Quite a few years ago ... had to be at least 10, maybe 12, ...  a book
company that published a price guide for musical instruments wanted my
opinion on such guides.   I told them, frankly, that they really weren't
worth the paper they were printed on because they had very little, if
no, specifics as to model, condition, etc. of most of the instruments.

They countered that they agreed and stated that they wanted to make a
really accurate price guide and would I be interested in editing the
mechanical musical section.    Sure!  I'd love to see some accuracy there!
Well, they sent me over 120 pages (single spaced) to detail, edit, supply
prices for!!!!   When asked just how much I was being paid for all this
time and expertise, there was dead silence on the other end of the phone.
Seems they thought I'd love to help them make money without having to spend
any themselves.   So much for wanting an accurate publication!

I still have the same opinion of price guides.   When there are so many
variables to contend with, I see no way that there can be any accuracy in
any automatic musical instrument price guide.

Bill Edgerton once issued a 'book' listing 'asking prices' from different
dealer price lists and auction results.  It went thru one printing, as I
recall, and was never redone.  It simply wasn't accurate or realistic.

My suggestion for people wanting to figure out how to price things is to
join MBSI or AMICA or any other group that has their similar interests and
talk to people in the group...talk to the dealers, go to the marts, etc.
It's the only realistic way to get information that I can think of!!!

Nancy
Nancy Fratti - Panchronia Antiquities
PO BOX 210 - Whitehall, NY 12887-0210 USA
518-282-9770  or fax: 518-282-9800
E-mail:  musicbox@sover.net