Vintage guitars, violins, brass and woodwind instruments, effects pedals, and valve amplifiers. Every instrument assessed individually — maker identified, condition noted, market value researched.
Musical instruments found in attics, inherited from family members, or left over from gigging days are frequently sold for a fraction of their value. A 1960s Fender in a cupboard, a pre-war Martin acoustic, or a vintage Selmer saxophone can be worth thousands. Free insured postage. Written valuation. Paid in 72 hours.
For guitars, the three factors that matter most are: maker and model, year of manufacture, and originality. A 1960s Fender Stratocaster with all original parts — pickups, tuners, bridge, pots, wiring — is worth significantly more than one with replacement parts, even if the replacements are high quality. Original finish, even with honest player wear, is preferred to a refinish.
For violins and orchestral instruments, the maker is everything. The label inside a violin is not reliable — thousands of factory instruments carry "Stradivarius" labels. A genuine assessment requires examination of the wood, varnish, scroll carving, and construction techniques. We provide honest assessments and will tell you clearly whether your violin is a factory instrument or something more significant.
For effects pedals and amplifiers, the collector market is driven by specific models from specific eras. A 1970s Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer is worth £300–£600. A modern reissue of the same pedal is worth £80. Serial numbers, component types, and circuit board versions are all assessed.
Most instruments can be posted safely using our free insured labels. For larger items — cellos, double basses, large amplifier cabinets, drum kits — contact us and we can arrange a courier collection from your address. The same written valuation process applies: every instrument assessed, opened live on YouTube, and paid within 72 hours.
Tell us what instruments you have. We send a free prepaid, tracked and insured label the same working day.
Use the original case if available. Loosen guitar strings. Wrap headstock and body separately. Insured to £5,000 from the moment the courier scans it.
Your parcel is opened publicly on YouTube before any specialist touches the contents. Broadcast time confirmed in advance. Every item visible on camera.
Maker identified. Serial number checked. Condition assessed. Written valuation with explanation. Accept or decline. Return free. Paid within 72 hours — or +3%.
Call us on 01234 815116 or email support@fairvintage.co.uk.
Order your free pack →Pre-1970 Fender and Gibson electric guitars are the most sought after. A 1950s–1960s Stratocaster or Les Paul Standard in original condition can be worth thousands. Acoustic guitars by Martin and Gibson (pre-war models) are also highly valuable. Condition, originality, and the original case are critical factors.
Violin values vary enormously. Factory-made violins with "Stradivarius" labels are common and typically worth £50–£200. Genuinely hand-made violins by named makers can be worth hundreds to thousands. The label is not reliable — we assess the wood, varnish, and construction to determine true value.
Yes. Loosen the strings, wrap the headstock and body separately in bubble wrap, place in the case, then in an outer box with padding. Insured to £5,000 from the moment the courier scans it. We can arrange courier collection for instruments too large to post.
Yes. Vintage pedals — Boss, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Electro-Harmonix, Dallas Rangemaster, Fuzz Face — are actively collected. Valve amps by Fender, Marshall, and Vox have strong markets. Each unit is assessed on condition, originality, and specific model demand.
Order your free insured postage pack. Every instrument assessed by a specialist, valued in writing, opened live on YouTube. Paid within 72 hours.