Every Guitar Has A Story
Read More Guitar StoriesTwelve Years Buying Vintage Guitars Full-Time
Whether you're looking to sell a vintage Gibson, a classic Fender Stratocaster, a pre-war Martin acoustic, or something more obscure, I've probably handled one before and I know what it's worth right now. I work with sellers across the U.S., from people selling a single inherited guitar to families settling full estate collections. Whatever you have, you'll get an honest read on its value and a fair offer based on real recent sales.
That experience comes from twelve years of buying and appraising vintage instruments full-time, with more than 10,000 guitars personally evaluated. I've bought from sellers in all 50 states, served as a traveling appraiser for Treasure Seekers Roadshow, and sourced instruments for Grammy Award-winning artists. I've handled guitars from the estates of musicians who played alongside Hank Williams, the Everly Brothers, and Loretta Lynn. Across Google and Reverb, more than 2,100 sellers have left five-star reviews of the experience.
On top of buying and selling, I've spent a lot of time building free reference tools for the vintage guitar community. The Gibson serial number decoder and Fender serial number guide on this site are two of the more thorough you'll find online. For collectors digging into rarity, I've also published verified Gibson production totals from 1948–1979. The reason these exist is simple: informed sellers are better sellers, and the hobby is in better shape when good information is free.
Every guitar has a story. When I buy one, I document the history so the musician who played it isn't forgotten.
Fender, Gibson, Martin, Guild · Pre-war to 1970s · Single instruments to full estates
Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Mustangs, Esquires, and Precision and Jazz Basses, particularly pre-CBS (pre-1965) examples. Custom colors, original cases, and matching headstocks all push the price higher. See my 1952 Telecaster authentication guide for what I look at when evaluating one.
Sell My Fender
Les Pauls, ES-335s, ES-175s, SGs, Flying Vs, J-45s, J-200s, and archtops from the 1930s–1960s. Golden era electrics are where I spend most of my time. My guides on the 1957 Les Paul Goldtop, 1959 ES-335, and Gibson L-5 CES go into what to look for.
Sell My Gibson
Pre-war herringbone D-28s, D-45s, 000-28s, 0-18s, and OM models with scalloped bracing and Brazilian rosewood are at the top of the market. I'll consider any Martin built before 1970. My Martin D-18E vs D-28E authentication guide gets into the details.
Sell My Martin
Archtops, flattops, and electric thinlines from Guild's early New York and Hoboken years through the Rhode Island era. I'm always interested in F-47s, D-55s, Starfires, and Artist Award models. Guild is underrated by the casual market but well-known to serious collectors.
360s, 330s, 325s, 4001 basses, and other models from Rickenbacker's most collectible decades. I'm interested in any of the classic finishes including Fireglo, Mapleglo, and Jetglo. Left-handed examples and export models bring even more.
Sell My Rickenbacker
Pre-Fender-acquisition USA-made Jacksons: Soloists, Dinkys, Kellys, and custom shop instruments. Early Randy Rhoads models and guitars with original Floyd Rose hardware sit at the top of the market. Originality and condition matter more on these than on most brands.
Pre-production and early-production San Dimas Charvels, Jackson-era USA models, and custom shop pieces. Hard rock and metal collectors drive serious demand for these. Original components, the original case, and any documentation will all push the offer up.
Private Stock, Dragon series, vintage Artist series, and early pre-factory CE models. Brazilian rosewood necks, ten-top figured maple, and original tremolo systems all matter when I'm pricing one of these. Older USA-made core models are worth showing me too.
Style O, Duolian, Triolian, Tricone, and other National resonator models from the 1920s through the 1940s. I buy both wood-body and metal-body examples. The condition of the cone and coverplate makes a big difference to what one will bring.
Fender Tweed, Blackface, and Silverface amplifiers, plus Gibson, Vox, Marshall, Ampeg, and other vintage tube combos and heads. Original speakers, original transformers, and an untouched chassis matter most. All-original examples bring the strongest prices.
Sell My Amp
Hawaiian and electric lap steels from the 1930s through the 1960s, including Rickenbacker Frying Pans, Gibson Ultratones, Fender Champions, Nationals, and Supros. It's a niche corner of the market, but collectors are paying serious money for the right examples. Most sellers underestimate what theirs is worth.
Vintage and professional-grade pedal steels from Sho-Bud, Emmons, ZB, MSA, and other makers. I'll look at single and double-neck models. Original cases, knee levers, and a full pedal setup all matter when pricing one.
