The International Vintage Guitar Collectors Association is holding an event now through Saturday that allows people to turn aural artifacts into cash.

You don’t have to know anything about the instrument, either, whether it’s a guitar, bass, flute, banjo or something else.

“A lot of times on older pieces, they’re not going to know much about the instrument. We have a research department that will find the serial number and figure out what a collector would be willing to pay,” said Tyler Kelly, IVGCA public relations manager. “And we’ll cut you a check on the spot.”

He recalled an instance in South Dakota that went extremely well for the seller.

“Someone brought in a 1962 Gibson Les Paul, and we knew James Hetfield (Metallica) was looking for one,” Kelly said. “He walked out with a $285,000 check.”

While that’s the extreme end of things, Kelly said that the group has the ability to make an offer almost anything that comes through the doors. There’s no obligation with the evaluation, either; visitors can hold on to their instruments if they so desire.

Admission to the event is free.

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