Fylthy Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 Hello Gibson lovers, I bought this guitar over 20 years ago in a pawn shop in Kings Cross, Sydney Australia, when I was a much younger man than I am today. I have loved and adored it ever since and played it proudly, appreciating the comments from people who had never seen one before - it is extremely well made and just holding it anyone can see and feel that it is a quality guitar. I've always felt that it was pretty obscure and never heard much more about the Nighthawks until recently when I was surprised to see a range of reissues. In the last decade I've had 3 kids and and the guitar has been put to the side during this time, but more recently I'm finding I'd like to play some more, but I'm older now and finding the extra steps required to use and maintain the floyd rose more than a little annoying. I've decided it's time to sell it and maybe grab something a little more basic. Reason I'm posting is that I have no idea what it's worth. I'm finding it a little confusing with all the variations and then there are the reissues. From the serial I can see that it is a '97 - it's a standard with the three pickups and the floyd, and I think that is less common. There are a few dints here and there and a chip on the body on the rear of the guitar. I still have the original case in perfect condition. I don't want to give it away, but I'm also not looking to rip anyone off - I've never been keen to do that, it's not what we're about, right? Hope you all don't mind me posting here to ask. Are there any Nighthawk owners out there who could help point me in the right direction with some info and advice? Cheers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NighthawkChris Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 I picked up the same guitar as you have from Elderly Instruments in Lansing MI for $1200 (USD) used. Although, I have seen people on Reverb sell theirs for around the $1500 range. If yours is in a very good to excellent condition, I don't see why you couldn't get around the $1400-$1500 range. If your guitar is as you described and what I can see in the photo, I would have no reason to believe that you would have any issues with that asking price. Now if I were to sell mine, I would shoot for that range simply because it is not that common as you have mentioned. I got mine at the price I did because it was a consignment guitar and someone was willing to let it go for a song. That was a case of being in the right place at the right time I suppose. Regardless, depending on your outlet to sell it (Reverb, local ad, etc.), I'd start around the price range I mentioned. If it doesn't sell, it's either because the right buyer hasn't ran into it or it's too high. I agree with you to not let it go for a song though. Just be patient and someone will want it. It's a very nice looking Gibson from what I can see in your pic. I'd show off that nice flame maple top! Best of luck! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fylthy Posted January 16, 2020 Author Share Posted January 16, 2020 10 hours ago, NighthawkChris said: I picked up the same guitar as you have from Elderly Instruments in Lansing MI for $1200 (USD) used. Although, I have seen people on Reverb sell theirs for around the $1500 range. If yours is in a very good to excellent condition, I don't see why you couldn't get around the $1400-$1500 range. If your guitar is as you described and what I can see in the photo, I would have no reason to believe that you would have any issues with that asking price. Now if I were to sell mine, I would shoot for that range simply because it is not that common as you have mentioned. I got mine at the price I did because it was a consignment guitar and someone was willing to let it go for a song. That was a case of being in the right place at the right time I suppose. Regardless, depending on your outlet to sell it (Reverb, local ad, etc.), I'd start around the price range I mentioned. If it doesn't sell, it's either because the right buyer hasn't ran into it or it's too high. I agree with you to not let it go for a song though. Just be patient and someone will want it. It's a very nice looking Gibson from what I can see in your pic. I'd show off that nice flame maple top! Best of luck! Thank you for chiming in with your help Chris, which lucky for me is very specific given that you have the very same guitar! I've just had a great chat with a well regarded luthier who can help me get it setup and ready to sell - and though there's not much that needs to be done I'd rather sell it to a potential buyer in as good a condition as it can be. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get as much as you've suggested, I'm guessing the Australian market for used guitars is a little different, I'll see how I go anyway and I can always report back on this thread for posterity. Thanks again 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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