Appraisal Service

APPRAISAL SERVICE
Your musical instrument is more than just a piece of wood -- it's an investment. In the last 25 years, top-of-the-line vintage guitars have outperformed the stock market, precious metals and other collectibles. A written appraisal from Mandolin World Headquarters costs just $100 and protects your investment by establishing the value of your guitar in the current market, which is valuable information for your banker, insurance agent and your peace of mind.
The value of an instrument is directly related to the make, model, year made, originality, condition, playability, scarcity, and market demand. To properly appraise an instrument requires the brand, model, serial number, color, year of manufacture, a full description of its condition (preferably including photographs of the front and back) along with repairs done or needed and the type of case. These factors interweave in a complex equation to give the value of an instrument. Like any used goods, the cardinal rule is: The value of a used instrument is what someone is willing to pay!
Charles Johnson, owner of Mandolin World Headquarters, has been buying and selling used instruments since 1983. He is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on vintage guitars and mandolins.
If you have an instrument to sell, please send me an email with the information in the first paragraph included. If it is the type of instrument we are looking for I'll respond with either an offer or a request for more information. Please include your phone number as well.
If you are not looking to sell your instrument at this time or need the market value for insurance purposes, I offer an appraisal service. I offer this service free with any instrument bought from us, and the appraisal charge for other instruments is relatively small compared to the value of your investment.
The easiest way to get an appraisal is online. Please send an email with the information requested below. Once the information is received and payment is made we will email you a copy of the appraisal and send a hard copy via postal mail (in the USA only - foreign postage is higher).
To submit an appraisal request by postal mail, please send:
1. Clear color front and back photo prints of the instrument.
2. Serial number and any other numbers, including the area where these numbers are found.
3. Descriptions of any modifications/damage/repairs not visible in the photos.
4. A list of any repairs that need to be done to the instrument.
5. $100 per instrument (Visa/Mastercard/check or money order drawn from a bank in the USA).
6. Mailing address, daytime phone number, and email address (if applicable).

We buy, sell and consign instruments, so if your instrument is for sale or if you're thinking of selling, please let us know. If you decide to sell or consign your instrument with us, we will refund the appraisal fee.
Call 804-937-4880 for more information or to schedule an appraisal in person.
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