We buy guitars, basses, banjos, mandolins, amps, and ukes!

Guitar Appraisal Online - Vintage Guitar Appraisals

Appraisals from Gruhn Guitars
Your musical instrument is more than just a piece of wood -- it's an investment. A written appraisal from Gruhn Guitars 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.

George Gruhn has been buying and selling used instruments since 1963, and Gruhn Guitars, established in 1970, was one of the first stores devoted to vintage and used fretted instrument sales. He is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on vintage guitars, mandolins and banjos. He brings over 50 years of experience to an instrument appraisal, as well as the decades of experience of the Gruhn staff members.

Online Appraisal Service
Appraisals are available by uploading the following to our secure appraisal site. Please see the online appraisal submission form further below:

  • Front and back photos of the instrument (required). Additional photos can be uploaded in order to include detailed photos if necessary. Please limit file size to 25MB.
  • Serial number
  • Description of modifications, repairs and other issues not apparent from photos
  • Credit card information for $75 appraisal fee
  • Mailing address
  • Email address

Upon completion, a copy of the appraisal will be sent to you by email and the original appraisal will be sent via USPS. If you prefer to request an appraisal by regular mail, please include the items listed above along with a check or money order for $75 in U.S. funds.

Detailed Appraisals
For appraisals requiring the examination of 10 or more photos, a higher fee may apply. Please contact us at 615.256.2033 or gruhn@gruhn.com to discuss.

In-Hand Appraisals
Appraisals are available at the shop during regular business hours. This detailed appraisal will provide a significantly higher level of service and certainty than one done from photos alone since your instrument will be thoroughly examined by our repair staff and evaluated in-hand by George Gruhn.

Acoustic guitars
Archtop: $125
Flattop: $125

Banjos/Mandolins:
Gibson pre-war flathead Mastertone & Loar-signed instruments: $275
Any other banjo/mandolin: $125

Fender Electric Guitars & Basses
1950-1976: $275
1977-present day: $125

Gibson/Epiphone Electric Guitars & Basses
1950-1965: $225
1966-present day: $125

Gretsch Electric Guitars
1954-1967: $225
1968-present day: $125

All other instruments/brands: $125

Complimentary Appraisals
Upon request, we will provide an appraisal at no charge for any instrument you buy from us within two years of the purchase date.

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.

Gruhn Guitars - Online Appraisal Service
Gruhn Guitars specializes in vintage and used fretted instruments including guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and amplifiers. Appraisals are written by George Gruhn and the Gruhn Guitars staff. Our fee of $75 is payable by credit card through our secure payment site. Please fill out the form below and upload your photos, then click "Save" to proceed to the next page to provide your mailing address and billing information.

Instrument Photos - File size limit 25MB per photo
Front and back photos of each instrument are required. It is possible to include up to 6 additional photos which can be used to detail the condition of the instrument and/or any modifications or repairs which should be seen to adequately assess your instrument from photos.

Files must be less than 25 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.
Files must be less than 50 MB.
Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg.

Please include the following information:
- Serial number and any other numbers, including the area where these numbers are found.
- Any modifications/damage/repairs not visible in the photos.
- Any repairs that need to be done to the instrument.