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How To Date Your Guitar

Fender Telecaster

How To Date Your Fender Telecaster

Home

How To Date Your Guitar

Fender Telecaster

How To Date Your Fender Telecaster

Home

How To Date Your Guitar

Fender Telecaster

How To Date Your Fender Telecaster

Introduction:

The Fender Telecaster, originally named the Broadcaster and briefly the Nocaster, is the world's first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. Launched in 1950, it predates even the Stratocaster and holds a special place in guitar history. Dating your Telecaster accurately is crucial for determining its value, authenticity, and historical significance. Even a single year difference can dramatically affect a Telecaster's worth, especially for vintage models!

This comprehensive guide will help you identify exactly when your Fender Telecaster was manufactured, whether it's an ultra-rare Broadcaster from 1950-51, a coveted pre-CBS model from the 1950s-60s, a CBS-era instrument from the 1970s, or a modern production Telecaster. While serial numbers provide an excellent starting point, we'll also show you how to verify the date using physical characteristics specific to Telecasters of different eras.

Step One: Find Your Serial Number

The first step in dating your Telecaster is finding the serial number. The location has changed over the years:

1950-1954: On the bridge plate (the metal plate where the strings anchor on the body)
1954-1976: On the neck plate (the metal plate on the back where the neck attaches to the body)
1976-Present: On the front or back of the headstock (the top part of the guitar with the tuning pegs)

Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Format

Fender has used various serial number formats throughout the Telecaster's history. Click on the format below that matches your guitar:

Early Telecaster Era (1950-1954)

Four or Five Digits on Bridge Plate (1950-1954)

The earliest Telecasters (including Broadcasters and Nocasters) have their serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate.

Serial number ranges for early Telecasters:

0001 - 1300: 1950-1952 (Broadcaster, Nocaster, and early Telecaster)
1300 - 3000: 1951-1954
3000 - 5000s: 1952-1954

Collector's Note: The very first Fender electric guitars with solid bodies were called "Broadcasters" (October 1950 to January 1951). After a trademark conflict with Gretsch's Broadkaster drums, Fender briefly produced guitars with no model name (now called "Nocasters" by collectors) between February and August 1951. These ultra-rare models are among the most valuable vintage guitars in existence, often worth $100,000-$500,000+.

Choose Early Telecaster Era

Early Telecaster Era (1950-1954)

Four or Five Digits on Bridge Plate (1950-1954)

The earliest Telecasters (including Broadcasters and Nocasters) have their serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate.

Serial number ranges for early Telecasters:

0001 - 1300: 1950-1952 (Broadcaster, Nocaster, and early Telecaster)
1300 - 3000: 1951-1954
3000 - 5000s: 1952-1954

Choose Early Telecaster Era

Early Telecaster Era (1950-1954)

Four or Five Digits on Bridge Plate (1950-1954)

The earliest Telecasters (including Broadcasters and Nocasters) have their serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate.

Serial number ranges for early Telecasters:

0001 - 1300: 1950-1952 (Broadcaster, Nocaster, and early Telecaster)
1300 - 3000: 1951-1954
3000 - 5000s: 1952-1954

Choose Early Telecaster Era

Pre-CBS Era (1954-1965)

In 1954, Fender moved the serial number from the bridge plate to the neck plate for all models, including the Telecaster.

Four or Five Digits on Neck Plate (1954-1963)

Serial number ranges for Telecasters:

0001 - 8000: 1954
6000 - 10000: 1955
9000 - 16000: 1956
16000 - 25000: 1957
25000 - 30000: 1958
30000 - 40000: 1959
40000 - 58000: 1960
55000 - 72000: 1961
72000 - 93000: 1962
93000 - 99999: 1963

Collector's Note: 1954-1965 Telecasters are highly valuable vintage instruments, often commanding prices from $15,000 to well over $50,000 depending on condition, originality, and exact year. Blonde Telecasters from this era are particularly sought after.

L-Series on Neck Plate (1963-1965)

In late 1963, Fender began using "L" prefix serial numbers on the neck plate.

Serial number ranges:

L00001 - L20000: 1963
L20000 - L55000: 1964
L55000 - L99999: 1965

Important: Early 1965 Telecasters with L-series serial numbers are still considered "pre-CBS" models despite being manufactured in the year Fender was sold to CBS (January 1965). These transitional instruments can be quite valuable.

Choose CBS Era

Pre-CBS Era (1954-1965)

In 1954, Fender moved the serial number from the bridge plate to the neck plate for all models, including the Telecaster.

