SOLD Fender Telecaster 1956 SOLD - Mahar's Vintage Guitars

Who Buys Vintage Guitars, Basses & Amplifiers?

Sell Your Vintage Guitar, Bass, or Amp with Confidence

If you’re searching for who buys vintage guitars online, you’re likely looking for more than just a price — you’re looking for accuracy, integrity, and experience.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, I buy vintage and high-quality used guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, and entire collections, offering market-accurate evaluations backed by over 30 years of real-world buying and selling experience.

Whether you’re selling a single instrument or an entire estate, my goal is simple: clear information, fair market pricing, and a professional, pressure-free process.

Please always feel free to reach out to us at any time! You can email using the contact form below, or call us us directly: (530) 570-1525.

My shop is based in Chico, California, but I travel to buy vintage guitars.

We love talking guitars and look forward to hearing from you!

Fender Stratocaster Sunburst and Tweed Vibrolux 5F11 Amplifier 1957 One Owner Vintage - Mahar's Vintage Guitars

We Buy Vintage & Used Instruments

I actively purchase:

  • Vintage electric and acoustic guitars
  • Vintage bass guitars
  • Tube amplifiers (vintage and boutique)
  • Effects pedals
  • Speaker cabinets and related gear
  • Complete collections and estates

From pre-war acoustics to classic Fender and Gibson electrics, boutique amplifiers, and well-maintained modern instruments, every piece is evaluated individually based on condition, originality, demand, and current market trends. If you want to sell a guitar collection for cash, we're ready to talk!

Martin D - 28 “Shade Top” Sunburst 1950 – Extremely Rare, 1 of perhaps 4 Made - Mahar's Vintage Guitars

How Selling Your Vintage Guitar Works

Selling a vintage instrument doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. Start the Conversation
    Send photos and details about your instrument or collection. I’m happy to offer guidance before any commitment is made.
  2. Market-Accurate Evaluation
    Values are based on actual selling data — not inflated asking prices or outdated guides.
  3. Clear Options, No Pressure
    You’ll receive honest feedback, realistic expectations, and straightforward next steps.
  4. Secure Payment & Professional Handling
    Transactions are handled carefully, discreetly, and professionally.

This approach is designed to protect both the value of your instrument and your peace of mind.

Fender Tweed Bassman 5F6 - A 1960 Fully Serviced - Mahar's Vintage Guitars

Why Sellers Choose Mahar’s Vintage Guitars

Choosing the right vintage guitar buyer matters.

Many sellers come to me after encountering:

  • Inflated promises that fall apart later
  • Buyers without real market experience
  • Confusing or aggressive sales tactics

What sets Mahar’s Vintage Guitars apart:

  • 30+ years of buying and selling vintage instruments
  • Ethical, defensible valuations
  • Experience with estates, collections, and insurance documentation
  • No pressure to sell
  • Trusted by collectors, musicians, and families

If an instrument isn’t a good fit, I’ll tell you — and explain why.

Selling a Vintage Guitar Collection or Estate

Estate and collection sales require additional care.

I regularly work with:

  • Families settling estates
  • Trustees and executors
  • Long-time collectors downsizing
  • Musicians transitioning collections

In these situations, accuracy and transparency are critical. I provide clear guidance, realistic timelines, and professional documentation when needed, helping sellers make informed decisions at every stage.

Fender Stratocaster 1963 – Excellent & 100% Original Vintage Guitar Pre CBS - Mahar's Vintage Guitars

What Your Vintage Guitar Is Really Worth

The value of a vintage instrument depends on more than age alone.

Factors include:

  • Originality and condition
  • Historical desirability
  • Current collector demand
  • Recent verified sales data

My evaluations reflect what instruments are actually selling for today, not speculative asking prices or outdated price lists.

Start the Process — No Obligation

If you’re considering selling a vintage guitar, bass, amplifier, or collection, I’m happy to help you understand your options.

There’s no obligation and no pressure — just straightforward guidance from an experienced vintage guitar buyer.

👉 Contact Mahar’s Vintage Guitars to Sell Your Vintage Instrument

send us an email to learn more!

learn more about how we operate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you buy instruments outside of California?

Yes. I work with sellers nationwide and can help coordinate secure shipping when appropriate.

Do you offer appraisals?

Yes. I provide both casual evaluations and formal written appraisals for insurance, estates, and collections.

What brands do you buy?

Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Marshall, Vox, and many others — including boutique and lesser-known vintage brands.

Do I have to sell?

No. Many conversations never turn into sales, and that’s perfectly fine.