by BluesHawk » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:42 pm
In addition to VintAxe's good advice, here's a couple more strategies.
Ask musician friends or at music stores, who is the best vintage guitar person in your area. Keep askin and you'll hear the same name or names a few times, then go to that person with your guitar. But do not take any one expert's advice.
In addition to the Blue Book, you can check the Vintage Guitar Price Guide. Or get a copy of Vintage Guitar Magazine and contact some of the dealers who advertise in that. George Gruhn in Nashville has an evaluating service that uses your pictures and your written description to give you an estimate.
Watch for your model Tak on eBay...the asking prices are often unreliable but you may learn more about your guitar. And if you see your model more than three times, you can get a general feel for that particular marketplace...it's all information.
Join the Takamine Guitar Forum and ask lots of questions: www.takamineforum.com/
Take your time and be persistent, and you'll know when you've put together a good estimate.
Cheers,
Doug