Vintage Gibson Values

Vintage Gibson Values

Do you have a Gibson guitar and would like to know how much it is worth? On this page, you will find questions and answers about the value of specific Gibson Guitars.

The Gibson Guitar Corporation in Nashville, Tennessee, was founded in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Michigan by Orville Gibson. In the beginning Gibson made only mandolins. Gibson invented the archtop guitar and, in the 30's, added flattop acoustic guitars and hollowbody electric guitars. In the early 1950s, Gibson introduced its first solid-body electric guitar and in 1952 began producing its most popular guitar to date—the Les Paul.


The Most Valuable Gibson Guitars

1957-58 Les Paul Gold Top

1957 Les Paul Custom

1957 Les Paul Custom (The Black Beauty)

Vintage Gibson Values--What is YOUR guitar worth?

To determine the value of you Gibson guitar, you must know the model and the year of manufacture. There is a site that offers free serial number look ups to determine the year. The site is called "The Guitar Dater Project--Gibson Serial Number Decoder. Just do a search for it.

You must also determine whether your guitar is in Original Condition. Any modifications, including tuning keys, pick-ups, bridges, and especially refinishes will lower the value of your Gibson.

You need to evaluate the condition of your guitar. Does it look almost new with very little damage, does it look as though it has been played a lot with a few scratches and some fret wear, or is it a complete wreck? The condition of the guitar is extremely important in determining the value.

The amount of demand for the particular year and model will also greatly affect the value. The more people who want the guitar, the more they are willing to pay.

Determining the Value

Once you have the above information in hand, you can get a general idea of the value by searching for your guitar on eBay. There you will be able to find out what people are asking for guitars similar to yours. You can also search for your guitar in the Harmony Central reviews. Most of these reviews mention how much the owner paid for the guitar.

If you want a completely accurate evaluation of your Gibson, my advice would be to go to the experts at Blue Book of Guitar Values . You can get an evaluation of one guitar for less than $5.00, or you can subscribe, as I have, so that you can evaluate as many guitars as you want. I have found this service to be accurate and extremely useful.

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