Four or Five Digits on Neck Plate (1954-1963)

Serial number ranges for Telecasters:

0001 - 8000: 1954
6000 - 10000: 1955
9000 - 16000: 1956
16000 - 25000: 1957
25000 - 30000: 1958
30000 - 40000: 1959
40000 - 58000: 1960
55000 - 72000: 1961
72000 - 93000: 1962
93000 - 99999: 1963

L-Series on Neck Plate (1963-1965)

In late 1963, Fender began using "L" prefix serial numbers on the neck plate.

Serial number ranges:

L00001 - L20000: 1963
L20000 - L55000: 1964
L55000 - L99999: 1965

Choose CBS Era

Pre-CBS Era (1954-1965)

In 1954, Fender moved the serial number from the bridge plate to the neck plate for all models, including the Telecaster.

Four or Five Digits on Neck Plate (1954-1963)

Serial number ranges for Telecasters:

0001 - 8000: 1954
6000 - 10000: 1955
9000 - 16000: 1956
16000 - 25000: 1957
25000 - 30000: 1958
30000 - 40000: 1959
40000 - 58000: 1960
55000 - 72000: 1961
72000 - 93000: 1962
93000 - 99999: 1963

L-Series on Neck Plate (1963-1965)

In late 1963, Fender began using "L" prefix serial numbers on the neck plate.

Serial number ranges:

L00001 - L20000: 1963
L20000 - L55000: 1964
L55000 - L99999: 1965

Choose CBS Era

CBS Era (1965-1985)

The CBS era began when Fender was acquired by CBS in January 1965. This period saw many changes to the Telecaster design and manufacturing processes.

F-Style Neck Plate (1965-1976)

From 1965 to 1976, Telecasters featured a neck plate with a large "F" logo underneath a 6-digit serial number.

Serial number ranges:

100000 - 110000: 1965
110000 - 200000: 1966
180000 - 210000: 1967
210000 - 250000: 1968
250000 - 280000: 1969
280000 - 300000: 1970
300000 - 330000: 1971
330000 - 370000: 1972
370000 - 520000: 1973
500000 - 580000: 1974
580000 - 690000: 1975
690000 - 750000: 1976

Telecaster Features: During this period, the Telecaster underwent various changes, including a larger headstock (1965-68), polyurethane finishes replacing nitrocellulose (late 1960s), and three-bolt neck attachment with "Micro-Tilt" adjustment (1971).

Headstock Serial Numbers (1976-1985)

In 1976, Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock and introduced a new dating system with a letter prefix indicating the decade.

S + 6 digits: 1970s
- S7 + 5 digits: 1977
- S8 + 5 digits: 1978
- S9 + 5 digits: 1979
E + 6 digits: 1980s (Early CBS to Pre-Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)
- E0 + 5 digits: 1980
- E1 + 5 digits: 1981
- E2 + 5 digits: 1982
- E3 + 5 digits: 1983
- E4 + 5 digits: 1984
- E5 + 5 digits: 1985 (Transition year to FMIC)

Choose CBS Era

CBS Era (1965-1985)

The CBS era began when Fender was acquired by CBS in January 1965. This period saw many changes to the Telecaster design and manufacturing processes.

F-Style Neck Plate (1965-1976)

From 1965 to 1976, Telecasters featured a neck plate with a large "F" logo underneath a 6-digit serial number.

Serial number ranges:

100000 - 110000: 1965
110000 - 200000: 1966
180000 - 210000: 1967
210000 - 250000: 1968
250000 - 280000: 1969
280000 - 300000: 1970
300000 - 330000: 1971
330000 - 370000: 1972
370000 - 520000: 1973
500000 - 580000: 1974
580000 - 690000: 1975
690000 - 750000: 1976

Headstock Serial Numbers (1976-1985)

In 1976, Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock and introduced a new dating system with a letter prefix indicating the decade.

S + 6 digits: 1970s
- S7 + 5 digits: 1977
- S8 + 5 digits: 1978
- S9 + 5 digits: 1979
E + 6 digits: 1980s (Early CBS to Pre-Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)
- E0 + 5 digits: 1980
- E1 + 5 digits: 1981
- E2 + 5 digits: 1982
- E3 + 5 digits: 1983
- E4 + 5 digits: 1984
- E5 + 5 digits: 1985 (Transition year to FMIC)

Choose CBS Era

CBS Era (1965-1985)

The CBS era began when Fender was acquired by CBS in January 1965. This period saw many changes to the Telecaster design and manufacturing processes.

F-Style Neck Plate (1965-1976)

From 1965 to 1976, Telecasters featured a neck plate with a large "F" logo underneath a 6-digit serial number.

