Appraisals
Fifty years in the vintage guitar business means Norman’s has handled instruments most appraisers have only read about. Whether you need a written appraisal for insurance, an estate valuation, or you just want to know what your guitar is actually worth before you sell it, you are in the right place.
Fifty years in the vintage guitar business means Norman’s has handled instruments most appraisers have only read about. Whether you need a written appraisal for insurance, an estate valuation, or you just want to know what your guitar is actually worth before you sell it, you are in the right place.
A Name That Means Something in the Vintage Guitar World.
Getting a guitar appraisal from the right source matters. An appraisal is only as good as the knowledge behind it, and few places in the world can match what Norman’s brings to the table. Norm Harris has been buying, selling, and appraising guitars since the late 1960s. The store has been a reference point for collectors, dealers, and musicians across the globe since 1975.
When you get an appraisal from Norman’s you get:
- Expertise built over 50 years of hands-on experience with vintage and rare instruments
- Valuations recognised by insurance companies and respected by serious buyers worldwide
- Clear written documentation you can use for insurance, estates, sales, or trades
- Online and in-person options to suit your situation
We Do Not Guess. We Inspect.
Every appraisal at Norman’s starts with a thorough hands-on examination of the instrument.
Our team evaluates:
Model and identification
Correctly identifying your guitar, including instruments that have been modified
Specifications
Wood type, inlays, logo style, body shape, and electronics
Finish
Inspection to detect refinishing, touch-ups, or repairs
Interior Inspection
bracing, bridgeplate, electronics, and body routing
Condition
Wear, aging, damage, and any prior repair work
Functionality
Truss rod, tuners, electronics, playability, intonation, and neck angle
Provenance
Any notable ownership or documented history
Market Value
Current demand and recent comparable sales
Year
Correctly identifying your guitar, even with modifications
Choose the Option That Works for You.
We have two options to choose from. Every appraisal includes an expert and thorough inspection from a Senior Authenticator.
Online-Only Appraisal
Need a formal written appraisal for insurance or documentation and cannot make it in person? Send us clear photos and we will evaluate your guitar remotely. Please note that an online appraisal is based on visual inspection only and is not a full authenticity certification.
- Digital appraisal from a Norman’s expert
- Signed digital copy emailed to you
- Visual inspection only, does not include in-hand examination
In-Person Appraisal
The most accurate and thorough option. Visit us in Tarzana or contact us about shipping your instrument to us.
- Full hands-on inspection by a Norman’s appraiser
- Signed laminated appraisal document
- Printed and emailed copy included
Note: if you are shipping your instrument, contact us and we will walk you through the safest options including fully insured shipping arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appraisals & Valuations
If you are in the Los Angeles area, bring it in during store hours and we will take a look. If you are not local, visit our appraisals page, fill out a short form, and upload clear photos. We offer both online and in-person options.
A written appraisal is a formal document that records the value of your instrument at a specific point in time. It is used for insurance, estate purposes, or future reference, whether or not you intend to sell. When you sell through us on consignment, we go through the same authentication and valuation process as part of our listing setup. The appraisal is the standalone documented version of that.
Yes. We regularly appraise amps, basses, mandolins, and other vintage fretted instruments. Get in touch and we will let you know if we can help.
In-person appraisals are typically completed during your visit or within a few days depending on complexity. Online appraisals are turned around within 7 business days of receiving your photos and information.
Yes. Our written appraisals are accepted by insurance companies for coverage of vintage and collectible instruments. If you have a specific insurer, let us know and we can confirm compatibility.
Bring it in. We are happy to give you an informal opinion on value at no charge during a visit to the store. If you need something documented and signed, that is when the formal appraisal process applies.