I get a lot of e-mail about repairs and instrument values. Here's the most asked:

1. What is the value of my instrument?

• Some stringed instruments are easier to value than others. Vintage acoustic guitars are so well documented, it's easy to locate a website with posted values. One of the leading authorities on guitars, banjos, and mandolins is George Gruhn. His Nashville store is a must-see for guitar enthusiasts. He has an appraisal service available on his website at www.gruhn.com. Written appraisals are $25 for each instrument. He also offers a free Online Appraisal service.

• Violins are harder to value, due to the large number of builders. In every center of building activity, whether Italy, Germany, France, or even Japan, there are only a few quality builders and very many mass-producers. The biggest problem is that so many are labeled "Straduarius" and dated in the 1600s. Owners are often convinced they have an original Stradivarius, but nearly all are from Germany and manufactured in the 20th Century--and most are valued in the hundreds, not hundred-thousands. To have an appraisal done on your violin, do a "Google" search for "violin appraisals." Quite a few will pop up.

• Other instruments, like those sold through catalogs or door-to-door during the first half of the 20th Century, are also hard to value. Hybrid instruments, like Ukelins and Marxolins, are sought after by collectors, but are usually priced under $100. Montgomery Wards and Sears contracted different instrument manufacturers over the years for their guitars, banjos, and mandolins, so values can vary widely, depending on the builder. At times they used Lyon & Healy, Washburn, Harmony, and Kay. For very short periods, even Martin and Gibson made cheaper catalog instruments. Again, George Gruhn would be able to help appraise many of these instruments.

2. My instrument needs repair. Where can I find someone to fix it?

• Right here. I offer restoration and repair services for guitars, violins, banjos, dulcimers, and mandolins. In fact, I'll work on most types of stringed instruments. After viewing an instrument's condition, I can give you an estimate on the amount of necessary work and the cost. All work is time-and-materials.

• Note that Martin Guitar repairs should be done at the Martin factory or through a certified Martin repair person. Most Gibson repairs should also be done by a Gibson certified repair person. I can work on some vintage (pre-World War II) Gibson instruments.

3. There's no label on my instrument. Can you tell me anything about it?

• I need to see the instrument, either with photos or in person. Photos can be sent by mail or digitally by e-mail. Also, if possible, use a small mirror to look inside for any serial numbers or maker's marks. Often they are stamped on the front underside of the sound board or on the fingerboard heel. Sometimes there are pencil marks with numbers or letters. Let me know of any marks when contacting me. I have a large reference library and access to many other sources, so it's possible for me to approximate the age, location of manufacture, and maybe even the maker.