Serial number ranges:

100000 - 110000: 1965
110000 - 200000: 1966
180000 - 210000: 1967
210000 - 250000: 1968
250000 - 280000: 1969
280000 - 300000: 1970
300000 - 330000: 1971
330000 - 370000: 1972
370000 - 520000: 1973
500000 - 580000: 1974
580000 - 690000: 1975
690000 - 750000: 1976

Headstock Serial Numbers (1976-1985)

In 1976, Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock and introduced a new dating system with a letter prefix indicating the decade.

S + 6 digits: 1970s
- S7 + 5 digits: 1977
- S8 + 5 digits: 1978
- S9 + 5 digits: 1979
E + 6 digits: 1980s (Early CBS to Pre-Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)
- E0 + 5 digits: 1980
- E1 + 5 digits: 1981
- E2 + 5 digits: 1982
- E3 + 5 digits: 1983
- E4 + 5 digits: 1984
- E5 + 5 digits: 1985 (Transition year to FMIC)

Choose CBS Era

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Telecasters

American-made Telecasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)
N + 6 digits: 1990s
- N0 + 5 digits: 1990
- N1 + 5 digits: 1991
- (and so on through N9)
Z + 6 digits: 2000s
- Z0 + 5 digits: 2000
- Z1 + 5 digits: 2001
- (and so on through Z9)
US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond
- US10 + 6 digits: 2010
- US11 + 6 digits: 2011
- (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Telecasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Note: The "V" serial numbers don't accurately indicate the production year. To precisely date these guitars, you need to check the neck heel date stamp (visible only when the neck is removed) or the potentiometer codes.

Mexican Telecasters

Mexican-made Telecasters (1990-present) use these formats:

MN + 6 digits: 1990s
- MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991
- MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992
- (and so on through MN9)
MZ + 6 digits: 2000s
- MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001
- MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002
- (and so on through MZ9)
MX + 8 digits: 2010-present
- MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011
- MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012
- (and so on)

Japanese Telecasters

Japanese-made Telecasters use various prefix systems:

JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984
SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984
E + 6 digits: 1984-1987
A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986
F + 6 digits: 1986
G + 6 digits: 1987
H + 6 digits: 1988
I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990
(and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Telecasters

American-made Telecasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)
N + 6 digits: 1990s
- N0 + 5 digits: 1990
- N1 + 5 digits: 1991
- (and so on through N9)
Z + 6 digits: 2000s
- Z0 + 5 digits: 2000
- Z1 + 5 digits: 2001
- (and so on through Z9)
US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond
- US10 + 6 digits: 2010
- US11 + 6 digits: 2011
- (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Telecasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Mexican Telecasters

Mexican-made Telecasters (1990-present) use these formats:

MN + 6 digits: 1990s
- MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991
- MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992
- (and so on through MN9)
MZ + 6 digits: 2000s
- MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001
- MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002
- (and so on through MZ9)
MX + 8 digits: 2010-present
- MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011
- MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012
- (and so on)

Japanese Telecasters

Japanese-made Telecasters use various prefix systems:

JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984
SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984
E + 6 digits: 1984-1987
A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986
F + 6 digits: 1986
G + 6 digits: 1987
H + 6 digits: 1988
I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990
(and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Modern Era (1985-Present)

In 1985, Fender was acquired by its current owners and became Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Quality and attention to vintage specifications began to improve.

American Telecasters

American-made Telecasters from 1985 to the present use this system:

E + 6 digits: 1985-1989 (E6-E9 + 5 digits)
N + 6 digits: 1990s
- N0 + 5 digits: 1990
- N1 + 5 digits: 1991
- (and so on through N9)
Z + 6 digits: 2000s
- Z0 + 5 digits: 2000
- Z1 + 5 digits: 2001
- (and so on through Z9)
US + 8 digits: 2010s and beyond
- US10 + 6 digits: 2010
- US11 + 6 digits: 2011
- (and so on)

Reissue Models (V-Series)

Vintage reissue Telecasters usually have serial numbers beginning with "V" on the neck plate:

V + 5 or 6 digits: Various reissue models (1982-present)

Mexican Telecasters

Mexican-made Telecasters (1990-present) use these formats:

MN + 6 digits: 1990s
- MN0 + 5 digits: 1990-1991
- MN1 + 5 digits: 1991-1992
- (and so on through MN9)
MZ + 6 digits: 2000s
- MZ0 + 5 digits: 2000-2001
- MZ1 + 5 digits: 2001-2002
- (and so on through MZ9)
MX + 8 digits: 2010-present
- MX10 + 6 digits: 2010-2011
- MX11 + 6 digits: 2011-2012
- (and so on)

