Sell Your Epiphone Guitar
"Very knowledgeable and professional shop. Super nice guys too. They made a good and fair offer on a few vintage instruments I had. I received prompt service. Highly recommend!"
Benjamin Carnahan
The most valuable Epiphones are the ones Gibson built in Kalamazoo between 1958 and 1969, when Epiphone shared factories, parts, and craftsmanship with Gibson’s own instruments. At Edgewater Guitars we actively buy these pre-1970 Epiphones and know how to value them correctly.
Whether you own a Casino, Sheraton, Riviera, Sorrento, Wilshire, Coronet, or a Texan or Frontier flat-top, we pay top dollar based on accurate market valuations. Originality matters most on these models, but even player-grade or modified examples hold strong value, so don’t assume yours isn’t worth selling because of wear or changed parts.
We’re actively seeking:
1958 to 1969 Casino models, especially with original P-90s
Sheraton and Riviera semi-hollows with mini-humbuckers or New York pickups
Sorrento, Wilshire, Coronet, and Crestwood solidbodies
Texan, Frontier, Cortez, and Caballero acoustic flat-tops
Pre-1958 New York Epiphone archtops (Emperor, Deluxe, Triumph, Zephyr)
Original-condition examples with their factory pickups, tuners, and hardware
Our Epiphone appraisal looks at every factor that affects value: year, model, pickups, hardware, finish, originality, and current collector demand. We use serial numbers, factory order numbers, pickup types, and headstock details to pin down whether your Epiphone is a sought-after Kalamazoo Gibson-era instrument or a later import.
How do you determine what my guitar is worth?
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.
Do you buy guitars in any condition?
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.
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.
How do I know if my Gibson guitar is valuable?
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.
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.
What payment methods do you offer?
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.
Will you travel to my location to purchase guitars?
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.
How long does the entire selling process take?
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.
What makes a guitar "vintage"?
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.
Do modifications decrease my guitar's value?
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.
