FAQ

How much does a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom cost to purchase?

USD $60,000-$100,000. These triple humbucking Les Pauls are prized amongst collectors. Gibson set a new standard with a one piece solid mahogany body, ebony fingerboard and gold hardware.

A fine version of the piece is available here from Gary’s Classic Guitars:


https://www.garysguitars.com/catalog/1961-gibson-les-paul-custom

How much is a 1951 Fender Telecaster guitar worth?

USD $120,000-$160,000. If current market conditions are to be believed in 2022, these first year Fender guitars can easily fetch over USD$100,000.

An example is available here from Lefty Vintage Guitars:


https://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-blackguard-tele-1951-blonde

How much does a 1954 Fender Stratocaster guitar cost?

USD $120,000-$160,000. As with 1950-1952 Blackguard Broadcasters and Telecasters, this particular Fender guitar is the first of its generation, and thus, depending on condition, will see a sale price (September 2022) somewhere in excess of USD$100,000.

A prime example of a “first-year” Stratocaster is available here from True Vintage Guitars:


https://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-stratocaster-1954-sunburst-42

What is a Fiesta Red 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar worth?

USD $60,000-$90,000. With two Fiesta Red models currently available in the USA, as of September 2022, these guitars are attracting a sale price of around USD $75,000.

The 1964 example pictured below is available from OK Guitars.


https://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-stratocaster-1964-fiesta-red-1

How much does a 1961 Gibson ES-355 TDCSV guitar sell for?

USD $29,000. As of January 2024, this guitar from Gary’s Guitars in Cincinatti sells for around USD $29,000 imported in Australia after taxes and duty.

This particular 1961 ES-355 Custom model has a Sideways Tremolo and original PAF’s.


https://www.garysguitars.com/catalog/1961-gibson-es-355-stereo

What is a 1963 Gibson ES-355 TDCSV guitar worth?

USD $22,000-$28,000. As of September 2023, this guitar from Southside Guitars in New York sells for around USD $24,000 imported in Australia after taxes and duty.

This particular 1963 ES-355 Custom model has a Bigsby Tremolo and the following modifications: Refretted, Changed Nut, Tuners Changed To Grovers, Newer Posts and Wheels.


https://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-es-355-1963-cherry-red

How much is my vintage guitar worth? Can you value it?

As part of our consignment process, Vintage Electric can value your instrument. We simply need to see the guitar and have it in our possession to make sure it is “as described” before an assessment and valuation are conducted. Logically, we cannot offer valuations over the phone.

Will my vintage guitar go up in value?

Impossible to predict. One opinion expressed to us from collectors is that “as the collectible vintage pieces become more difficult to source, one might expect price increases on certain pieces, especially those with low production numbers”.

Although vintage guitars can be slow to sell into the market, continued strong interest, particularly for Fender and Gibson models has created a positive mood for collectors owning vintage guitars.

Are vintage guitars a good investment?

Yes. Based on historical prices, there is now a concentration of investor attention on 1950’s-1970’s Fender and Gibson electric guitars, basses and amps. The earlier pieces are attractive to investors as they have offered consistent returns over the decades due to their desirability. In addition, Martin acoustics in the 1930’s are particularly collectable in 2022 and have seen some of the highest investment returns over the last decade.

What is the most expensive guitar on your website?

That would the 1961 Fender Stratocaster followed by the 1951 Fender Telecaster and then the 1963 Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster.

1961 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White

The Vic Flick 1961 Fender Stratocaster

Do you consign vintage guitars on your site?

Yes. Vintage Electric have the simplest consignment model in Australia for vintage guitar collectors. An upfront fee of $300 is charged to get the guitar onto our website including inspection, appraisal, valuation and photography.

We take possession of the guitar for the consignment period, and once a piece sells, we then send the client 90% of the sale proceeds, and then take care of all logistics for the customer. A simple process and risk free for both parties.

Where are your vintage guitars located?

The primary vintage guitar collections are located in secure storage in Australia in Perth, Western Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, and Brisbane, Queensland.

Do you offer returns and refunds?

Yes. Customers have 48 hours after delivery to return instruments and amplifiers in their original packaging back to us for a refund if there is an issue discovered not described with the instrument.

Have customers ever returned a vintage piece?

Not one. After selling over 200 vintage pieces, no customer has ever asked to return a piece.

When people make an offer on a guitar, what happens?

If an offer is accepted, the applicant has 4 business days to pay for the piece for the agreed amount.

Where did you buy the guitars?

The majority of the guitars were imported from private vintage collectors in Australia, the US, Japan and Europe.

Can I pay a guitar off over time?

Yes. Layby of instruments involves a minimum 50% deposit with up to 60 days following to pay the remainder. After 60 days, if the instrument is not purchased outright as per the layby agreement, a default fee of 20% of the value of the product sale price as written in the invoice is retained and the remainder of all monies received is returned to the purchaser.

Do you charge GST?

Sales within Australia of our own stock include GST. Exports of instruments outside of Australia are exclusive of GST. Consigned guitars are exclusive of GST.