Vintage guitar appraisals
We appraise all of the following : Martin - Fender - Gibson - Selmer - Maccaferri - Busato - Favino - Di Mauro - Torres - Esteso - Santos Hernandez - Fleta - Hauser - Friederich - Travis Bean - Bouchet - Marshall - Vox - Höfner - DeArmond - Stimer - Rickenbacker - Guild - National - Dobro - Weissenborn - D'Angelico - D'Aquisto - Stromberg - Jacobacci - Lacôte - Panormo - Stauffer - Vinaccia Embergher - and many more...
Appraisals on guitars and musical instruments for individuals and professionals alike
Our appraising work is aimed at both individuals as well as professionals – professional musicians, recording studios, backline companies… – whether you own a single instrument or an entire collection, obtained from inheritance or an estate, are in need of a document for insurance policy or simply to know the value of your instrument. The result of the appraisal is delivered in the form of a written document: either a certificate of authenticity, or a certificate of value which will be required when insuring your instrument. Otherwise, it may be written as a descriptive paragraph in the case of an appraisal for public auctions.
In the event that you cannot physically present the instrument(s) to us, we may also come to the place the instruments are kept, or establish a first opinion based on pictures sent to us. Note that we are also able to travel internationally in order to conduct our appraising work. Quelle que soit la forme que prend cette expertise, un devis vous sera préalablement établi.
The appraisal engages the expert’s liability and obliges them to respond in the event of damage if an error is commited. For this reason, we as experts must take out specific professional insurance. Proof of this insurance can be provided upon request. Jérôme Casanova works as an expert for several public and private institutions such as Crédit Municipal de Paris, Vichy Enchères, Drouot with Masters Castor and Hara as well as Drouot Estimations.
Certificates of authenticity
The reputation of our certificates of authenticity for vintage guitars among private collectors, professional musicians and public or private institutions allows our customers to sell or buy with complete transparency and confidence.
Establishing the certificate of authenticity requires a rigorous examination of each instrument, from the main parts that compose it (body, neck, varnish, etc.) to the smallest element of the hardware or electronics. Particularly for vintage American electric guitars, this work includes the complete disassembly of the instrument, the verification of the component parts, the taking of dimensions and measurements. All these elements are analyzed and compared with our large database made up of instruments previously appraised and validated as originals over several decades of activity.
The certificate of authenticity for a guitar is a guarantee in the event of resale since it authenticates and certifies the originality of the instrument, which naturally largely determines its market value. Moreover, its issuance is systematic in the world of quartet instruments – today, no violin or bow could be sold without its certificate of authenticity – and more broadly in the world of art.
For any request for certification, a quote will be established for you. We offer at-home appraisal services in mainland France and across borders to examine the instrument for which you require a certificate of authenticity.
Our finest guitars are always sold with their certificate of authenticity.
Certificate of value for insurance
This document – issued for musicians, collectors, and musical equipment renters – is requested by insurance companies when setting up an insurance contract. It certifies the replacement value of your guitar or of an entire collection in the event of damage or theft. It can be updated after issuance in accordance with the requests of your service provider.
In the event of a damage or theft, this document will be required by your insurance company and will serve as the basis for calculating the reimbursement of the instrument or its restoration and the application of any devaluation.
This document concerns all types of guitars, old, vintage or modern, acoustic or electric – Fender, Martin, Gibson… – as well as amplifiers, and any other musical instrument or musical equipment.
Appraisal for public auctions
We appraise any musical instrument or complete collections – vintage electric or acoustic guitars, basses, antique or historical instruments, amplifiers, effect pedals, audio equipment, from an y makers – Martin, Fender, Gibson, Vox, Marshall, Boss, Electro Harmonix, ARP, Moog, Yamaha, Korg, Roland…
Through our work in collaboration with various auction houses, we are able, following this appraisal, to direct and advise our customers as best as possible towards the best suited auction house in order to sell their collection, while offering all the guarantees of seriousness, transparency and trust.
Jérôme Casanova appraises at the request of auctioneers all types of instruments.
N.B. Casanova Luthier Expert is insured for any item deposited in its facilities, whatever its value, by HWI France, established at 73 boulevard Haussmann, 75008 PARIS and attached to LLOYD’S (United Kingdom).
Past sales results
Old catalogues
Art Richelieu
Castor et Hara
Since April 2015, we have been organizing public auctions dedicated to electric, classical, folk, historical guitars and other plucked string instruments.
Vichy Enchères
Vichy Enchères has earned worldwide recognition since 1983 for its public auctions of musical instruments. They are among the most important international sales specialized in musical instruments.
