Checking a value of a guitar....

Anyone know of any websites that you can get a general idea of what a guitar is worth.

I tried trading in my acoustic/electric Washburn today and the dude wanted to only give me $125 with a hard case. What a rip since the guitar is for sale at another store for $499.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Check out ebay dude !

I have sold a shed load of stuff there recently. They don’t rob you blind like all of the music stores round here do (given half a chance) with there 25% fee for selling on consignment and 75% fee for taking anything in part exchange....... never again !

I agree, you'll do best on Ebay. Plus, Ebay is like a real-time, real-world Blue Book of sorts. I traded in a Gibson recently and the guy went to the back and checked what they were selling on Ebay for...

I've sold a bunch of stuff on Ebay recently as well and you'll get a lot more there than you will at any shop.

Yeah, I've thought about Ebay but I've never used it before. (I know, I know, don't laugh)

My Washburn is Model D-10EB, which lists from washburn.com for $439, plus the hardcase that lists for $129. Considering the guitar isn't new, it's a 1999, it's still in great shape. No dings or scratches. I was hoping to get at least $400 for it and the case. I was trying to trade it in, so he was going to give me $150 total off the price of the guitar I wanted. What a rip off.

Oh well, guess I'll have to resort to Ebay. I'm still going to try a few local shops around here.

Im my experience, on ebay, if it is in Mint condition and you are lucky you can aim for about 75% of the new price (i.e. the price people are paying (i.e. sale price) at an online store like http://www.Musiciansfriend.com). Ignore the list price that is meaningless!

You think $400 is a bit much???

Should I have taken $150 on trade???

......?

What do you think?

Originally posted by Pantallica1
...Should I have taken $150 on trade???...

It comes down to what you think your time is worth. Selling on eBay can mean dealing with some putz who can't come good for his bid.

Most, and by that I mean something like 99% of eBayers are good, honest people, but even 1% of the millions of eBay users can add up to a pile of frustration.

The odds are in your favour. You can get much better value for your stuff. And you are likely to be dealing with someone who appreciates the value-for-price that eBay makes possible. Just be prepared to spend some time getting the deal done. If you're really in a hurry, you may find the offer from the shops doesn't look so bad.

Given the kind of overhead costs that a store has to carry, and the possible delay in turn-around, $150 trade-in on a $400 item is probably a reasonable offer, from the shop's point of view. You don't have to like it, or even accept it - it's just one of your options.

So I guess it's pretty much comparable to buying a new car. No matter what you paid for your used one, you aren't going to get what you paid for it. Damn depreciation.

Originally posted by Pantallica1
So I guess it's pretty much comparable to buying a new car....

An interesting comparison. I drive a 20-year-old car that I bought on eBay for $725... a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham! :D

Ugh, I hate working on those cars!!! I'm a mechanic, and those cars are a pain, anything Cadillac!!! *runs*