Antique Musical Instruments/old guitar

Advertisement

Expert: Jim Garber - 6/13/2009


Question
have a Washburn guitar, an electric acoustic guitar; it was the George and Washburn inside ; numbers I can best make out are 5807078 and below tht it appears to say D 130B/N; a friend of mine purshased it at an auction over 11 years ago, and at that time they told he it was worth about 2500.00; would you know anything about this guitar? Thank you in avance for your time in this manner.

Answer
The Washburn D130 was an unusual guitar in that the top was made of ash -- most acoustics have the top of spruce. The serial number really doesn't up to anything tho might indicate 1995.

http://www.washburn.com/about-us/customer-service/washburn-guitar-archives.html

I highly doubt that this was worth $2500. it is a fairly new middling grade instrument and I find no indication anywhere that it is highly desirable in the vintage market. Perhaps i am wrong, tho, and there is some reason why someone would pay such a price -- i don;t think that any modern Washburn would be valued that high.

perhaps there is a zero missing and it is $250?

best
Jim

Antique Musical Instruments

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jim Garber

Expertise

PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.

I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: it is near-impossible to accurately appraise a violin or bow remotely. If you truly want to find out what you have, you will likely need to take it to a reputable local dealer. Many of these folks will at least give you a verbal assessment of what you have after an inspection in hand and, if it is indeed worth something, can write you up a formal appraisal, usually for a fee.

If you have any questions about zithers please check the following sites:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ or
http://www.fretlesszithers.net/
Between the two of them, they have it all covered for any zither-like instrument.

Experience

I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.

Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe

Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.