenient appointment

• Immediate payment for entire collection

• Zero shipping risk

• Result: $1,000-$125,000 more than dealer offer, zero risk, immediate

Best Choice: Edgewater for high-value collection requiring expert authentication and secure handling

Scenario 4: Cleveland Resident with Pre-War Martin

The Guitar: 1938 Martin D-28 Herringbone, forward-shifted bracing Estimated Market Value: $45,000-$60,000

True Vintage Guitar:

• Ship extremely valuable, fragile pre-war guitar

• High insurance costs

• Risk of damage to 87-year-old instrument

• Photo-based preliminary evaluation cannot assess bracing

• Offer: Likely $18,000-$30,000 (40-50%)

• Forward-shifted bracing value may not be fully recognized without hands-on inspection

Edgewater Guitars:

• Local Cleveland service (we're based in the region)

• In-person evaluation can verify:

  • Forward-shifted bracing (huge value factor)

  • Scalloped bracing originality

  • Brazilian rosewood authentication

  • Adirondack spruce top

  • Bridge originality

  • Neck angle and reset history

• Offer: Likely $31,500-$48,000 (70-80%)

• Immediate payment

• Zero risk to fragile instrument

• Result: $1,500-$30,000 more, with recognition of features invisible in photos

Best Choice: Edgewater for pre-war instrument requiring hands-on expert authentication

Scenario 5: Indiana Resident Comparing Online vs. Local Options

The Guitar: 1963 Gibson ES-335 (dot neck), cherry finish Estimated Market Value: $18,000-$22,000

True Vintage Guitar:

• Online dealer option

• Ship guitar ($100+ shipping)

• Wait for evaluation

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

• Consignment alternative with fees and waiting

Edgewater Guitars:

• We service all of Indiana

• Come to Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or anywhere in state

• In-person dot-neck 335 evaluation:

  • Verify original dot inlays (not later blocks)

  • PAF pickup authentication

  • Factory stop tail vs. Bigsby

  • Neck profile verification

  • Original finish assessment

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

• Immediate payment

• Result: $1,600-$10,400 more than online dealer

Best Choice: Edgewater for Indiana service with significantly higher offers

Understanding Online Consignment vs. Direct Purchase

How True Vintage Guitar Online Consignment Works

Consignment Process:

1. You ship guitar to them

2. They evaluate and research market value

3. They photograph and list on their website, Reverb, etc.

4. Guitar appears in online marketplace

5. You wait for the right buyer

6. When sold, you receive 75-85% of sale price (they keep 15-25% commission)

7. Additional fees may apply (Reverb fees, payment processing, etc.)

Consignment Advantages:

• Potential for higher gross proceeds than direct purchase

• Access to their online customer base

• Professional photography and listing

• Presence on multiple platforms

• National/international exposure

Consignment Disadvantages:

• Timeline: Often 3-12+ months (sometimes longer for high-end pieces)

• No guarantee of sale

• Commission fees: 15-25% of final sale price

• Platform fees: Additional 3-5% on some sales

• You maintain ownership (and insurance responsibility)

• Shipping costs to them (your responsibility)

• Risk of damage during shipping to them

• No immediate access to funds

• Price may need to be reduced if not selling

• Return shipping if consignment agreement ends

Real Consignment Math:

• Guitar worth $15,000

• Listed at $16,000-$18,000

• Waits 8 months

• Sells for $16,500

• 20% commission = $3,300

• Reverb fee (5%) = $825

• Original shipping to them = $125

• You receive: $12,250

• After 8 months of waiting

Edgewater Guitars Direct Purchase

Our Process:

1. Quick evaluation (often within 24-48 hours)

2. In-person inspection for accurate authentication

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

4. Immediate payment upon acceptance

5. No fees, no shipping costs, no waiting

Direct Purchase Advantages:

• Immediate cash payment

• No waiting period

• No commission fees

• No shipping costs

• Zero risk after sale

• Immediate access to funds

• No ongoing insurance responsibility

• Guaranteed transaction

• No transit risks

Real Direct Purchase Math:

