Musical Instruments Appraisals
Stringed instruments, guitars, pianos, and brass — for insurance, estate, and donation.
Personal property valuation is not a state-licensed activity. These assignments are performed as desk appraisals from photographs and documentation, which means NextPhase accepts them anywhere in the United States and internationally.
What drives the number
Maker, period, and originality drive instrument value, and repairs that seem minor to an owner can be decisive. Vintage guitars in particular are heavily penalised for refinishing and non-original parts, which a general appraiser routinely misses.
Commonly appraised
- Vintage and collectible guitars
- Violins, violas, and cellos
- Pianos, upright and grand
- Brass and woodwind
- Amplifiers and period electronics
- Bows and accessories
What we'll need from you
- Photographs of the full instrument, label or headstock, and serial number
- Maker, model, and approximate year
- Any repair, refinish, or replacement part history
- Cases, certificates, and prior appraisals
- Playing condition and setup notes
Where originality is material and cannot be established from photographs, physical inspection may be recommended. We will say so before you commit.
| Scope | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| 1 item | $195 – $495 |
| 2–10 items | $495 – $1,200 |
| 11–50 items | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| 50+ items / full contents | $2,200 – $3,500+ |
Related personal property assets
Common questions
Can you appraise items outside Arizona?
Yes — anywhere in the world. Personal property valuation is not a state-licensed activity, and these assignments are performed as desk appraisals from photographs and documentation. Clients across the country and overseas are routine.
Do you have to see the items in person?
Usually not. A well-documented set of photographs, marks, and serial numbers supports a credible conclusion for most personal property. Disputed matters and very high-value single items sometimes warrant inspection, and we will tell you before you commit to anything.
Can you appraise a single item?
Yes. Single-item assignments are common for charitable donation and insurance scheduling. Per-item cost falls sharply as the count rises.
Will the IRS accept the report?
Reports prepared for charitable donation are written to satisfy the qualified appraisal and qualified appraiser requirements under IRS regulations, including everything required for Form 8283. The appraiser declaration is completed and signed as part of the assignment.
Ready for a number you can defend?
Tell us what you have and what it's for. You get a fixed written quote — never an hourly meter, never a sales call.