The short version
- Typical range: £80 – £450
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Music & Instruments
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used electric guitar is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for electric guitars, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £450 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £382 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £292 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £202 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £112 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a electric guitar
- A straight neck with a working truss rod
- Original pickups and hardware rather than later replacements
- Recognised makers and models with an established following
- The original case, especially on older instruments
What lowers it
- Neck warp or a truss rod that has run out of adjustment
- Refinishing, which can sharply reduce value on collectable instruments
- Replaced pickups or tuners where originals are expected
- Fret wear deep enough to need a re-fret
How to work out what yours is worth
- Sight down the neck from the headstock to check for relief or twist
- Play every fret listening for buzzing or dead notes
- Check whether the pickups, tuners and bridge are original
Once you have those three answers you can place your own electric guitar on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are used electric guitars worth much?
It ranges enormously. Beginner instruments sell modestly, while well-regarded models from established makers can hold or increase in value, particularly with original parts.
Does refinishing a guitar lower its value?
On a collectable instrument, significantly. Originality matters more to those buyers than cosmetic tidiness. On a working guitar it matters much less.
Should I set up the guitar before selling?
A basic setup costs little and makes the instrument play well in the buyer’s hands, which is usually the moment they decide.
More value guides: music & instruments guides · all value guides · browse live music & instruments listings.