Japanese Telecasters

Japanese-made Telecasters use various prefix systems:

JV + 5 digits: 1982-1984
SQ + 5 digits: 1983-1984
E + 6 digits: 1984-1987
A, B, C + 6 digits: 1985-1986
F + 6 digits: 1986
G + 6 digits: 1987
H + 6 digits: 1988
I, J + 6 digits: 1989-1990
(and so on through subsequent years)

Choose Modern Era

Step Three: Verify with Telecaster Features

While serial numbers are helpful, confirming your dating through physical characteristics specific to Telecasters is essential:

1950-1954 Features (Early Telecaster Era)

Broadcaster (1950-Jan 1951): "Broadcaster" on headstock decal, two screws on truss rod adjustment
Nocaster (Feb-Aug 1951): No model name on headstock, just "Fender" logo
Early Telecaster (Late 1951-1954): "Telecaster" on headstock
Thin black phenolic pickguard (1950-mid 1954)
Flat-pole pickups
Ash body (typically blonde finish)
Brass bridge saddles
"Butterfly" string guide
Black pickup covers on some early models
One-piece maple neck
No contours on body

This is my finish

1950-1954 Features (Early Telecaster Era)

Broadcaster (1950-Jan 1951): "Broadcaster" on headstock decal, two screws on truss rod adjustment
Nocaster (Feb-Aug 1951): No model name on headstock, just "Fender" logo
Early Telecaster (Late 1951-1954): "Telecaster" on headstock
Thin black phenolic pickguard (1950-mid 1954)
Flat-pole pickups
Ash body (typically blonde finish)
Brass bridge saddles
"Butterfly" string guide
Black pickup covers on some early models
One-piece maple neck
No contours on body

This is my finish

1950-1954 Features (Early Telecaster Era)

Broadcaster (1950-Jan 1951): "Broadcaster" on headstock decal, two screws on truss rod adjustment
Nocaster (Feb-Aug 1951): No model name on headstock, just "Fender" logo
Early Telecaster (Late 1951-1954): "Telecaster" on headstock
Thin black phenolic pickguard (1950-mid 1954)
Flat-pole pickups
Ash body (typically blonde finish)
Brass bridge saddles
"Butterfly" string guide
Black pickup covers on some early models
One-piece maple neck
No contours on body

This is my finish

1954-1959 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

One-piece maple neck (no separate fingerboard)
White single-ply pickguard replaces black (mid-1954)
"Spaghetti" logo on headstock
Steel saddles replace brass (1954-55)
Round string tree
Lightweight ash body
Thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Top-load or string-through bridge options

This is my finish

1954-1959 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

One-piece maple neck (no separate fingerboard)
White single-ply pickguard replaces black (mid-1954)
"Spaghetti" logo on headstock
Steel saddles replace brass (1954-55)
Round string tree
Lightweight ash body
Thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Top-load or string-through bridge options

This is my finish

1954-1959 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

One-piece maple neck (no separate fingerboard)
White single-ply pickguard replaces black (mid-1954)
"Spaghetti" logo on headstock
Steel saddles replace brass (1954-55)
Round string tree
Lightweight ash body
Thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Top-load or string-through bridge options

This is my finish

1960-1965 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

Rosewood slab fingerboard introduced (1959-1962)
Veneer rosewood fingerboard (1962-1965)
Clay dot inlays
"Spaghetti" logo changing to "transition" logo (1964-1965)
Alder bodies more common (though ash still used for blonde finishes)
Custom colors become more available

This Is My Finish

1960-1965 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

Rosewood slab fingerboard introduced (1959-1962)
Veneer rosewood fingerboard (1962-1965)
Clay dot inlays
"Spaghetti" logo changing to "transition" logo (1964-1965)
Alder bodies more common (though ash still used for blonde finishes)
Custom colors become more available

This Is My Finish

1960-1965 Features (Pre-CBS Era)

Rosewood slab fingerboard introduced (1959-1962)
Veneer rosewood fingerboard (1962-1965)
Clay dot inlays
"Spaghetti" logo changing to "transition" logo (1964-1965)
Alder bodies more common (though ash still used for blonde finishes)
Custom colors become more available

This Is My Finish

1965-1970 Features (Early CBS Era)

Large headstock introduced briefly (1965-1968) before returning to smaller size
"Transition" logo changing to black CBS logo
F-style neck plate with serial number
Polyester finishes begin replacing lacquer (late 1960s)
White "witch hat" knobs
Indian rosewood replaces Brazilian rosewood

