Any Musical Instrument Appraisers In the Tampa Bay Florida Area?

[mjk6string]

The whole purpose for me joining this forum is mainly because I love my two Guild Guitars. But also, because I need to get them insured and my insurance company wants an idea o the value of the two guitars. I have my D-40 NT made in 2/1987 (Pre-fender) and she is my baby. She is a beauty with veneer cracks that make her looked aged, but I've NEVER owned a guitar that is so easy on the hands and never goes out of tune even changing weather conditions. She is my go to guitar as the sound just get's better and better as the years pass. Yeah, she got a few road warrior scars like any good guitar would. But to hear her sing is just magical.

Then, there is my Dream Guitar, the fully decked out D-55 with the gorgeous pearl inlay on the neck and around the sound hole and the gold colored tuning keys. This guitar is a beast and probably weighs about twice that of my D-40 but when you strum the strings, it fills a room. This was made in 8/2007 and is in really good condition with little to no signs of wear.

Anyone who can point me in the direction of how I can get these somewhat accurately appraised in or around the Tamp Bay FL area, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[awagner]

Welcome!

For insurance purposes, it is generally not necessary to obtain an appraisal for instruments valued below a certain amount.

I have a Clarion policy, and they only require appraisals for instruments being insured for more than $5,000. For all others, I set the amount I want each guitar to be insured for.

Although you did not ask, I would suggest that you not insure through your homeowner's policy. Rather, I would separately insure your instruments with a company like Clarion or Heritage, who specialize in musical instrument insurance, Their coverage is much better and reasonably priced. This is particularly true if you play out and/or travel with your guitars.

We can certainly give you realistic valuations of your guitars, if that is all you are looking for, based on their age and condition.

FWIW, based on your descriptions, and since these are insurance values, i would insure your D40 and D55 for $2,000 and $3,000 respectively.

 

[mjk6string]

Welcome!

For insurance purposes, it is generally not necessary to obtain an appraisal for instruments valued below a certain amount.

I have a Clarion policy, and they only require appraisals for instruments being insured for more than $5,000. For all others, I set the amount I want each guitar to be insured for.

Although you did not ask, I would suggest that you not insure through your homeowner's policy. Rather, i would separately insure your instruments with a company like Clarion or Heritage, who specialize in musical instrument insurance, Their coverage is much better and reasonably priced. This is particularly true if you play out and/or travel with your guitars.

We can certainly give you realistic valuations of your guitars, if that is all you are looking for, based on their age and condition.

FWIW, based on your descriptions, and since these are insurance values, i would insure your D40 and D55 for $2,000 and $3,000 respectively.

Great Info - Thank you so much. - Although I have to say, it concerns me that I paid a little over $3800 for my D-55 in 2017, I may have been taken as it was a private sale.

 

[mjk6string]

Great Info - Thank you so much. - Although I have to say, it concerns me that I paid a little over $3800 for my D-55 in 2017, I may have been taken as it was a private sale.

Anyway, thank you for this info - I will certainly contact Clarion regarding the Insurance on them.

 

[awagner]

Although I have to say, it concerns me that I paid a little over $3800 for my D-55 in 2017, I may have been taken as it was a private sale.

In this environment, my valuation of the D55 may be low, although $3,800 seems a bit high for that model and year. But it is a burst, and in the long run it does not matter if you enjoy the guitar.

 

[mjk6string]

In this environment, my valuation of the D55 may be low, although $3,800 seems a bit high for that model and year. But it is a burst, and in the long run it does not matter if you enjoy the guitar.

It kind of matters if anything ever happens to it and I want to replace it, - I was just on the Guild Website and now it is retailing at $5,300.00

 

[GAD]

New always costs more than used. Guitars rarely keep their value or appreciate.

If you want a good feel for what D55s are selling for do a sold items search on Reverb. Bear in mind the results do not reflect accepted offers.

 

[GardMan]

Gruhn's will do an appraisal based on pics e-mailed to them. See: https://guitars.com/appraisals

$75/ea.

Since my guitars rarely travel, I opted to add a rider to my home owners policy. Insurance did NOT ask for detailed appraisels, just asked if I had receipts and a value based on comparable instruments. I have considered sending pics of my four limited additions to Gruhn's for appraisals... just never seem to get around to it.

 

[awagner]

It kind of matters if anything ever happens to it and I want to replace it, - I was just on the Guild Website and now it is retailing at $5,300.00

Apples and oranges. Your D55 was used when you bought it. If something happened to it, you would be entitled to replacement value of that guitar, not a brand new one.

 

[fronobulax]

Ask your insurer or prospective insurer questions. For example a rider on a homeowner's policy often has restrictions on coverage outside of your home. How often and whether you are compensated for playing both effect whether a loss would be covered or not. You should also consider whether you are looking for a dollar value or "replacement cost". I do not consider a new or used Newark Street Starfire Bass a replacement for my '67 Starfire Bass because of the difference in pickups. But my insurer needs to understand that two very similar sounding descriptions have significant differences in the fair market value, and hence, replacement cost.

Finally, remember the purpose of insurance is to protect you from a significant financial loss. If you, for example, could lose $5000 and not end up starving and on the street you might not need insurance. Similarly if you consider the instrument irreplaceable it might not make sense to have insurance to replace it.

 

[HeyMikey]

I’ve been able to insure mine simply with a description and couple examples of similar Reverb or other online listings. They pushed for an appraisal but I pushed back with the comparable listings and they approved.

 

[Brad Little]

..... For example a rider on a homeowner's policy often has restrictions on coverage outside of your home. How often and whether you are compensated for playing both effect whether a loss would be covered or not....

They usually include if you are playing in any venue that charges admission, like an open mic or benefit concert, even if you are not compensated.
FWIW, I have Heritage, around $200 a year for up to $20,000 coverage. Includes just about any circumstances except theft from an unlocked vehicle.