• Same guitar worth $15,000

• Immediate offer: $10,500-$12,000

• Payment: Same day or within 24 hours

• No shipping costs

• You receive: $10,500-$12,000

• Immediately, no fees, no risks

Comparison:

• Consignment: Potentially $12,250 after 8 months, fees, shipping, risk, no guarantee

• Edgewater Direct: $10,500-$12,000 immediately, no fees, no risk, guaranteed

• Similar net proceeds but 8 months faster with zero risk and hassle

Shipping Risk: The Hidden Cost

True Vintage Guitar Shipping Considerations

Shipping valuable guitars involves:

Financial Risks:

• Shipping costs: $75-$200+ depending on value and insurance

• Return shipping if offer declined: Another $75-$200+

• Insurance premiums for high-value items

• Potential deductibles if damage occurs

Physical Risks:

• Temperature extremes during transit

• Rough handling by carriers

• Multiple transfer points

• Humidity changes

• Impact damage

• Headstock breaks (common shipping damage)

• Finish checking from temperature shock

Real Cost Example:

• $20,000 vintage guitar

• Insured shipping: $150 each way

• Insurance coverage: $200 deductible

• Temperature/humidity exposure during 5-day transit

• Multiple handlers touching your guitar

• Total shipping investment: $300+ plus risk

If Offer Declined:

• You've spent $300

• Guitar has been at risk for 10+ days

• Potential condition changes from shipping

• Still need to find another buyer

Edgewater Guitars: Zero Shipping Risk

We Eliminate All Shipping Risks:

• We come to you (no shipping needed)

• Guitar never leaves your possession until sold

• No temperature/humidity exposure

• No carrier handling

• No multiple transfers

• No shipping costs

• No insurance concerns

• No time at risk during transit

For High-Value Instruments:

• $50,000+ guitars: Why risk shipping when we come to you?

• Fragile pre-war instruments: 80+ year old guitars shouldn't be shipped

• Custom color originality: In-person authentication essential

• Multiple guitars: Evaluate entire collection in one visit

Specialty Situations: Which Buyer Fits Best?

Estate Sales and Inherited Collections

True Vintage Guitar:

• Can handle estate guitars

• Requires shipping multiple instruments

• Remote evaluation

• Extended timeline

• No face-to-face executor support

Edgewater Guitars:

• Specialized estate guitar service

• We come to the estate location

• Evaluate entire collection at once

• Sensitive, professional handling of family situations

• Expert evaluation on-site

• Immediate settlement helpful for estate proceedings

• Experience with executor and heir situations

• Discrete, respectful service

• Single visit for complete collection assessment

• Documentation for estate records

Best for estates: Edgewater's mobile service, immediate payment, and in-person support help executors settle estates efficiently

Divorce Settlements

Quick, fair liquidation often court-mandated:

True Vintage Guitar:

• Standard remote process

• Shipping required

• Consignment means delayed asset division

• Extended timeline problematic for court deadlines

Edgewater Guitars:

• Immediate fair-market offers

• Quick evaluation and payment

• Clean break for both parties

• Professional, discrete service

• Documentation for legal proceedings

• Meets court deadlines

• Independent third-party valuation

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

Insurance Claims

Guitar damaged or stolen:

True Vintage Guitar:

• Can provide valuation

• Market comparisons available

• Remote evaluation

Edgewater Guitars:

• Expert authentication for insurance purposes

• Detailed documentation of specifications

• In-person evaluation for damage assessment

• Fair market value assessment

• Purchase option for damaged instruments

• Quick turnaround for claims processing

Best for insurance: Edgewater's hands-on expertise and documentation

Moving or Downsizing

Need quick sale before relocation:

True Vintage Guitar:

• Consignment timeline doesn't fit moving schedule

• Shipping required (difficult during move)

• Extended process

Edgewater Guitars:

