Need Help in Assessing Value of Uke

Seattle Bea · Mar 25, 2013

I'm new to this forum and learning about a whole new world of uke-afficiandos. I'm helping a 92-year old retired music teacher move into assisted living. She has a Guild Baritone uke. I learned (from a poster here!) that Guild only made these from 1964 to 1974 which would seem right since that's when she taught. It's serial number is U-393, and it's in very good condition. Would be excellent except it's got some nicks on the lower left side body. It's been kept in a soft case for eons. She also has uke music.

Could someone give me some information on what the uke is worth or the best way for me to determine its value. I don't want to undersell it especially since the senior needs as much financial assistance as possible. What about the sheet music/books?

Can post pictures at a later time if that would help.

haolejohn · Mar 25, 2013

Ebay is a good place to go to. Also recommend flea market music. There is a guy there that is the vintage uke expert. Not sure of his name but he has a link.

Seattle Bea · Mar 25, 2013

Thanks, I will check them out. I didn't have much luck on eBay as I didn't find any Guild ukes, only guitars.

Hippie Dribble · Mar 25, 2013

yes Bea, The Fleamarket Music site is a great resource. Chuck "Frets" Fayne is the fellow John's talking about. Here's a link to the page:

https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/uke-yak/default.asp

Definitely he is a great one from whom to seek advice.

Alternatively, if you posted some pictures here I'm sure there are some folks here who could help you out.

Newportlocal · Mar 25, 2013

Found this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111015386452
Also, elderly music may be able to help you sell it, or tell you it's worth.
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/180U-820.htm

Seattle Bea · Mar 25, 2013

Thanks for the links and suggestions. Here's some pictures.

Tigeralum2001 · Mar 25, 2013

Here is a great thread full of info (couldn't find value). http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?47394-Guild-Baritone-Ukulele

Once you figure that out, you might want to list it here as we have a lot of vintage fans. I'll PM some of my friends who are into vintage and ask them to weigh in.

Here is a link to someplace asking $350 (you can ask anything...). A picture of the back would be helpful, so we can assess condition. http://www.uncles-vintage-ukuleles.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

consitter · Mar 25, 2013

I would say it's only worth about $10. But, I'll give you $20 to help you out.

Seattle Bea · Mar 26, 2013

Wow, that's a big different, from maybe $350 to $10. I'll add a picture of the back and contact some of the other sources that were provided.

mm stan · Mar 26, 2013

Aloha Bea,
Not familiar with guild...and within those years you stated this uke is.....I would start off about 250-275 for this model and condition...it could be worth more..always best to start high and you
can drop the price if you get no bites.. but that is just what I would pay for it....I don't think guild was really a popular brand back then too...good luck so sorry your friend need to move in a home...

Morada · Mar 26, 2013

Bea - it's very nice of you to help sell this uke, and I hope the transition to assisted living goes well.

I would contact Elderly Instruments. It's a music store in Lansing, MI. You can sell it to them, or sell it through them on consignment.

http://elderly.com/vintage/buy_trade.html

strumsilly · Mar 26, 2013

Seattle Bea said:
Wow, that's a big different, from maybe $350 to $10. I'll add a picture of the back and contact some of the other sources that were provided.

shoot, I'll give you $25, only kidding, and so was consitter.
. since you are in a big city[assuming seattle] you might put it on craigslist there, or put a sign up in some music stores and avoid the hassle of shipping. I'd also suggest listing it on here. you could start at the high range ogf what you think it's worth, say 350-400, and if you get no bites, lower a little. I'm sure you'll get offers.
you also might ask the guild guy, Jay's a friend of mine and he might be helpful
http://www.guildguy.com/

Tommy B · Mar 26, 2013

I think the recent eBay auction that ended at $482 gives you a good idea of what the market value is for these. Those are really nice and relatively uncommon baritones by a great U.S. guitar maker. I sold mine years ago, and of all the nice baritones I've owned (Martins, Kamakas, Favillas, Vegas), it's the Guild that I miss the most. I don't think you need to consign this through a dealer, as you'll lose 20 - 25 percent in commission. You'd be better off selling it locally through Craigslist and ukulele clubs, or on the Marketplace here and on Fleamarketmusic if you don't mind shipping. By the way, I sold mine for $500, but it included a really nice vintage hard case that was worth $100. Good luck!

Seattle Bea · Mar 27, 2013

Thank you everyone for your input so far. I've contacted several of the referrals and am waiting to hear what they say.

Need Help in Assessing Value of Uke

Seattle Bea

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haolejohn

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Seattle Bea

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Hippie Dribble

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Newportlocal

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Seattle Bea

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Tigeralum2001

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consitter

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Seattle Bea

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mm stan

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Seattle Bea

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