Today was a very interesting and special day out here in Frederick, MD. I was at my luthier's shop and this wonderful family (David, his wife and son) came in sporting a couple of old guitar cases. One was clearly a Gretsch case, so you know I was curious as to what was inside it!
Well, these two guitars were owned by David's father, Vince, who had recently passed away. Apparently, Vince was a musician who played in England, Jamaica and the U.S.
David is planning on keeping the Gretsch (that was my recommendation) and sending the Baldwin to his older brother in England who, like David, will definitely keep his father's guitar.
Of course, the monetary value on each of these guitars pales in comparison to the sentimental value, but I offered to see if I could find out from you fine folks if anyone knew what these guitars may be worth for insurance purposes (which I highly recommended to David to get them insured).
So any ideas on how much they may be worth? The Gretsch was in excellent condition (minor buckle rash on the back but the binding is in great shape) and the Baldwin had many nitro cracks (not to the body, just the coating) and some signs of binding rot. The Baldwin needs a neck adjustment (shim), according to Kiern, my luthier.
These are two beautiful and quite playable guitars and it would be a big help to David and his family if I could find out any information on them.
I'm hoping folks on both sides of the pond can help me out here. I have David's contact information if anyone has any questions that I can forward to him if it will help with this information.
The Gretsch is a 7690 Super Chet with the serial # 5-8070. If I read the serial # decoder on
Guitar Nucleus.com correctly, it was made in May of 1978 and the 70th guitar built that month (Baldwin era). Please correct me if I'm in error. Apologies for the crappy iPhone photos...
Assistance Needed from Gretsch & Baldwin Experts...
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