Inherited Instrument Guide
How to Appraise an Inherited Fender, Gibson, or Martin (Checklist)
If you inherited a vintage guitar or amp, the first goal is clarity, not speed. This checklist helps families protect value, avoid common mistakes, and make better decisions about keeping, insuring, or selling.
1. Do Not Clean or Replace Parts First
Avoid aggressive cleaning, refinishing, or hardware swaps before documentation. Original condition details can materially affect value and historical importance.
2. Photograph Everything Clearly
- Full front and back
- Headstock front and rear
- Serial/date markings
- Bridge, pickups, controls, and tuners
- Amp faceplate, back panel, transformers, and tube chart (if present)
3. Capture Ownership Story and Repairs
Write down what the family knows: who owned it, when it was purchased, and any known repair or modification history. Provenance and context can influence significance.
4. Identify Value Drivers Before Selling
- Original finish and electronics
- Correct period hardware
- Structural condition
- Model-year desirability
- Market demand for Fender/Gibson/Martin variants
5. Compare Paths: Keep, Insure, or Sell
A good appraisal should help you decide what is best for your family, not force a rushed transaction. If you do sell, insist on transparent explanation of how value was determined.