Vintage Fender Precision and Jazz Basses, Gibson EB series, Rickenbacker 4001s, Hofner Violin basses, and other collectible basses from the 1950s through the 1970s. Original pickups, original tuners, and an unrefinished body are what move the price most.
6120s, White Falcons, Country Gentlemans, Jets, and Anniversaries from Gretsch's Brooklyn era (1950s–1960s). Filter'Tron and DynaSonic pickups, original Bigsby vibratos, and any original case candy all push the price up. My Gretsch 6120 history and value guide goes deeper.
Sell My Gretsch
Gibson F-5s, A-5s, F-4s, and Lloyd Loar-era instruments are the top of the mandolin world. I'm also interested in pre-war Martins, Washburns, and other quality American-made mandolins. The condition of the top, the tuners, and any original finish matter most.
Pre-war Gibson Mastertone banjos (RB-3s, RB-4s, RB-5s) sit among the most valuable fretted instruments anywhere. I'm also buying ukuleles, resonator guitars, lap harps, and other quality American-made stringed instruments with some history behind them.
2,100+ Five-Star Reviews on Google & Reverb
★★★★★I wish I could give Joe more than 5 stars. He appraised 2 guitars for me incredibly quickly at no cost. He purchased a third one from me at a price that I'm certain cannot be beat by other online buyers (I had an inbox of offers from other places where I entered information for appraisals). The entire process of selling/shipping is flawless, simple and time saving. This is coming from someone who not only can't believe I'm typing this but still can't believe how smoothly the transaction went. He provided me with an unbelievable experience-almost felt as if I found a passionate local shop yet it was all done via technology and FedEx where he has an account and I, as others mentioned, received full payment before leaving FedEx. Nothing stated on his website is exaggerated- everything is risk free and up until the very end, seemed too good to be true but it's ALL 100%. I will forever recommend Joe's vintage guitars!! I will also probably have questions for him in the future as I continue to clear out guitars/guitar equipment. THANK YOU once again!
★★★★★Whether you're a musician or just a collector that deals in vintage guitars, Joe's Vintage Guitars, in my opinion, is top shelf, Grade A, real deal. For me personally, I didn't want to just sale or auction off this absolute gem that I had. I wanted it to bring satisfaction and joy to someone who would treasure it just as much or more than myself. Annie (I hope I'm spelling it right) with Joe's, is such a delightful person, and is the definition of professional. She made the process so easy that my part in the deal was effortless. She not only responded immediately to every one of my messages, emails and calls but, she went absolutely above and beyond for me and stayed late because I'm a musician, of course I'm going to be running late… if there was a way for me to add stars to this rating system, every letter in this review would be one, and then some. I would say that they are the best out of their competition but, Joe's Vintage Guitars is in a class of their own, and there's no competition at that level. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. I couldn't be any happier and pleased.
★★★★★I had a loved vintage guitar I decided to sell, but wanted to engage a professional vintage guitar business, who understood the vintage market and would make a fair offer for my guitar. I was a first timer to the experience and Joseph at Joes Vintage guitars was absolutely fantastic to work with and made the process simple to understand. He was prompt to take my call, answered all my questions, I simply sent pictures, and he made a very fair offer immediately! And the shipping process following was very straightforward. He sends you all the details of where to bring it, how to pack it, how to label it, and Joes directly takes care of all of the boxing/packing and shipping costs (outside of the seller properly packing it in its case). He was also fast to respond when I had any questions about the process. They also had paid me the same day as well for my guitar. I can't say enough about the great experience I had and would highly recommend Joes Vintage guitars to anyone looking to sell a vintage guitar, but confused about the process, since they make it so easy. 200% recommend!!
★★★★★I am old and don't do these reviews really, but I felt my transaction with Joe's merited one…. I had an old Gibson bass purchased in the 1970's that fueled this young man's rock star dreams until I started a family in the 1990's. Since then, the old bass has been a bedroom dust collector. I contacted Joe who immediately showed a true interest in the old bass and gave me what I thought was a very generous offer. I did the deal today and other than parting with a lifelong friend, it couldn't have been any more painless. And to boot, I was paid even before I left the FedEx parking lot. Joe's is truly a first-class outfit. If you need to sell an old guitar, this is the place to do it.
