any guitar fanatics here

[sledmanhof]

I recently was given a guitar from my grandma that used to be my grandpa's. Its a late 60's or early 70's Gibson ES 225 or 325 i dont quite remember and it is beyond mint condition. My grandpa died in 84 and it hasnt been played since then. Anyway i was just curious what the value of it might be today. Im not gonna sell it but was just wondering about it. If anyone knows a range i would be interested in it.

thanks

 

[Gaz]

Both of these models are semi-hollow body electric's. The Gibson ES 225 was built from 1955 - 1959. Single pickup models weren't as desireable as the 2 pickup model. There were various EX 3XX models (330, 350, 335) that were built anywhere from the mid 50's to present day. The real thing that's going to determine value is condition and numbers produced.

Get in touch with a vintage guitar dealer in your area and ask them to give you an appraisal. Let me know if you need a number and I can refer you to a place in SLC. My experience with these guys is that they'll give you a fair estimate of what it's worth. If they offer to buy it from you right away, sight unseen, you've got something to hang onto. Hope this helps.

~Gaz

 

[bonz50]

the guys to call are Gruhn Guitars in Nashville... they deal almost exclusivly in vintage gear and cater to high end musicians... guessing that if that is indeed a MINT 60's vintage gibson, you're probably lookin at 8-10k minimum... whenever you can legitimately attach "Vintage" to any guitar, the price at least doubles... gibsons are expensive to begin with, adding the vintage tag virtually ensures that you've got a piece of $$ on your hands... though I'd probably hold onto it unless the $$ was just ridiculous, like 20k or more...

 

[HeadLever]

I know a guitarist that has a mid-50s Super 400 which is also the semi-hollow electric. The price on that puppy is around $35,000 or so (and that was a couple of years ago). Needless to say, it spends most of its time locked up.

 

[Mafesto]

Find what it's worth & get it listed on your homeowners ins.

 

[justadude]

Good advice!!

Find what it's worth & get it listed on your homeowners ins.

 

[sledmanhof]

alright thanks guys. I looked at it again and it is a 225. I may take it to get it appraised. although im not going to sell it even if it were 100k just because it was my grandpa's guitar

 

[justadude]

Well since you are not going to sell it, can I borrow it!!
Pictures please!!!

alright thanks guys. I looked at it again and it is a 225. I may take it to get it appraised. although im not going to sell it even if it were 100k just because it was my grandpa's guitar

 

[Gaz]

I'd like to see some pictures too. I did a little research on this one and talked to a friend last night about the ES 225's. His opinion was that depending on the condition it could be valued at anywhere from $1500 on the low end to $5000+ on the high end. The actual appraisal could be different depending on alot of things but he said that the natural finish was worth more than the sunburst. The natural finish was produced in fewer quantities and are much harder to find considering this is a 50+ year old guitar.

Take it to a vintage guitar dealer or luthier in your area and ask them for an appraisal for insurance purposes. If you don't have one in your area, take a ton of pictures, especially any flaws / stress cracks / scratches / dings / etc., and email them to the dealer / luthier and ask if they can give you an estimate. Good luck.

~Gaz