Looking for a referral, or advice on best place to obtain a certified appraisal on a custom, very high-end banjo. I'm working as agent for my sister in law in Athens GA area, whose husband, and my brother, passed last year.
Gruhn Guitars in Nashville would be the leading place for a 5 string banjo.
For a 4 string perhaps Bernunzio Uptown Music in Rochester NY.
Another good place is Elderly Instruments in E. Lansing MI.
You can find any of their website easily by just typing their name into your search engine.
Note: valuing a high end custom banjo can be tricky because of the lack of sales records on comparables.
Appraisals can be acquired from the companies mentioned above simply by sending them photos and paying a fee. Good quality photos of the front and back of the headstock, front and back of the neck, photo of the tailpiece, side view of the heel of the neck, back of the resonator and somewhat side view of the interior of the banjo to show the tone ring. The last feature may require taking off the resonator. Some cases are valuable so a photo of the case is a good idea. List any model or serial number found on the instrument (stamped into wood or on a label).
Since you’re in Titusville, I suggest taking it by the Gold Tone Banjo Co. and seeing if they can make a suggestion about getting an appraisal in the local area. Do you know who made the banjo?
"Best place" for a certified appraisal is Gruhn Guitars.
The insurance companies know the name, George Gruhn and Joe Spann know banjos very well, and their opinions are well-respected.
And yes, they will do an appraisal from photos.
Can you believe there's an Association of Stringed Instrument Appraisers? They may actually be the folks who certify appraisers. Here's info on the appraisal process.
I can't vouch for this guy (or the above place), but here's someone offering to do free appraisals.
The other names already mentioned are good. I don't know how many instrument appraisers are "certified" or what that gets you. I suppose it depends on the reason for the appraisal.
Good luck.
I think “certified” appraisers are the ones who do appraisals of high-end violin-family instruments. Gruhn doesn’t do that. I know Gryphon does insurance appraisals and estate appraisals all the time. No one there is “certified.” I also doubt that many “certified” appraisers know anything about banjos.
Great information. Thanks to all, and much appreciated.
Geoff Hohwald Banjo Warehouse is in Georgia...4318 S Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States
Phone: +1 404-218-8580. He's very knowledgeable and could perhaps help.
Also consider that "insurance appraisal" is very different that establishing a reasonable selling value. R.H. Lane is not a common banjo builder with an easily accessible selling record of similar instruments.
Also, asking and selling are two different things.
Whether your intention is to appraise the instrument's value for probate and tax purposes, or it is to sell the instrument and deposit the money in the estate bank account, the best place to get it done is Gruhn Guitars. If you wish to sell, it is best to consign the instrument. They will take 20% of the final sales price plus a $100 listing fee and the cost of any necessary repairs.
If the market value of the instrument is very high [perhaps $20,000 or more], their consignment rate will be lower.
If you wish them to buy the instrument for cash rather than consigning it, you will realize less money, but you won't have to wait for it to sell.
If you will give them a call and ask for George or Eric, tell them your situation and what you've got, they will answer any questions that you might have. They routinely handle appraisals and sales for estates.
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I'll mention that Geoff Hohwald is no longer in Dahlonega. He lists two addresses- one in Atlanta and the other in Yellow Springs OH. His phone number is still the same. But it appears to me from his shrinking inventory and a large number of discounted instruments that he might be trying to wind down his business.
Edited by - rcc56 on 07/24/2024 11:43:11
