Musical Instruments Reselling Guide

Guitars - The Big Money

Most Valuable Brands

Gibson: Les Paul, SG, ES-335, Flying V - vintage = gold
Fender: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Jaguar
Martin: Acoustic guitars, D-28, D-18, OM models
Gretsch: Hollow bodies, vintage country/rockabilly
PRS: Modern high-end, consistent value
Rickenbacker: 12-strings, Beatles association

The Golden Era

Pre-CBS Fender (pre-1965): $5,000-$50,000+
1950s Gibson Les Paul: $100,000-$500,000+
Pre-War Martin: $10,000-$100,000+
1960s Vintage: $2,000-$30,000+

💡 Serial Number Dating: Fender, Gibson, Martin all have serial number dating guides online. Learn to date guitars quickly—it's the first thing to check.

Amplifiers

Valuable Amp Brands

Fender: Tweed, Blackface, Silverface eras
Marshall: Plexi, JCM800, vintage British tone
Vox: AC30, AC15 - Beatles/British Invasion
Mesa/Boogie: Mark series, Dual Rectifier
Dumble: Ultra-rare, $50,000-$200,000+

What to Check

Tubes: Original tubes add value, but may need replacement
Speakers: Original speakers important for vintage
Transformers: Original = authentic tone
Cabinet: Tolex condition, original covering
Modifications: Most mods decrease value

Drums & Percussion

Ludwig: Vintage Ludwig, Vistalite, classic rock kits
Gretsch: Round badge era especially valuable
Slingerland: Pre-1970s Radio Kings
Rogers: Holiday series, Powertone
DW: Modern high-end, holds value

Key: Complete vintage kits with original hardware command highest premiums. Snare drums often sell individually for more than modern complete kits.

Keys & Synths

Moog: Minimoog, Model D - $5,000-$20,000+
Rhodes: Fender Rhodes, Stage/Suitcase - $2,000-$6,000
Wurlitzer: 200A especially sought after
Hammond: B3 with Leslie - $3,000-$15,000
Sequential: Prophet-5, Pro-One
Roland: Juno, Jupiter, TR-808/909

💡 Synth Market Hot: Vintage analog synthesizers have exploded in value. Even 80s/90s digital synths are rising as producers seek authentic sounds.

Authentication

Spotting Fakes/Reissues

Serial numbers: Research correct formats by year
Hardware: Period-correct screws, tuners, bridges
Potentiometers: Date codes on pots verify age
Pickups: Original pickups have correct codes
Wood/Finish: Aging patterns, correct lacquer
Case: Original case adds value

⚠️ Partscasters: Many "vintage" guitars are assembled from various parts. These are worth far less than original guitars. Check neck/body stamps, potentiometer dates, and hardware consistency.

Where to Buy

Reverb.com: Best dedicated music gear marketplace
Guitar Center Used: Nationwide inventory, searchable
Local Music Shops: Trade-ins often underpriced
Craigslist/FB Marketplace: Best local deals
Estate Sales: Often dramatically underpriced
Pawn Shops: Hit or miss, negotiate hard
eBay: Wide selection, buyer protection

Where to Sell

Platform	Fees	Best For
Reverb	5%	All instruments, best audience
eBay	~13%	Wide audience, international
Guitar Center Trade	40-60% of value	Quick cash, no hassle
Craigslist/FB	0%	Local, avoid shipping
The Gear Page	$25/year	Collector audience

Shipping Tips

Loosen strings: Prevents neck stress in transit
Hard case required: For guitars, never ship in gig bag
Double box: Case in box, box in larger box
Insurance: Always insure for full value
Signature required: For items over $500