Free Initial Estimate
Upload basic photos for a condition and era assessment within three business days—no obligation.
Begin by submitting four required images: front, back, headstock, and fretboard close-up. Our archivists check the instrument against known production variations, serial number ranges, and factory changes to determine model accuracy and approximate year of manufacture. This triage phase filters obvious misidentifications and flags potential red flags—like reproductions or non-standard modifications—that affect valuation legitimacy.
The estimate reflects current market positioning for similar unrestored instruments in comparable condition, using our internal ledger of verified recent transactions. It does not substitute for full authentication but gives you a reliable baseline to decide next steps. Many owners use this to confirm suspicion about an instrument’s rarity or to gauge whether deeper appraisal makes financial sense.
There is no fee or commitment required at this stage. You will receive a written summary including era range, model confirmation status, and initial condition assessment. If the instrument appears historically significant or rare, our team may recommend proceeding to full certification—or suggest additional documentation needed for deeper analysis.
