Recommendations for a good guitar appraiser

All -

I'm looking for a good appraiser. I've seen guitar listings on Ebay that describe the guitar as having just been returned from appraisal at Gruhn's, but I can't find any info on the Gruhn's appraisal service; only their guide.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance -

- Scott

Scott, I haven't read up on Gruhn's lately, but in the past, you could call them and arrange to ship your guitar to them for appraisal. Their appraisals are usually spot on, but keep in mind that they are much more likely to correctly examine a 40's acoustic than an 80's electric. They are really into vintage acoustics. I've talked with them in the past, and they are good, fair and reputable.

The only downsides are the shipping costs and the time involved.

If you are in a large city, there are plenty of good appraisers, if you just seek them out. Also, unless your guitar is a real rarity, using sources like Vintage Guitar, and comparing prices help a lot. Of course, if there is a guitar show in the area, you'll find plenty of appraisers there.

I don't know what kind of guitar you need appraised, but, for example, if it was a very old Strat, an appraiser would, for example, read the code numbers off of the pickup wiring and check if it matches the wiring used in that particular year. In brief, in serious appraisal, it is the tiny details that really verify a true original vintage instrument.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Thanks, JD!

Incidentally, this item, a '56 tele neck, spec's out correctly; I'm looking for an expert that can spot a subtle detail that would determine if it is indeed what it claims to be or a fraud.

I think I'll have it carbon-dated.

- Scott

Go to http://www.gruhnguitars.com click on 'appraisal' on the left side.

Thanks, Jon -

Actually, I found their site shortly after posting. I called them and will be shipping them the neck for appraisal.

- Scott

Scott, if you are in the '90+% sure it's the real thing' department, contact one or more vintage dealers and arrange for an appraisal.

Believe me, if you look for a bit, you'll find a dealer or collector who specializes in 1950's Fender Tele necks. (For example, a long time ago, I used to ship guitars, mostly vintage Gretsch models, to guitar shows. My job was to check the binding, and determine whether it was original or artificially replaced to look 'distressed.' Being a Fender guy, I really wasn't familiar with binding, but once I was shown what to look for, it was quite interesting.)

Necks are easy to ship, plus you can insure them, photograph every square inch of it in advance, and send them certified and registered with return receipt requested. (This is basically the same method used to ship expensive watches, rare coins, and legal documents.)

Congratulations on a great find! jim

Glad you found him. He's only the easiest guitar guy to find on all of the Internet!!!

All you have to do is type - guitars.com - into your browser location bar, and there he is! Just owning that URL makes him a rich man...

Regards, John King

'Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.' - Will Rogers