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Imperial Vintage Guitars

Sell Your Gibson Acoustic or Archtop Guitar

Sell Your Gibson Acoustics & Archtops

Top Dollar Paid • Free Appraisal • Trusted for 30+ Years

J-45 • J-50 • Hummingbird • Dove • SJ-200 • L-00 • LG-2 • J-185 • Advanced Jumbo • L-5 • L-7 • ES-175 • Super 400

Get a Free Quote

Free insured shipping nationwide • Same-day offers

✓ Fast Offers✓ Cash or Trade✓ We Buy Collections
Imperial Vintage Guitars showroom featuring Gibson acoustics and archtops

Why Choose Imperial Vintage Guitars?

Fair, Competitive Offers

Decades of Gibson expertise—transparent quotes on vintage & modern acoustics and archtops.

Fast & Hassle-Free

Send a few photos and details—get a quick, no-obligation appraisal.

Cash • Consignment • Trade

Instant cash, consignment with visibility, or trade-in credit—your choice.

Single Guitars & Collections

We buy one guitar—or full Gibson collections (cases, parts, amps welcome).

Models We Buy

Gibson Acoustics (Flat-Top)

J-45, J-50, J-35, Southern Jumbo (SJ), Advanced Jumbo, SJ-200 / J-200, J-185, J-100, Hummingbird, Dove, Songwriter, J-160E

L-00, L-0, L-1, LG-0, LG-1, LG-2, LG-3, B-25, CF-100 and more—vintage, Historic/Custom Shop, and USA models.

Archtops & Hollowbody

L-5, L-7, L-10, L-12, L-50, L-48, Super 400, ES-150, ES-125, ES-175, ES-300, ES-225, ES-295, ES-350, Byrdland and others.

Factory Bigsby, cutaway styles, pickup variations, and rare finishes welcome.

What Affects Value?

  • Era & Build: Pre-war and golden-era acoustics, ’50s–’60s archtops, and Custom Shop reissues are highly sought.
  • Originality: Factory finish, braces, bridge/saddle, tuners, pickups/electronics (where applicable).
  • Condition: Clean examples fetch more; honest playwear or pro repairs can still sell strongly when disclosed.
  • Tonewoods & Specs: Adirondack/Sitka tops, maple/mahogany/rosewood bodies, neck profiles, long vs. short scale.
  • Color & Appointments: Sunburst, natural, custom colors; pearl inlay, binding, pickguards, and original cases.
  • Provenance: Receipts, photos, and history can meaningfully increase offers.

💡 Refinished, crack-repaired, or player-grade? Still worth a look—send photos for a free, fair quote.

How It Works

1) Send Photos

Front/back, headstock, label/inside braces (acoustic), pickups/control cavity (archtop), and serial—good lighting helps.

2) Free Appraisal

We evaluate and send a clear, no-pressure offer quickly.

3) Get Paid Fast

Cash, consignment, or trade-in—whatever fits your plan.

Why Gibson Acoustics & Archtops Stand Out

From the warm, woody thump of a J-45 to the carved-top projection of an L-5, Gibson acoustics and archtops shaped folk, country, jazz, rock, and film music. That lasting demand is why your guitar will always have buyers.

Quick Answers

Do you only buy vintage?

No—vintage, Historic/Custom Shop, and USA models are all welcome.

Will cracks, refins, or headstock repairs kill the deal?

Not necessarily—quality, well-documented repairs can still bring strong offers. Send clear photos and we’ll give you a fair read.

How fast can I get paid?

Usually within 24–48 hours after we agree on a deal.

Call or Visit Us

Burbank

1118 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506

Call (818) 861-7218 · Map

Sherman Oaks

13940 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Call (818) 981-1614 · Map

Orange

864 N Main St, Orange, CA 92868

Call (714) 364-5000 · Map

San Diego

7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Unit F, San Diego, CA 92111

Call (858) 222-0161 · Map

Serving Los Angeles, Orange County & San Diego

We buy Gibson acoustics & archtops across Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Glendale, Studio City, Valley Village, Magnolia Park; in OC around Old Towne Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa (Eastside); and in SD around North Park, Hillcrest, Clairemont. Prefer to ship? We provide free insured shipping nationwide with quick, fair offers.

Also selling another Gibson?

Selling a whole collection or estate?

We make same-day bulk offers and handle all logistics—local pickup in SoCal or free insured shipping nationwide.

Get a Same-Day Offer

Sell or trade

Tell us about your instrument

Share the make, model, condition, and known history — and attach your photos right in the form. Submitting is free and there is no obligation.

Submitting this form does not guarantee an offer, response time, payment method, or per-store delivery.

Include make, model, serial number, condition, changes, repairs, case, and provenance when known.

Front, back, headstock, and any wear you want us to see. Up to 20 MB per photo.

The submission itself is free, and there is no obligation.

What sellers say

  • Rated 5 out of 5

    I traded some gear this weekend and was taken care of by Devin and the owner...couldnt ask for a better experience. They want to earn your business and give you all your options in a no pressure helpful way. Needless to say Ill be back! Great inventory

    — Steve M., Burbank · Google review ·
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    Awesome experience. Tommy knows what he is doing and offered a fair price for my 1966 J45.

    — Sean P., Sherman Oaks · Google review ·
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    This place is why brick and mortar stores still exist. Jarrett is super friendly, very knowledgeable and just a pleasure to talk to. I took my dad’s guitar there to get appraised. I felt like I was getting good honest information from a trusted friend rather than somebody who is just interested in making a quick buck flipping guitars. I would not hesitate to buy or sell a guitar at imperial vintage guitars. They really know their stuff.

    — Daniel M., Orange · Google review ·
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    Had a great experience, making a trade for my dream acoustic at imperial vintage San Diego. Fair, transparent, and smooth transaction. These guys are the real deal music shop you're looking for. Thanks again to Tyler for making things easy and all your knowledge in our deal!

    — Nickchamian, San Diego · Google review ·
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    My 2nd time doing business with Tommy as a seller and a buyer. He's great to deal with.

    — Jon R., Sherman Oaks · Google review ·
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    Just stopped by and sold a couple guitars, great shop, lots of cool guitars. Quick easy sale. Jarret was super friendly. Definitely recommend this shop

    — Gabriel R., Orange · Google review ·