• Timeline matches your needs

• We work around moving schedule

• Immediate payment before you move

• Higher offers than remote dealer prices

• We come to you (less hassle during move)

• Can evaluate while packing

Best for moving: Edgewater's flexibility, speed, and immediate payment

Financial Emergencies

Need cash quickly:

True Vintage Guitar:

• Shipping time delays process

• Evaluation takes several days after receipt

• Consignment doesn't help immediate needs

• Direct purchase at 40-50%

Edgewater Guitars:

• Immediate cash offers

• Same-day or next-day evaluation

• Same-day payment available

• Fair market value (70-80%), not distressed pricing

• Quick process respects urgency

• Professional, judgment-free service

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

Transparency: Our Honest Assessment

When True Vintage Guitar Might Be a Good Choice

Consider them if:

• You live outside our five-state service area

• You're comfortable shipping your guitar

• You prefer remote, online transactions

• You have a lower-value guitar ($1,000-$3,000 range)

• You're not concerned about shipping risks

• You want your guitar listed on multiple online platforms

• You're willing to wait for consignment sales

• Shipping timeline works for your situation

They're a legitimate business serving the online vintage guitar market. For certain situations and certain sellers, their model works.

When Edgewater Guitars Is the Better Choice

We're the better option if:

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

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

• You live in our five-state service area (OH, MI, PA, IN, WV)

• You want zero shipping risk (especially for valuable instruments)

• You need immediate payment rather than waiting for consignment

• You want in-person, hands-on authentication by vintage guitar experts

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

• You value convenience and professional in-person service

• You want a guaranteed transaction with no consignment risk

• Your guitar has rare features requiring hands-on examination

• You have a pre-war or extremely valuable instrument that shouldn't be shipped

• You want face-to-face communication with the buyer

Common Questions: True Vintage Guitar vs. Edgewater

"Why would True Vintage Guitar offer less for my guitar?"

It's simply a different business model:

• Online dealers need 50-60% margins to cover infrastructure

• They need profit room for online operations

• Platform fees (Reverb, eBay, payment processing)

• Photography, listing creation, and website maintenance

• Shipping and handling costs

• Extended inventory carrying costs

We can offer more because:

• No retail markup or online platform costs

• Direct buyer networks

• Quick turnover model

• Volume-based business

• Specialized focus

• In-person evaluation reduces authentication errors

Neither is wrong—just different approaches

"Should I get offers from both before deciding?"

Absolutely! We encourage it.

Smart sellers should:

1. Contact True Vintage Guitar for an offer

2. Contact Edgewater Guitars for our offer

3. Compare both offers

4. Consider timing, convenience, and security

5. Factor in shipping costs and risks

6. Choose what works best for your situation

We're confident our specialized model, in-person service, and pricing will provide a compelling option.

"What about selling it myself online?"

Selling online yourself means:

• Learning platform fees and policies

• Professional photography required

• Writing detailed, accurate descriptions

• Authentication questions from buyers

• Negotiating with lowball offers

• Shipping and insurance logistics

• Return policies and potential disputes

• Payment processing fees (3-5%)

• Platform fees (Reverb 5%, eBay 12-15%)

• Scam risks and fraud protection

• Time investment (often 3-6 months)

Example:

• Sell $15,000 guitar yourself

• Reverb fee: $750 (5%)

• Payment processing: $450 (3%)

• Shipping: $150

• Your time: 20+ hours

• Net: $13,650 after months of work and stress

Edgewater Direct:

• $10,500-$12,000 immediate payment

• Zero fees

• Zero time investment

• Zero risk

• Days, not months

Many sellers find direct sale isn't worth the hassle for similar net proceeds

"What if my guitar needs repairs?"

True Vintage Guitar:

• May deduct repair costs heavily from offer

• Remote evaluation may not catch all issues

• Condition grading from photos less accurate

Edgewater Guitars:

• Buy guitars "as-is"

• Adjust offer fairly based on needed repairs

• In-person evaluation provides accurate condition assessment

• 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 overall pricing)

• Expert assessment of what repairs are actually needed

"Can you match True Vintage Guitar's consignment potential?"

