Valuing a EH-185 to be sold

Ken Owen · From: California, USA

Hello:

My name is Ken Owen. I am a San Francisco Bay Area drummer and have been playing professionally for 40+ years.

I recently became a new member of the forum as I have in my possession a lap steel that I’d like to sell. Based on my reviews of topics here as well as info on eBay and Reverb, it is a Gibson EH-185 with a Charlie Christian pickup.

I have had this guitar since the late ’90’s, and since I don’t play it professionally, it has been mostly at home or in storage since I got it. I acquired it when a friend of mine traded my old Collins guitar for me to Gryphon Music in Palo Alto for a nice Taylor acoustic, a Flatiron mandolin, and this Gibson, so after all this time I really don't have any idea of the original price I paid for it.

The guitar seems in good shape. I plugged it in and it sounds great. The pots seem a bit stiff but don’t make any scratching noises when you use them. The case seems to be the original and though there is rust on most of the hinges, they all work fine.

While I realize assessing value is subjective and based on the current market conditions, I would appreciate any comments on approximate fair market value and/or details of this guitar so I can ready it for sale.

Thanks to all in advance,

Ken

Walter Webb · From: California, USA

Just an opinion, for what it's worth. $500 lowball. $1200 high ball.

Mike Neer · From: NJ

These are rarer instruments and while I don’t know a precise value, I would say $1500 would be on the lower end on the range with $2500 being on the upper end.
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Glenn Wilde · From: California, USA

I like Mike's valuation, it's a desirable one that would be in the range of the Bakelite Ric's. Maybe you could consign it at Gryphon? It would get alot of attention there.

Jon Zimmerman · From: California, USA

A major factor you can’t ignore is how well it’s been “treasured” all through years of usage. Such that it has its original case, functional and complete also. Use and abuse are worlds apart, as value and pricing should follow not just market conditions/available models..but plain old common sense dictates. GLWTS

David Schrum · From: North Carolina, USA

HI ken, I too am new to the forum but have greatly appreciated the interest that these old instruments have maintained though the years. I have collected old stringed instruments for almost 50 years and some of my favorites include old lap steels. I am now 68 and I bought my first Gibson lap steel at age 14. Yours appears in very nice original condition and appears from photos to be all original. This model has particular interest to both collectors and luthiers because of the 6 string size Charlie christian pickup and grover sta-tite tuners that were also used on some very desirable guitars of the day. I agree with estimates of value you received in previous posts. good luck in finding a good home for it. David

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

Bill Sinclair · From: Waynesboro, PA, USA

Here's a link to some that have actually sold on Reverb. Anywhere from $1100 - $1800 for the six strings. Only one (at this posting date) with the Charlie Christian pickup and that's the one that went for $1800. The posted sale price on reverb is often more than the actual negotiated price but it gives something of a price point anyway. They used to show how many months or years ago the item was posted but I don't see that now.

https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=eh-185%20lap%20steel&show_only_sold=true

Walter Webb · From: California, USA

My estimate was at least 10 years out of date...

Ken Owen · From: California, USA

Ken Owen · From: California, USA

I wanted to thank everyone that gave their input on my guitar for sale. I've decided to sell it on the forum and donate 2.5% of my proceeds to Mr. b0b rather than give eBay their cut; my electronic version of "supporting local businesses." Of course, I'll move it over to eBay if no one here is interested.

Joe Goldmark was right; this is a good place full of good and knowledgable people.

In appreciation,

-Ken

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