We evaluate each instrument based on brand, model, year, condition, originality, rarity, and current market demand. Our extensive knowledge of the vintage guitar market allows us to make competitive offers based on real-world values.

Yes! While mint condition guitars command premium prices, we purchase instruments in all conditions, including those with modifications, wear, or damage. Even project guitars can have value.

No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.

Gibson guitars from the 1950s-1970s typically hold the highest value, especially Les Paul, SG, ES-335, and Flying V models. Key factors include year of manufacture, model type, condition, originality, and rarity of finish. Pre-1970 instruments with original parts and finishes command premium prices.

Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.

We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.

Yes, for valuable instruments or collections, we regularly travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For exceptional pieces, we may travel nationally. This service is complimentary for instruments meeting certain value thresholds.

For most guitars, the entire process from initial contact to payment can be completed within 1-3 days. For rare or extremely valuable instruments requiring in-person evaluation, the timeline might extend to a week. We pride ourselves on efficiency and respect for your time.

Generally, guitars 30+ years old are considered vintage, with those from certain golden eras (1950s-1960s for many electric guitars, pre-1945 for acoustic instruments) being especially desirable. However, specific brands and models may be considered vintage or collectible from different periods based on construction changes, company ownership transitions, or historical significance.

Modifications typically do decrease value for collectible vintage instruments, with the impact varying based on the extent and reversibility of the changes. Original parts, finishes, and electronics command premium prices on vintage instruments. However, some professional modifications on player-grade instruments may have minimal impact, and certain period-correct modifications on specific models (like Parsons-White B-benders or Bigsby additions) can occasionally increase value.

Refinished guitars typically sell for 30-50% less than their original finish counterparts, particularly for vintage collectible instruments. The impact is greatest on high-end vintage Gibson, Fender, and Martin guitars. However, expert refinishes using period-correct materials and techniques may have a less dramatic effect on value, especially for player-grade instruments.

The most valuable electric guitars we regularly purchase include 1958-1960 Gibson Les Paul Standards ("Bursts"), pre-CBS Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters (especially with custom colors), 1958-1960 Gibson Flying Vs and Explorers, 1958-1964 Gibson ES-335s, and pre-1965 Fender custom color instruments. However, many other vintage instruments can command impressive values based on condition, rarity, and provenance.

Absolutely. While we're happy to purchase entire collections, there's no obligation to sell multiple instruments. You can sell a single guitar without any pressure to include others. We provide the same level of expert valuation and service whether you're selling one instrument or dozens.

For remote transactions, we typically arrange and pay for insured shipping with reputable carriers. If you prefer to handle shipping yourself, we recommend double-boxing electric guitars, loosening strings slightly, using adequate padding, and purchasing full-value insurance. For valuable vintage instruments, we can provide specific packing instructions or arrange white-glove courier service.

We do not purchase counterfeit instruments represented as authentic. However, we do buy legitimate 'lawsuit era' guitars (Japanese-made instruments from the 1970s and 1980s that resembled American designs) which can have significant value. These include brands like Ibanez, Greco, Tokai, and early ESP models, which are collectible in their own right.

Generally yes, particularly tube amplifiers from the 1950s through 1970s. Vintage Fender tweed and blackface amps, early Marshall plexi models, and vintage Vox AC30s command premium prices. However, some modern boutique amplifiers from makers like Dumble, Two-Rock, or Matchless can also be extremely valuable. The amplifier's condition, originality of components (especially transformers and speakers), and historical significance all affect its value.

Yes, we purchase quality bass amplifiers including vintage Ampeg SVTs, Fender Bassmans originally designed for bass, and high-end modern bass amps from makers like Aguilar, Markbass, and Eden. Vintage bass amps, particularly tube models from the 1960s and 1970s, can be quite valuable.

Bass guitars derive value from many of the same factors as electric guitars: vintage status (particularly pre-CBS Fender basses), rarity, condition, and historical significance. Pre-1965 Fender Precision and Jazz basses command premium prices, as do early Gibson Thunderbirds, Rickenbacker 4001s from the 1960s and 1970s, and rare models like the Fender Bass VI. Modern boutique basses from makers like Fodera, Alembic, and Ken Smith can also hold significant value.

Not necessarily. While vintage bass collectors typically focus on traditional 4-string models, modern 5-string and extended-range basses can command strong prices, particularly high-end custom instruments. The value depends more on the maker, build quality, materials, and condition than simply the number of strings. Premium 5+ string basses from manufacturers like Fodera, Dingwall, MTD, or Zon often retain excellent value.

Yes, quality fretless basses often maintain strong value, particularly well-executed instruments from respected makers. Vintage fretless Fender Jazz basses are especially sought after, as are certain models associated with iconic fretless players. The condition of the fingerboard is crucial for value, as excessive wear from roundwound strings can significantly impact price.

For vintage and collectible acoustic guitars, non-original electronics typically decrease value, particularly if installation required drilling or body modification. However, professionally installed, minimally invasive systems might have minor impact on player-grade instruments. For modern acoustics designed with electronics from the factory, the quality and condition of the electronics system can be an important value factor.

For vintage collectible instruments, purely acoustic examples typically command higher prices among collectors. However, for modern guitars, well-executed factory acoustic-electric models often maintain value well. The key factors are the quality of the electronics system and whether installation compromised the instrument's acoustic properties or structural integrity.

Selling a large collection through Edgewater involves a streamlined process designed for convenience: 1) Initial consultation where we discuss the collection's scope and arrange evaluation, 2) Comprehensive appraisal where each instrument is individually assessed, 3) Single comprehensive offer for the entire collection (often at premium rates versus individual sales), 4) Simplified paperwork with just one transaction, and 5) Coordinated pickup/logistics handling. This process maximizes value while minimizing hassle.

Yes, we typically offer premium rates for complete collections compared to individual sales. This reflects the efficiency of bulk transactions and the potential added value of curated collections. Keeping related instruments together (like a set of Gibson Les Pauls from different years or a complete Fender offset collection) can increase the collection's overall value beyond the sum of individual instruments.

Yes, we buy guitar parts, project instruments, and partially completed builds, especially vintage components. Vintage Fender and Gibson parts including necks, bodies, pickups, and hardware can be quite valuable, particularly from pre-CBS or pre-1970 periods. Original PAF pickups, early Fender single coils, and vintage Kluson tuners are especially sought after. Even non-functional vintage instruments have value for their original components.

When contacting us about a collection, it's helpful to provide: 1) Approximate number of instruments, 2) General description of types/brands (e.g., 'mostly 1970s Fenders' or 'mixture of vintage and modern acoustics'), 3) Condition overview, 4) Any particularly valuable or rare pieces, 5) Timeline for selling, 6) Your location, and 7) Photos of key pieces if available. This helps us prepare for evaluation and provide preliminary feedback on what to expect.