Consider the math:

True Vintage Guitar Consignment:

• Potential $16,000 sale

• 20% commission: -$3,200

• Reverb fee (5%): -$800

• Shipping to them: -$125

• Wait: 8-12 months

• Net: $11,875 (if it sells)

Edgewater Direct:

• $15,000 guitar

• Immediate offer: $10,500-$12,000

• No fees, no shipping

• Payment: Immediate

• Net: $10,500-$12,000 (guaranteed)

Often similar net proceeds but 8-12 months faster with certainty

"Do you buy the same brands as True Vintage Guitar?"

True Vintage Guitar:

• Broad inventory across many brands

• Generalist approach

Edgewater Guitars:

• Specialized in highest-value American vintage:

  • Pre-CBS Fender (our specialty)

  • Vintage Gibson (especially 1950s-1960s)

  • Pre-war and vintage Martin

  • Select Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Guild

If you have these brands, our specialization means:

• Higher offers due to expertise

• Better authentication

• Recognition of valuable features

• Established buyer networks

Making Your Decision: A Simple Framework

Choose True Vintage Guitar if:

✓ You live outside OH, MI, PA, IN, WV
✓ You're comfortable shipping your guitar
✓ You prefer remote, online transactions
✓ You're willing to accept 40-50% of value for direct purchase
✓ You're willing to wait months for consignment proceeds
✓ You want online platform exposure
✓ Shipping costs and risks don't concern you
✓ You have common guitars under $5,000

Choose Edgewater Guitars if:

✓ You want 30-40% higher offers than online dealer prices
✓ You have a valuable vintage guitar requiring expert in-person authentication
✓ You live in OH, MI, PA, IN, or WV
✓ You want zero shipping risk for your valuable instrument
✓ You need immediate payment at fair market value (70-80%)
✓ You value in-person, hands-on authentication by specialists
✓ You're selling an estate or collection
✓ You want convenience (we come to you)
✓ You want a guaranteed transaction with no waiting
✓ Your guitar has rare features best evaluated in person
✓ You have pre-war or extremely valuable instruments
✓ Time is important to you
✓ You prefer face-to-face professional service

Real Testimonials: Sellers Who Compared Both

Cleveland Seller - 1960 Les Paul Standard

"I was going to ship my 1960 Les Paul to an online dealer who offered $18,000 after seeing photos. Something didn't feel right about shipping such a valuable guitar. I contacted Edgewater, and John came to my house the next day. He spent over an hour examining every detail—PAF pickups, neck profile, finish originality. He offered $28,500 and explained exactly why it was worth that much. Turns out it had features the online dealer couldn't see in photos. That's $10,500 more AND no shipping risk."

— David K., Cleveland, OH

Columbus Seller - 1959 Stratocaster Custom Color

"An online vintage dealer offered $12,000 for my 1959 Strat in Fiesta Red based on photos. Edgewater came to Columbus, and their specialist did UV light testing and examined the finish under magnification. He verified it was 100% original finish—extremely rare for custom colors. The offer was $24,000. He explained that custom color authentication requires hands-on examination, which is why the online dealer offered so much less. They probably thought it might be a refinish."

— Michelle R., Columbus, OH

Pittsburgh Seller - Multiple Vintage Guitars

"I had four vintage guitars to sell and got online offers totaling about $32,000. Shipping insurance alone would have been $400, and I'd have to pack and ship four valuable guitars. Edgewater drove to Pittsburgh, evaluated all four in my living room, and offered $51,000 for the collection. They recognized original features and rare specifications the online dealers either missed or couldn't verify from photos. The whole process took three hours, and I had a check before they left."

