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 can also answer some questions about mandolin technique and since there is no separate mandolin category, I figure they might be asked under guitar.
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.
It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but there are times that it is impossible without the instrument in hand
NOTE:
I have decided that I will mostly answer questions about vintage instruments, generally before 1940. You can send me questions about contemporary guitars, but most likely I will send them to the question pool if I feel that I cannot answer them without extensive research.
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; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com
Organizations Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com
Publications Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine
Question QUESTION: I have a Epiphone Guitar, Model Century, #64973. As a child I took music lessons from Bill Tapia and he found this guitar for me. I also have a Rickenbacher Black and white lap steel from the same time period (1952?) I have the original cases and the amp that came with the steel.
Do these have value and how should I store them? Should I wrap them in material? The case for the Epiphone, because the cases were not made as "cushy" as the new ones, worries me?? I am wondering if I have a need to insure these guitars on a separate policy? Any answers and help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your time and effort.
ANSWER: Hi DeeDee:
Of course these have value. Is the Epiphone a std guitar or a lap steel? Why do you want to store them -- why not play them?
The cases are fine as long as you are not traveling anywhere with them. If you are then get yourself some decent hardshell cases.
You will have to check with your insurance company. Generally in a homeowner's policy, they will insure anything that is in your house when damage or loss occurs. if it is outside the house you have to play for a rider. You will probably have to supply them with an official written appraisal of the value and for that you will need to go to an appraiser. if you don;t knwo of one nearby, vintage dealer such as Gruhn Guitars will do an appraisal for a fee. Check out at gruhn.com.
Ballpark value: Century guitar: $1,200-1,500
Rickenbacker lap steel model B: around $1,000
Best
Jim
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QUESTION: The Century is a standard guitar, in perfect condition and still has wonderful sound. Does that add to value? The Rickenbacher lap steel says electro and Los Angeles on the
top of the neck and has pat # 1881229 and then a #C2694. Every now and then I will take them out of the case a plunk on them, but haven't played in years. (Got married, had children and spent all my time at baseball, basketball, football, wrestling and whatever else they got involved in.) Never thought about them as having monitary value until Jim Springers wife was at our house last week and made me think I should take better care of them!
Answer Hi DeeDee:
Value is dependent on condition and originality. I am sure it is a nice guitar. I like Epiphones esp the older ones.
Monetary value is all right but only if you want to sell them. The value to you as musical instruments is more important. Maybe it is time to think about playing again. Too bad to have life get in the way of music, tho family is very important as well. I have both but music does sometimes have to take a back seat.