This Is My Finish

1965-1970 Features (Early CBS Era)

Large headstock introduced briefly (1965-1968) before returning to smaller size
"Transition" logo changing to black CBS logo
F-style neck plate with serial number
Polyester finishes begin replacing lacquer (late 1960s)
White "witch hat" knobs
Indian rosewood replaces Brazilian rosewood

This Is My Finish

1965-1970 Features (Early CBS Era)

Large headstock introduced briefly (1965-1968) before returning to smaller size
"Transition" logo changing to black CBS logo
F-style neck plate with serial number
Polyester finishes begin replacing lacquer (late 1960s)
White "witch hat" knobs
Indian rosewood replaces Brazilian rosewood

This Is My Finish

1971-1980 Features (CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced with new features
"System I, II, III" tremolo options
Active electronics on some models
"Telcaster" logo on headstock changes to modern style

This Is My Finish

1971-1980 Features (CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced with new features
"System I, II, III" tremolo options
Active electronics on some models
"Telcaster" logo on headstock changes to modern style

This Is My Finish

1971-1980 Features (CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced with new features
"System I, II, III" tremolo options
Active electronics on some models
"Telcaster" logo on headstock changes to modern style

This Is My Finish

1981-1985 Features (Late CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced
Various pickup configurations offered
Telecaster logo changes to modern style
White pearl pickguard on some models

This Is My Finish

1981-1985 Features (Late CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced
Various pickup configurations offered
Telecaster logo changes to modern style
White pearl pickguard on some models

This Is My Finish

1981-1985 Features (Late CBS Era)

Return to four-bolt neck attachment (1982 on some models)
"The Tele" model introduced
Various pickup configurations offered
Telecaster logo changes to modern style
White pearl pickguard on some models

This Is My Finish

1985-Present Features (Modern Era)

Return to vintage specifications on many models
American Standard/Professional series introduced
Various signature models (Muddy Waters, James Burton, etc.)
Noiseless pickups introduced (late 1990s)
Multiple finishes and options available
Introduction of specialized models (American Elite, Ultra, etc.)
Return to nitrocellulose lacquer on some high-end models

This Is My Finish

1985-Present Features (Modern Era)

Return to vintage specifications on many models
American Standard/Professional series introduced
Various signature models (Muddy Waters, James Burton, etc.)
Noiseless pickups introduced (late 1990s)
Multiple finishes and options available
Introduction of specialized models (American Elite, Ultra, etc.)
Return to nitrocellulose lacquer on some high-end models

This Is My Finish

1985-Present Features (Modern Era)

Return to vintage specifications on many models
American Standard/Professional series introduced
Various signature models (Muddy Waters, James Burton, etc.)
Noiseless pickups introduced (late 1990s)
Multiple finishes and options available
Introduction of specialized models (American Elite, Ultra, etc.)
Return to nitrocellulose lacquer on some high-end models

This Is My Finish

Step Four: Determine Value

After dating your Telecaster, understanding its value depends on several factors:

Year and specific model
Originality of parts
Overall condition
Provenance (ownership history)
Rarity and collectability
Market demand

Most Valuable Telecaster Models:

1950-1951 Broadcaster (the rarest and most valuable)
1951 "Nocaster" (no model name on headstock)
1951-1954 Early Telecasters with bridge plate serial numbers
1954-1965 Pre-CBS Telecasters (especially blonde finishes)
1959-1963 "Slab board" Telecasters (thick rosewood fingerboard)
1963-1964 "L series" pre-CBS Telecasters

Specific Models of Interest:

Early 1950s Telecasters in blonde finish
"Blackguard" Telecasters (1950-1954 with black pickguard)
1958-1960 Custom Color Telecasters
1968-1969 Pink Paisley and Blue Flower Telecasters
1972 Telecaster Thinline with Wide Range humbuckers
Signature models (Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, etc.)

Need Expert Help?

Dating Fender Telecasters can be complex, especially for instruments from the earliest years or with replacement parts. If you're uncertain about your guitar's age or value, we offer free professional appraisal services.

Whether you're looking to:

Get an accurate date for your Telecaster
Understand what your vintage Fender is worth
Sell your guitar to a passionate collector
Simply learn more about your instrument's history

Get A Free Quote

Call (440) 219-3607

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Our experts will assess your guitar and provide a fair cash offer based on current market value.

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Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot, by check, or via direct deposit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.

What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

Do you purchase other musical instruments?

While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.

How does your online appraisal process work?

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

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.

Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

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.

Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?

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