— James T., Pittsburgh, PA

Ann Arbor Seller - Pre-War Martin

"I inherited my grandfather's 1941 Martin D-28 and sent photos to several buyers including online dealers. Offers ranged from $8,000-$12,000. Edgewater came to Ann Arbor and opened the guitar to examine the bracing—it had forward-shifted bracing that's extremely valuable but invisible in photos. They offered $22,000 and explained this feature in detail. No way online buyers could have known about the bracing without hands-on inspection."

— Sarah B., Ann Arbor, MI

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell to Edgewater Guitars if I'm in True Vintage Guitar's market area?

Yes! We serve customers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia regardless of what other dealers operate in your area. Our mobile service means location isn't a barrier, and our pricing typically exceeds online dealer offers by 30-40%.

How long does Edgewater's evaluation process take vs. shipping to an online dealer?

Shipping to online dealer:

• Pack and ship: 1-2 days

• Transit time: 3-7 days

• Evaluation: 2-5 days after receipt

• Total: 6-14 days minimum

Edgewater process:

• Initial contact: Day 1

• Preliminary evaluation: Within 24 hours

• Schedule in-person: 2-4 days

• Complete transaction: Often same day as visit

• Total: 3-5 days with no shipping

What if True Vintage Guitar offers consignment at a higher potential price?

Remember to calculate actual net proceeds:

Calculate:

• Consignment sale price

• Minus commission (15-25%)

• Minus platform fees (3-5%)

• Minus shipping costs to them ($100-$200)

• Minus your time value

• Minus risk of no sale

• Consider timeline (6-12+ months)

Often our immediate direct purchase at 70-80% equals or exceeds consignment net proceeds, and you get paid immediately with zero risk.

Does Edgewater buy guitars in any condition?

We focus on vintage guitars with collectible value in various conditions:

• Excellent original condition (premium prices)

• Very good condition with normal wear

• Good condition with some issues

• Fair condition needing work

• Guitars with professional repairs

• Even guitars with damage if model is desirable

We adjust offers based on condition but often still pay more than remote dealers even for guitars needing work due to our accurate in-person condition assessment.

What about insurance value vs. actual market value?

Insurance replacement value (often inflated) ≠ Actual market value (what it sells for)

Edgewater provides:

• Realistic current market valuations

• Based on recent actual sales

• Recognition of current market conditions

• Honest assessment for selling purposes

Online dealers may:

• Provide optimistic valuations for consignment

• Not account for market fluctuations

• Overestimate to encourage consignment

We tell you what it's actually worth in today's market, not what insurance companies estimate.

Can I get a preliminary valuation without commitment?

Yes! We offer free preliminary valuations:

Simply contact us with:

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

• Any known information about the guitar

• Your location

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

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

Take the Next Step

Get Your Free Valuation from Edgewater Guitars

Before shipping your guitar to any online dealer—or accepting any offer—find out what Edgewater Guitars will pay.

You might be surprised to find our offer is:

• 30-40% higher than online dealer purchase offers

• Similar to consignment proceeds but immediate

• Based on expert hands-on authentication

• Accompanied by professional, convenient in-person service

• With zero shipping risk or costs

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 and photos

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

3. We schedule convenient in-person evaluation at your location

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)

Our Service Area Includes:

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

Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, and all other cities

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

Indiana: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and all cities

West Virginia: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and all cities

We come to you for valuable instruments—no shipping required.

Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Decision

True Vintage Guitar serves the online vintage guitar market and provides a service for sellers nationwide. They're a legitimate business helping people buy and sell instruments remotely.

However, if you're in our five-state service area and have a valuable vintage guitar, you owe it to yourself to get an in-person evaluation. Our specialized focus on hands-on vintage guitar purchasing allows us to offer significantly more than online dealers while providing superior authentication and zero shipping risk.

The difference could be thousands of dollars—and you eliminate all shipping risks.

Don't ship your valuable guitar to a remote dealer without knowing what it's truly worth. Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation in-person valuation.

📞 (440) 219-3607

Serving Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia
Expert vintage guitar buyers with specialized authentication