Sell guitars and instruments at auction
Vintage and modern guitars, basses, amplifiers, and instruments of every kind, presented to players and collectors who bid in the gallery and online.
- Complimentary estimates, no obligation
- Payment typically within 30 days
- Virginia firm license #1086
Players and collectors, bidding against each other
A good guitar attracts two kinds of buyers: musicians who want to play it and collectors who want to own a piece of history. At auction, they compete for it.
A 1959 Fender Precision Bass sold for $10,200 and a 1970 Martin D-28 for $4,800. When a local music legend’s collection came to auction, it drew 44,594 views and 649 registered bidders.
What we sell
- Electric and acoustic guitars
- Basses and amplifiers
- Vintage and collectible instruments
- Brass, woodwind, and string instruments
- Effects, recording, and studio gear
- Whole collections
Recent results in guitars and instruments
| Lot | Realized |
|---|---|
| Fender Precision Bass, 1959 | $10,200 |
| Martin D-28 acoustic guitar, 1970 | $4,800 |
Legendary Guitars: a musician’s lifetime collection
When Scott King, a local music legend, passed away, his brother chose an auction to honor his memory and share a lifetime of instruments with the fans and friends who loved his music.
- 44,594 auction views
- 649 registered bidders
Talk to Jim Weigl
Jim founded Blue Box Auction Gallery in 2020, after more than a decade in the auction industry. As auctioneer and appraiser, he and the team work closely with consignors, from the first photos to the final bid.
How selling instruments works
Send photos
Photograph the front and back, the headstock, and the serial number, plus any case, paperwork, or repairs. A short description of how it plays helps too.
Get a complimentary estimate
A specialist reviews your photos and tells you what your instruments could bring at auction. Estimates from photos are preliminary until we see them in person.
We research and catalog
Once you consign, we inspect, photograph, and describe each lot, then market the sale to collectors and buyers.
Auction and payment
Bidders compete in the auction. Afterward you receive a settlement statement, and payment is typically issued within 30 days, once the buyer has paid.
Questions about selling guitars and instruments
Should I restring or clean the guitar before selling?
There is no need. Leave it as it is and tell us about any repairs, modifications, or replaced parts. Original condition matters to collectors.
Do cases and paperwork matter?
Yes. Original cases, receipts, and any history of who owned or played the instrument can add interest and value.
What does it cost to sell at auction?
Our commission is deducted from the hammer price after the sale, and terms depend on the type and value of what you are selling. We explain the commission and any other charges in writing before you consign.
How and when do I get paid?
After the auction you receive a settlement statement showing what each lot sold for and any agreed fees. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of the auction closing, once the buyer’s payment has cleared.
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes, on certain items. A reserve is the lowest price you will accept, agreed with us before the auction. If bidding does not reach it, the item does not sell.
Get a complimentary estimate for your instruments
Tell us what you have and add a few photos. A specialist will reply with an auction estimate and the next steps.
- Complimentary estimate, no obligation
- Consignments accepted nationwide; we travel for significant collections
Prefer to talk? Call (757) 550-0285, Monday to Friday.
Not ready to send photos yet?
Start with a complimentary guide or a short quiz.
How to Photograph Items for an Auction Estimate
Simple phone-camera tips that help our specialists give you a faster, more accurate auction estimate: light, angles, marks, condition, and what to send.
Consignment Guidelines: What We Accept
What Blue Box Auction Gallery accepts for auction, what we cannot, the minimum value per lot, and how consigning works from the first photos to payment.
Is Auction Right for Me?
A five-question quiz that suggests the best way to sell what you have: auction, an estate sale, an appraisal first, or a conversation.