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When does the value of a used (valuable) instrument go up instead of down? For example, when does the value of a used Les Paul start to go up? And how much should be taken off the price of a used instrument like a Gibson that's only a few years old?

The value goes up when the guitar or (a) part(s) of the guitar get(s) rare, for example old dirty finger loaded Gibson guitars. A good example of a guitar would be the discontinued PRS Singlecut, and an amp would be a late 60's Marshall quot;Plexiquot;.

The resale-value of a second hand instrument is usually determined by the state, and on really high end instruments on whether it's still original and has all the stock parts.

Two things must happen:1. It must go out of production.

2. Someone famous must use it.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I guess what I was asking was pertaining to models that are still being sold, but are just older. Like, would a 1980 Les Paul Standard be more expensive than a 1970 model, or the other way around?

with LPS and strats, there are certain periods where quality was high and the price for them is higher than the price for ones made in periods when quality was low ... that being said, in the irrational exuberance that is the vintage guitar marketplace, even crappy 'old' ones start to fetch a high price even though they suck (e.g. pancake LPs, CBS strats, etc)

caveat emptor and buy em to play em

t4d

Thanks for the info, T4D. What were the actual years of the notorious low-quality period at Gibson?

Anyone?

Bueller? Ferris?

Basically Norlin era Gibsons. While the 68-69 Les Pauls are deservedly sought after, the large headstocked, pancake bodied, volute havin', 3 piece topped, plasticly finished, 3 piece maple necked havin', obtusely heavy (and possibly stock Kahler equipped) Norlins from 69-86 are probably the least collectable Les Pauls.

For anybody that's offended by that- what feature does your LP have?- if it has any of the above traits- those aren't good things...


Originally Posted by The Golden BoyBueller? Ferris?

Hahah.

Thanks for the info.