Inherited a Guitar?

You’re not expected to know what you have. This guide will help you take the first steps calmly, understand value without pressure, and decide what’s right for your family.

Tell Us About the GuitarSee Our Process

You’re Not Expected to Know What You Have

If you’ve recently inherited a guitar or amplifier, you may be holding something valuable, historic, or deeply personal—and not know where to start. That’s normal.

Most families we speak with don’t know:

  • The exact year or model
  • Whether it’s original
  • If it’s rare or common
  • What it might be worth
  • Whether it should even be sold
Our role is to help you understand what you have before any decisions are made.

Take Your Time — There Is No Rush

One of the most common mistakes families make is selling too quickly. You may receive fast offers, confident opinions, and pressure to “act now.”

Vintage guitars are not commodities. They are historical objects with stories, context, and nuance.

A guitar that has been in a family for decades deserves a thoughtful evaluation—not a rushed transaction.

Why Many Families Feel Uncomfortable Selling to Dealers

Traditional vintage dealers operate on resale. That means they must buy below market value, and the instrument is relisted for profit.

Families often see it for sale days later at a much higher price—especially painful when the guitar belonged to a parent or grandparent.

How The Custodian Guitar Project Is Different

We are not a dealer.

We acquire instruments for a private, permanent collection—never for resale.

  • We can pay top market value
  • There is no pressure to flip
  • The instrument goes to one lifelong home
  • Its history is respected and preserved
The instrument’s story continues—it doesn’t end with a listing.

What Types of Instruments Do We Evaluate?

We specialize in historically significant American instruments, including:

  • Electric guitars (1950s–1960s) — primarily Fender and Gibson
  • Tube amplifiers (1950s–1960s) — vintage Fender and Gibson
  • Acoustic guitars (1930s–1950s) — primarily American-built instruments

Condition matters less than originality and story. Wear, repairs, and honest use are expected—and often appreciated.

Our Process (Simple and Respectful)

Step 1

Initial Conversation

You share what you know and send photos (if available).

Step 2

Historical Evaluation

We identify the instrument and explain its significance in plain language.

Step 3

Clear Offer

If appropriate, we make an offer and explain how it was determined.

Step 4

In-Person Experience

When possible, we meet in person and handle the instrument with care.

Step 5

No Obligation

Whether you sell or not, the information is yours to keep.

If You’re Not Ready to Sell

That’s completely fine. Many families contact us simply to understand what they have, decide whether to keep it, or learn how to store and care for it properly.

We’re happy to help—without expectation.

Tell Us About the Guitar

If you’d like to start a conversation, we’d be honored. Share as much or as little as you know. Photos help, but aren’t required.

Tell Us About an InstrumentRead Our Philosophy