So, You Just Inherited a Guitar. Now What?

Many guitarists have scrimped and saved for months—maybe years—to purchase that new top-of-the-line Stratocaster. But sometimes, the stars align and someone gifts you an beloved vintage guitar.

Now, this charmed present could be an absolute treasure, a rare heirloom that is worth thousands. On the other hand, it could also be a cheap knock-off you’d have trouble selling at a flea market.

After all, the word “vintage” is a pretty alluring term when it comes to gear. Who doesn’t love the sound of a classic Fender amp? Heck, the Fender Custom Shop invented the process of relic’ing guitars back in the late 1990s to give new models a well-worn, vintage look.

So what should you do once you have that inherited guitar in your possession?

Here is a checklist of things to cover:

Date Your Guitar

First thing’s first, you should find out exactly what you’re dealing with, and that starts with the guitar’s make, model and date of birth. Over the years, Fender instruments have adopted various serial numbering systems that can establish their age (with a few exceptions and anomalies). Here is a handy guide that will help determine when and where your newfound model was made.

Check Its Condition

Does the guitar have fret sprout? Is the neck warped? Are the electronics busted? How did the body hold up? Depending on how well the guitar was stored—like if it was living in a damp basement or hot closet—you might have some significant issues to address. You could take it to an experienced guitar service center for any repairs.

Clean It Up

Check out this list of simple dos and don’ts that will get your guitar looking great and this feature about cleaning your pots and switches. If the guitar was played regularly, there is bound to be some sweat and grime buildup that can be taken care of with a recommended cleaning agent.

How Does It Sound?

After several years of sitting dormant, the guitar will likely need a setup. That can solve issues such as fret buzz and poor intonation. If the strings haven’t been changed since the Nixon administration, grab a new set. After all, the instrument should be playable for you or the next owner. Tune it up and test it out.

Any Mods?

There’s a chance that the guitar’s previous owner performed a few modifications, from changing out the pickups to installing a new bridge or adding a fresh paint job. It will probably be more valuable if it hasn’t been altered and is still in its original state, so that is definitely something to consider.

Get It Appraised

After doing your research and having the required maintenance completed, most music retailers offer an appraisal program that can give you an honest value for your guitar. The dealer might even give you a cash offer on the spot or offer to help you sell it, should the inheritance have significant value.