★★★★★I had 3 Vintage guitars that belonged to my Daddy. He was 96 when he passed away almost 3 years ago. I was ready to let them go as it was time. I found Joe here on Google. He was completely understanding & I sent him pictures. He offered me an excellent price, & helped me through the process of getting them to him. I went to FedEx he has an account & within 20 minutes the guitar's were on there way to him & the money was in my account. Very satisfied & thankful for his helpful attitude & promptness in helping me. I recommend him very highly & also very trustworthy. This is the way to do business.
★★★★★The best transaction ever! I highly recommend Joe's services. My beloved brother's collection was overwhelming to know how to evaluate and process, in the wake of his recent passing. I called Joe and he was kind and experienced, and promptly shared his expertise with no expectation of a sale. The process with Joe seemed so "right" for my family and I to pursue. His offer was fair and we appreciated how quickly our brother's collection was moved from another state (within days of initial contact!) and we know that our brother's guitars are now in the possession of someone who fully appreciates his unique collection, which was so dear to him. Thank you, Joe!
Gibsons, Martins, Fenders — all waiting to be rediscovered. Walked in and hit the motherlode. This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime find that makes the hunt worth every mile.
One of the most incredible private collections ever encountered, tucked away in rural Arizona. Hundreds of classic amps and some guitars you simply have to see to believe.
A cross-country run through New Jersey, Virginia, Tennessee, and New Mexico. Incredible guitars, vintage amps, rare parts, and the kind of people who make this hobby what it is.
I have a profound passion for these remarkable instruments, and my goal is to ensure they continue to be cherished. I either play them myself or make sure they find their way into the hands of individuals who will care for them just as I do.
The stories that accompany these guitars are immensely precious to me. When I acquire a guitar, what I cherish most is often a photograph of its original owner or stories about their life. I take the time to type up these stories, print them out, neatly fold them, and place them into the guitar's case. I want these incredible musicians from another era to live on through their instruments.
One such story is that of Walter M, a cowboy from Belen, NM, whose son sold me a wonderful Gibson J-45. Over to the right, you'll find photos of a 19-year-old Walter with his beloved guitar while recording at a local radio station in 1945.
I invite you to explore the rich history and evolution of iconic guitar brands and models. From the legendary craftsmanship of vintage Martin acoustics to the revolutionary designs of classic Fender and Gibson electric guitars, I appreciate the historical significance of every instrument I encounter.
My mission is to uncover hidden gems and forgotten treasures. I tirelessly search for guitars with exceptional stories, whether it's a rare model from the early 20th century or a custom-built masterpiece from a renowned luthier. I believe that every vintage guitar has a tale to tell.
By acquiring and preserving vintage and collectible guitars, I contribute to the preservation of musical heritage. These instruments not only carry the memories of the musicians who played them but also represent milestones in the world of music.
If you plan to sell your vintage guitar yourself, whether locally, on Reverb, or on eBay, there's a standard set of steps most experienced sellers recommend before listing. That's especially true for higher-value instruments like a pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster, a 1950s Gibson Les Paul, or a pre-war Martin D-28, where originality and condition are what drive the price. With vintage guitars, buyers can't physically inspect what you're selling. That means everything they decide is based on your documentation and your photos, and the burden of getting it right falls entirely on you. Cutting corners here usually results in lower offers, skeptical buyers, or a sale that gets disputed weeks later. Here's what the full preparation process actually looks like, and how it compares to selling directly to Joe.
Shipping a vintage guitar safely is one of the most underestimated parts of selling one. It's also one of the most common places things go wrong. The headstock is the single most frequently broken component in transit, usually because of inadequate bracing inside the case. Beyond physical damage, most sellers don't realize that standard carrier declared value coverage explicitly limits or excludes claims on musical instruments in many circumstances, particularly when damage is attributed to "inadequate packaging." For any guitar worth more than $1,000, that standard coverage is rarely enough on its own. Done correctly, shipping a vintage guitar takes specific materials, methodical packing, third-party insurance, and proper documentation. Most sellers who've done it once are relieved to never have to do it again.
