Written Appraisals

Do you need an appraisal of your instrument? We are often asked to provide written appraisals of valuable fretted instruments. Whether your instrument is a 100-year-old family heirloom or a recently made "guitar of your dreams", there are many good reasons to have it appraised. A reputable appraisal helps you establish the current value for estate purposes, for theft or loss, or if you wish to sell. In any of these situations, you want to be sure that your instrument is neither undervalued nor overvalued. We recommend updating your appraisals at least every 5 years or so.

 

THE CHARGE FOR A WRITTEN APPRAISAL IS $50.00

Submit payment here, after you complete & submit the form below

Elderly Instruments has been buying and selling fine vintage and used instruments since 1972. We have sold many thousands of instruments in all price ranges — all the big brand names, as well as a wide variety of lesser known makers. We have seen and sold just about everything, and our experience and integrity in the vintage instruments business has established us as a reputable source for appraisals. Our 3 main appraisers have been on staff at Elderly for a combined total of over 100 years.

 

HOW TO GET YOUR APPRAISAL DONE

I. Fill out the form at this link or send the information with photos by snail mail.
We will need good quality photos and an accurate description of the condition and any unusual features, including the state of originality (to the best of your knowledge) and serial number or unusual marks. We will also need your contact information (email, street address & phone) and payment information.

If you have more than one instrument, please submit a separate form for each one.

We will mail you the completed appraisal via US Mail as well as via email.

Appraisal requests we receive through the mail (i.e. not in person) will be accompanied by a qualifying statement explaining that we can only be certain of the appraisal to the extent that the information and photos we received provide all relevant and accurate information about the instrument.

II. You may also bring your instrument(s) to our store in Lansing, Michigan. 
It is generally most efficient to make an appointment for an appraisal. Call (517) 372-7880 ext 102 or email us at appraisals@elderly.com.

III. If you would like an appraisal of an instrument that you  bought from us in the last two years, we will provide that appraisal at no charge.

Since 1972 we have been in the business of buying, selling, and consigning all vintage and used fretted instruments, especially acoustic and electric guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, basses, amps and more. Please consider us if you are interested in any of these options.