The Guitar Selling Process
How Selling Your Guitar Works
At Edgewater Guitars, we've simplified the guitar selling process into three straightforward steps, ensuring you receive a fair, competitive offer and prompt payment with personalized service throughout.
Local In-Person Sales
For sellers in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, we offer convenient in-person service:
Free in-home evaluations for valuable instruments or collections
Same-day payment options
Secure meeting locations if preferred
No shipping concerns or complications
Remote National Service
Outside our immediate service area? We make remote selling easy:
Detailed valuation based on photos and information
Secure, insured shipping arrangements at our expense for valuable guitars
Prompt payment upon receipt and final inspection
Full transparency throughout the process
Collection & Estate Services
Selling multiple instruments or handling an estate? Our white-glove service includes:
Comprehensive collection evaluation
Single transaction convenience
Premium valuation for complete collections
Full documentation for insurance or estate purposes
Discreet, professional handling of all logistics
Common Quesions About Our Process
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.
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.
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 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.
How do refinished guitars affect 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.
Can I sell just one guitar from my collection?
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.
What's involved in selling a large guitar collection?
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.
Do you offer more for complete collections than individual instruments?
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.
How do you handle large collection logistics and transportation?
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.
What information should I provide when inquiring about selling my guitar collection?
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.
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