There's no single right answer to where you should sell a vintage guitar. The best option depends on the instrument, your timeline, and how much risk you want to take on. A $400 student-grade acoustic and a $12,000 Jazzmaster from the 60s are not the same selling problem. Platforms like eBay and Reverb have buyer protection policies that, in practice, heavily favor the buyer in the event of a dispute, including disputes that amount to little more than buyer's remorse. The chart below compares the options honestly so you can decide what fits your situation.
| eBay | Reverb | Craigslist / FB Marketplace | Local Dealer / Pawn | Joe's Vintage Guitars | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seller Fees | ~13.25% final value fee plus PayPal/payment fees | 5% selling fee on total sale (including shipping), capped at $500, plus 3.19% + $0.49 payment processing. Free to list. | None but cash-only risk | None, but the offer reflects their resale margin (typically 40 to 60% of retail) | Zero fees. What Joe offers is what you receive. |
| Speed of Sale | Days to weeks depending on listing format and demand | Days to months. Vintage guitars can sit a while. | Variable: fast if local demand exists, slow otherwise | Same day, but at a significant price discount | Same day. Offer within 24 hours, payment on acceptance. |
| Who Sets the Price | You, but market pressure and buyer offers drive the final price down | You, but low offers and "watchers" are common | You, but lowball offers are the norm | The dealer, based on what they can resell it for | Joe, based on real current market value, not resale margin |
| Buyer Dispute Risk | High. eBay heavily favors buyers. "Not as described" claims can result in forced returns even months after sale, with the seller bearing return shipping costs. | Medium to High. Reverb's buyer protection policy can side with buyers in disputes even when seller descriptions were accurate. Buyer's remorse returns do happen. | Low. Cash sales are final, but scams, counterfeit bills, and safety risks are real considerations for high-value instruments. | None. Once sold, it's sold. No disputes. | None. Joe assumes all risk once he makes an offer. No chargebacks, no returns, no disputes. |
| Expertise of Buyer | Unknown. Buyers range from serious collectors to casual buyers who may later claim misrepresentation. | Generally higher than eBay, but still variable | Unknown and unverifiable | Variable. General pawn shops rarely have vintage guitar expertise. | 12+ years, 10,000+ instruments appraised. Joe will know exactly what you have. |
| Shipping Responsibility | Seller packs, ships, insures, and bears risk if damaged in transit | Seller packs, ships, insures, and bears risk if damaged in transit | Local pickup, no shipping required | You bring it in. No shipping required. | Joe provides his FedEx account number. FedEx packs it, ships it, and insures it at Joe's expense. You get paid at drop-off. Your liability ends the moment you leave the store. |
| Best For | Common, lower-value instruments where fees are a smaller percentage of sale price | Mid-range vintage guitars where the buyer base is knowledgeable and the seller has time to wait | Lower-value, easy-to-move instruments where convenience matters more than price | Situations where speed is the only priority and price is secondary | Rare, valuable, or sentimental instruments where fair value, expertise, and a smooth process matter |
* Platform fees and policies are subject to change. eBay and Reverb buyer protection policies have historically favored buyers in disputes, including cases of buyer's remorse. Always review current terms before listing.
Most of the guitars I buy come with a story. A father's first electric. A guitar that toured the country in the back of a station wagon. An instrument that sat in a closet for 40 years waiting for the right home. Those stories matter to me. I document them, keep them with the instrument, and make sure they don't get lost.
I'm a player and a repairman who grew up on the music of Hank Garland, Merle Travis, and Chet Atkins. My own guitars are Gibson archtops, Gretsch hollowbodies, and Fender Telecasters and offsets, which is the same gear I'm buying from sellers every day. When you send me a photo of a 1950s ES-175 or a Gretsch Country Gentleman, I'm not looking it up. I already know what it is, what it's worth, and why it matters.
Every guitar that comes through my shop gets a proper evaluation and any needed repairs done in-house, by me. Not by a technician I've never met. That's how I'd want my own instruments treated, and it's how I treat yours.
Every guitar that comes through Joe's Vintage Guitars has a story behind it. Here are a few of the sellers I've worked with recently, and the instruments they brought to me. From a 1952 Telecaster that flew across the country to a near-mint Jazz Bass that spent 40 years with one owner, these are the kinds of guitars I'm working with every day.
This one was special enough that I flew to Washington to pick it up in person. The Telecaster belonged to Joshua's uncle, one of the earliest production Teles ever made, and it's in remarkable condition. It'll be played for decades to come.
Bill's father bought him this 1966 Jaguar in the rare Lake Placid Blue finish when he was young. Decades later, it came to me in beautiful original condition. Custom color Fenders from this era are significantly rarer than their sunburst siblings, and that rarity translates directly to price.
Jim owned this 1972 Jazz Bass for 40 years and kept it in near-mint condition. That's a genuine rarity for an instrument of that age. He also happens to have one of the finest moustaches of any seller I've ever worked with.
Your Guitar Has a Story Too Whether it's been in your family for decades or you just inherited it, Joe would love to hear about it and make you a fair offer.
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