Maybe you picked up an old guitar at a yard sale, or maybe you noticed a few axes in your grandparents attic.You don't know if the instruments are trash or treasure.A lot of research is required to find out the age and value of a guitar.If possible, bring the guitar back to normal condition by cleaning it.
Step 1: Remove the guitar's surface.
The guitar's finish should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth.The microfiber guitar cloth is available wherever guitars are sold, but an old cotton T-shirt works just fine.A guitar may not get all the dirt if it is wiped down.If you're dealing with something that's oil-based, try to figure out how you can get rid of it.Water-based detergents can be used for water-soluble dirt.A few drops of detergent may work.Try not to get too much humidity on the guitar.Oil-based dirt can be removed with cleansing oils and polishes.The guitar could be damaged if you scrub it.This is important for older guitars.If you notice that the finish is starting to oxidize, you should take the guitar to a luthier, who builds and fixes guitars, to have it cleaned.
Step 2: Look for dents or scratches.
If there are scratches on the finish of the guitar, it's time to clean it.The age of the guitar and how it was used can affect wear and cracks in the body.The value of a guitar can be affected by scratches and cracks.If the guitar's body is cracked, scratched, or worn down, you may want to avoid using polishes to clean the surface.A professional who builds, restores, and repairs guitars is a luthier.They can help you choose the best method to clean the guitar.
Step 3: It's a good idea to use a polish for guitars.
If a guitar has build-up of unknown origin, or if light cleaners don't seem to have any effect, a non-abrasive cream or paste polish is a good choice.If the guitar's finish has cracks or deep scratches, avoid using polish.If not impossible to remove, the polish may build up in the cracks.
Step 4: Clean the frets.
Remove the strings or loosen them so you can clean the frets.If you use an oil or polish on your guitar, make sure to spray it on the cloth.An old toothbrush, slightly damp, is ideal for cleaning gunk off of and around the frets.Don't scrub too hard, you might scratch or damage the fingerboard.
Step 5: The hardware needs to be Polish.
There are metal parts on acoustic and electric guitars.Take note of missing or broken parts when cleaning and polishing these parts.Don't replace or repair parts until you understand the value of the guitar.If you want to replace hardware on the guitar, you should have a better idea of its age and value.
Step 6: The guitar's strings need to be replaced.
If all the strings are still there, a vintage guitar has old strings on it.You can evaluate the sound of the instrument by giving it a new set of strings.If you've never replaced guitar strings before, it's better to take it to a guitar shop and get them to do it for you for a small fee.A guitar player may be willing to help you out for free.
Step 7: It's time to tune the guitar.
You should tune the guitar strings after you replace them.Pull the string from the end of the neck and tune it.It may be difficult for new strings to stay in tune.You can stretch the strings several times.The strings should be stretched after tuning the guitar.You will have to change it.The guitar should stay in tune if you repeat it four to six times.
Step 8: The maker's name can be found on the headstock.
The guitar company's name should be painted or imprinted on the headstock.It may be difficult to tell if the guitar's finish is faded or damaged.If you only have part of a name, you might want to compare the headstock to pictures of other people to see if you can figure it out.The maker's name may be found on the back of the instrument or inside the sound hole.If you know the name of the maker, you can check their website to find out how long they've been making guitars.It can give you a vague idea of how old the guitar is.You may be able to compare the images of guitars made in different years by the same maker.You can get a narrower range of years with this.
Step 9: There is a serial number.
The serial number of your guitar may give you a better idea of how old it is.You can find the serial number on the back of the guitar.The back of the acoustic guitar may have a serial number on it.A clue to the guitar's value can be found in the serial number.A lower serial number indicates an older guitar that will be worth more than one with a higher number.The lowest serial number indicates the first guitar that was produced.
Step 10: You can check serial numbers online.
Most major guitar manufacturers have tables on their websites that list the serial numbers used for different models and the years they represent.The serial numbers were used for more than one type of guitar for some manufacturers.To find out how old your guitar is, you'll have to do a little more work.
Step 11: There is a marker on the neck.
You can find a date marker on the inside of your guitar if you take off the neck.If you don't know how to take apart and rebuild guitars, this can be dangerous.There should be dates on the neck and body.That's the exact date your guitar was built, if those two dates match up.If they don't, it could mean that the guitar's neck was replaced at some point, or that it was built from spare parts and not an original build.
Step 12: You should take your guitar to a dealer.
If you can't determine the age of your guitar on your own, a dealer may be able to help.They know the characteristics of vintage guitars.It's a good idea to go to an exclusive dealer of guitars that are the same make as the one you're trying to date.Staff there have intimate knowledge of that particular brand of guitar.If the first person to look at it is unsure about their answer, you may want to take it to more than one expert.
Step 13: Look for rare woods and other materials.
Brazilian rosewood is one of the woods that are no longer used to craft guitars.If your guitar is made of such wood or other rare materials, it may be very valuable.If the guitar is heavy and the wood has a reddish hue and a tight grain, you may be looking at a Brazilian rosewood guitar, which could have a strong value.Current-day guitar manufacturing does not include trim and detail in ivory or tortoiseshell.It is a rare material to be on the lookout for.The majority of guitars are made out of common woods.If you suspect your guitar is made of a rare wood or contains rare materials, take it to an expert who can properly identify the material as authentic.
Step 14: Determine if it is original.
If an old guitar is frequently played by a musician, there are likely various parts that have been replaced over the years.If it's older, a guitar that has all its original parts will have greater value.If an old guitar is considered player quality, it can still fetch a good amount of money, but it won't be worth as much as it would have been if it was original.Even a guitar that's been tinkered with over the years can still have a lot of value.
Step 15: You can play the guitar.
Some guitars look like works of art, but a guitar is first and foremost a musical interest.A guitar's value depends on how it sounds.The sound of the oldest guitar should be clean and crisp.If you aren't a guitarist, take the guitar to an open mic night where guitarists frequent.If you think a vintage guitar might be worth some money, most guitarists are more than happy to check it out.The guitar will be worth more if it sounds better.Changing the strings will improve the guitar's sound without detracting from its value.
Step 16: There is a blue book of guitar values.
The Blue Book can be used to determine the general value of your guitar, depending on its overall condition and playability.You can find the Blue Book at bluebookofguitarvalues.com.Any value you find in the Blue Book or any of the other guides is just a suggestion.The value of a guitar could be affected by a number of factors.A guitar that is 50 years old is worth a few thousand dollars.A guitar that was once owned by a famous rock star could be worth millions.
Step 17: You can search online.
You may be able to find guitars similar to yours on various sites.Get a better idea of the value of your guitar by comparing it to the ones for sale.Look at age and condition.Guitars that have been played by a famous musician get their value.Unless you have a similar guitar, don't use these to determine the value.
Step 18: You can get an appraisal from a collector.
If your research has led you to believe that your guitar is worth a lot of money, a professional appraisal is essential.Depending on the age of the guitar, its condition, and its rarity, you may want to get two or three appraisals.You can have a guitar certified as authentic by some guitar makers.If you decide to sell your guitar, an appraisal isn't a guarantee of how much you'll get.If you want to sell a vintage guitar, get several appraisals and talk to an experienced collector or dealer who can help you showcase the guitar for the best possible result