Sell Your Fender Guitar
Gavin drove all the way to Parma and paid top dollar for my 1965 Stratocaster. I couldn’t be happier.
Brennen Nemeth
Parma, Ohio
Edgewater Guitars buys vintage and rare Fender guitars from sellers nationwide, with free expert appraisals and same-day cash offers. Based in Valley City, Ohio near Cleveland, we travel across Ohio and the region for valuable pieces and pay fair top dollar. Call or text (440) 219-3607 for a no-obligation offer.
What Fender guitars we buy
We focus on pre-CBS and vintage Fender, and we also pay competitively for clean CBS-era and modern instruments. We are actively buying:
Pre-CBS Stratocasters from 1954 to 1965, including rare custom colors
Telecasters and Esquires from the 1950s and 1960s
Jazzmaster and Jaguar offsets from the late 1950s and 1960s
Precision and Jazz basses from the 1950s and 1960s
CBS-era Fenders from 1965 to 1985 in original condition
Student models such as the Musicmaster, Duo-Sonic and Mustang
American Vintage Reissue, Custom Shop and Fender Japan instruments
What we have paid for vintage Fenders
Real prices reflect specific guitars in specific condition, so yours may differ. These are recent Edgewater purchases:
1963 Fender Stratocaster: we paid $24,200
1966 Fender Telecaster: we paid $8,300
1959 Fender Jazzmaster: we paid $15,300
1961 Fender Precision Bass: we paid $15,450
1953 Fender Telecaster: we paid $61,000
Why sell your Fender to Edgewater
Edgewater is run by two owner-operators with more than 15 years each buying and appraising vintage guitars, backed by 137 five-star Google reviews. Because we buy, we give straight appraisals and never inflate a value to win a sale. You get a free appraisal, a fair same-day cash offer, and local in-person pickup or insured nationwide shipping.
How selling works
Send a few photos and the serial number for a free appraisal.
Get a fair, no-obligation cash offer, usually the same day.
Meet locally for a cash pickup, or we arrange prepaid insured shipping.
Get paid.
Real reviews from Fender sellers
Edgewater Guitars drove to my home and paid cash for my vintage 1962 Fender Stratocaster. Easy to work with and very professional.
Jake Ghaffari
I had a fantastic experience selling my vintage Telecaster to Edgewater Guitars. Gavin was incredibly professional and offered a fair cash price. Highly recommend.
Rachel Clarke
Gavin drove out to Elyria and appraised my vintage Fender Musicmaster. Great guy, would do business again.
Ellis Standen
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.
