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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For valuable collections, we provide white-glove service including professional packing, insurance, and secure transportation. For significant collections, we'll travel to your location, handle all documentation, and manage the entire logistics process. We can arrange climate-controlled transportation for vintage instruments and work with specialized instrument shipping services for cross-country moves.

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.