In our unique shop you will find guitars, banjos, mandolins & ukuleles, fine violins & cellos, and instruments of historical interest. Whether you are looking for a unique vintage instrument, or a fine modern interpretation of a classic, we can assist in the search and selection. We understand how important it is to choose the correct strings, cases, fittings and accessories for you and your instrument.
Written appraisals serve a variety of purposes. For instance, they may bewritten or insurance purposes, for tax deductible charitable donations, estate settlement issues, or as documentation of a collection.
Written appraisals serve a variety of purposes. For instance, they may bewritten or insurance purposes, for tax deductible charitable donations, estate settlement issues, or as documentation of a collection.
Services
Vintage Instruments, Inc, on the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia ~ Established in 1974. The very talented Natalie Dewey - violinist and opera singer - is our cheerful and capable Assistant Manager. Sarah W. Peck, John Thorell, Christo Wood and bow maker Stephen Salchow specialize in violin maintenance and restoration.
A rare example of the legendary Epiphone Masterbilt DeLuxe archtop of the early 1930s. The back and sides are of maple with quilted pattern in the back and nice curl in the sides. The top is nice, even-grained spruce. The bound fingerboard is rosewood with pearl inlays. The ebony headstock overlay sets off the pearl banners and floral inlays.
This is a Martin Size 5 Custom with very nice custom features, including a non-gloss sunburst finish to the top, back & sides. The back and sizes are European flamed maple with grained ivoroid bindings. The top is Carpathian (European) spruce with abalone soundhole trim. The two-piece 14-fret low profile neck is of maple.
We just don?t know who made this banjo. The adjustment mechanism at the tail end of the dowel is reminiscent of some patent ideas, but there are no patent marks. The inlays on the ebony board seem very personal, especially the fish shaped inlay with two hearts on the back of the head and the fan at the first fret.
Reviews (9)
Michael S.
Apr 10, 2022
Eric Anderson
Feb 21, 2022
Cool guitars but if I could give zero stars I would. Unfriendly, prickly women working there. I was in the market for an old Martin acoustic. I wouldn't give her a dime. Upon further review, I'd like to give you a negative one star. Not only are you argumentative, you've made false accusations. I thought my questions were legitimate, I guess you thought they were dumb.
I never asked where you got your guitars, I asked if there was a story behind the 1930's era Martin. Many old guitars have a history. Congratulations, you're the first person to earn a negative star!
I never asked where you got your guitars, I asked if there was a story behind the 1930's era Martin. Many old guitars have a history. Congratulations, you're the first person to earn a negative star!
Paul Arnold
Nov 22, 2021
Incredibly fair pricing and honest appraisal. Top flight restoration and adjustment. A vast and comprehensive inventory ranging from student instruments to the finest concert artist level masterpieces. All housed in a splendid 19th century mansion restored meticulously. An all around wondrous experience visiting and doing business at Vintage Instruments.
Gabe Betancourt
Aug 22, 2021
I visited Vintage since they are one of only two Kamaka ukulele authorized sellers in Philly/and western burbs. Fred was super helpful and chill in the selection process with my 20 year old son. He had multiple high end ukuleles on hand including Martin alternatives to the Kamakas. Catherine was helpful discussing care of the ukulele and knowing when to stop in for maintenance if needed.
The building is stunning and worth the trip itself - what a gem. I can think of no better place to sit and play through several instruments to find the one that speaks to you.
The building is stunning and worth the trip itself - what a gem. I can think of no better place to sit and play through several instruments to find the one that speaks to you.
Minhao Li
Aug 07, 2021
Donald Welby
Jan 08, 2021
I had been thinking of purchasing another mandolin for the past few years and decided to pull the trigger today. I was very pleased with the selection and the staff was more than helpful. I had a specific budget and was shown several instruments in my range and left to have go playing all of them. I went in thinking I was going to walk out with a old Gibson but ended up leaving with an old Martin. All and all I had a great experience and would recommend the shop to anyone looking for their next instrument purchase.
Mike Kuredjian
Dec 17, 2020
This place is very cool. I happened to pop in to take a look at some Martin OMs and they had a couple of nice examples to try out. The shop definitely leans more towards vintage gear, so don't expect to be dazzled by the latest and greatest Taylor or whatever. The woman that co-owns the shop had a good long conversation with me, even though I wasn't really there to buy anything (OM-21 was tempting), so I have no idea what other reviewers are complaining about. Lady, whoever you are, you're cool people. If I lived in Philly, this would be my local shop. Super knowledgable, unpretentious, and cozy.
Joel Fass
May 04, 2020
A HUGE thumbs up to the staff of Vintage Instruments for generosity, professionalism, and being a class act! I was allowed a generous lay-away period of 4 months (that is RARE!) for my purchase of a 1999 Martin model 000-1 small auditorium size acoustic guitar. I ended up paying ahead of schedule, and took said guitar home today---with a complimentary humidifier and set of strings.
Small businesses are the true backbone of this nation. Vintage Instruments of South Philadelphia is one with a heart and rare values. I will recommend them as long as I have air to breathe!
Small businesses are the true backbone of this nation. Vintage Instruments of South Philadelphia is one with a heart and rare values. I will recommend them as long as I have air to breathe!
Austin Shvarts
May 08, 2018
This place feels like a vintage instrument museum upon walking in, gorgeous furniture, decorations, and displays. Probably the best collection of vintage stringed instruments I have ever seen. I needed some Vintage Martin guitars appraised, Fred and his staff went above and beyond. From helping me carry them in from my car, to meticulously evaluating every detail of the guitar, and writing accurate descriptions. They even mailed a hard copy to me. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. A must see place for all stringed instrument enthusiasts passing through Philadelphia.
