I recently bought a collection of instruments and part of it was a National-built Scheerhorn Rob Ickes model. I think it's one of the more interesting pieces in the set so I may end up keeping it for myself. Still, I'd appreciate any insight as to what it might be worth.
Here's some pictures of it https://imgur.com/a/yNCgqYn
Edited by - nasonm on 11/05/2025 10:24:44
A new one without Rob’s “endorsement” is $5400.
If yours is in excellent shape, I would guess it is worth between $4000 and $5000.
When these first came out ballpark 11-12 years ago, the price as I recall was around $4100. I checked the U.S. Inflation Calculator which of course has to be taken with a grain of salt since it's isn't always apples-to-apples (think real estate prices) and I was kind of shocked to see the formula from 2014 shows $4100 as currently $5625. It's worse than I thought. 
If accurate, the current price new @$5400 hasn't quite kept up with inflation.
I've never owned a Nati-horn, but between test driving them in guitar stores or occasionally playing one in a friend's house or at a jam, the top of the line rosewood/spruce has been the only one of the three production models where I felt my hand kind of reaching for my wallet to get out the Visa card. With the standard factory setup I have never gotten the same feeling with the lower priced maple and mahogany models. I've played at least a couple dozen of these Nati-horns over the years, and maybe four of them have been the rosewood/spruce, and I recall liking all of them. A lot of "horsepower" in this model.
But there are also stories of players having their maple and/or mahogany models given an aftermarket setup by Tim Scheerhorn himself and people say they can't tell the difference soundwise between those and and actual Tim-built Scheerhorn. And other players sub out the National spider bridge for a Beard #14 thinking it sounds better.
Brooks wrote that it's likely worth somewhere between $4K and $5K which sounds about right, but I've also come across players on social media who don't have much good to say about the Nati-horns (usually referring to the inner construction) in general so it obviously depends on the buyer if one were to put it up for sale. I've seen the rosewood/spruce go for under $4K used even in really good condition like this one appears to be. But that's also a really nice TKL case as an added bonus - is it the carbon fiber model?
Rob's endorsement agreement with National ended several years ago, and I've never thought that it added much in additional value - it was basically a more affordable version of the rosewood/spruce Tim-built Scheerhorn he played as his main axe for many years. In recent years he has switched to Byrl resonator guitars, and Byrl Murdock builds a Rob Ickes signature model.
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaBut that's also a really nice TKL case as an added bonus - is it the carbon fiber model?
The case is a nice burl-looking TKL case.
If that's a TKL Concept ACF Series carbon fiber case like this one below (and it appears to be...), it is probably worth $400-500 used in excellent condition, as they go for $600 new. That's a game changer on your bundle.
Here's my quick take on your guitar + case value, and my logic.
I sold an excellent condition 2014 National Scheerhorn Maple on Elderly (a well known instrument sales site) for $3850. But mine had a Fishman Nashville pickup, and a Hipshot DoubleShot tailpiece (and roller nut/locking tuners). So the added value was about $1K, of which I'd say the buyer "valued in" a $600 premium.
So apples to apples, my net price would probably have been $3250-ish.
The Ickes model commands nearly a 33% premium vs the other National Scheerhorn models.
So yours (same year / condition as my maple) would probably sell for $4300-4400 on Elderly.
Add in a $400-500 case, and you're looking at $4700-4900 on your resonator/case bundle.
But keep in mind, Elderly gets a ton of eyeballs, and they have a 30-day return policy, etc. Might be tougher for an individual seller on their own. Or maybe not.
Edited by - JC Dobro on 11/06/2025 08:18:06
quote:
Originally posted by JC DobroIf that's a TKL Concept ACF Series carbon fiber case like this one below (and it appears to be...), it is probably worth $400-500 used in excellent condition, as they go for $600 new.
I just heard back from TKL. They say it's a TKL #8701/BWG
quote:
Originally posted by nasonmquote:
Originally posted by JC DobroIf that's a TKL Concept ACF Series carbon fiber case like this one below (and it appears to be...), it is probably worth $400-500 used in excellent condition, as they go for $600 new.
I just heard back from TKL. They say it's a TKL #8701/BWG
Ah, bummer, it looked like it might have been carbon fiber. That's a $180 case (new), so I'm guessing yours might be $120-140 in exc condition?
Anyhow that would knock ~$300 off my previous guess for your "bundle", which would mean $4400-4600, or right at the midpoint of what the others also estimated.
Separate comment, but I own a Rob Ickes model Wechter-Scheerhorn, which is a cheaper version (import) with a slightly smaller body. I had it modded with Beard #14 spider and Legend cone. I absolutely love it - it punches WAY above its price point.
quote:
Originally posted by JC DobroBut keep in mind, Elderly gets a ton of eyeballs, and they have a 30-day return policy, etc. Might be tougher for an individual seller on their own. Or maybe not.
My experience with Elderly was stellar, and got a much higher price for a 2000 G*bs*n Jerry Douglas Signature, AFTER the 20% commission, than I was offered by any of the few tirekickers/naysayers that responded to theResoHangout classified ad. If you have trouble selling direct, Elderly is fair and professional, and you will get a decent price.
quote:
Originally posted by daverquote:
Originally posted by JC DobroBut keep in mind, Elderly gets a ton of eyeballs, and they have a 30-day return policy, etc. Might be tougher for an individual seller on their own. Or maybe not.
My experience with Elderly was stellar, and got a much higher price for a 2000 G*bs*n Jerry Douglas Signature, AFTER the 20% commission, than I was offered by any of the few tirekickers/naysayers that responded to theResoHangout classified ad. If you have trouble selling direct, Elderly is fair and professional, and you will get a decent price.
I've also been very happy with selling via Elderly consignment.
It helps that I'm close enough to drive there to sell gear, saving on shipping costs and giving me an excuse to test drive whatever resonators they have in stock (which is usually a very good/diverse selection).
Edited by - JC Dobro on 11/08/2025 11:07:29
Elderly is where I bought my first high end instrument from. It was a Martin OM-35 that I still have.
Thanks all for the input!
Knowing the list price of the guitar is where I’d start. It would also be helpful to know what these sold for the year they were made. eBay completed auctions can also be helpful along with the condition of the instrument. The market is small and dobros are unknown to the masses and reverb and eBay might be where it could be sold if you don’t have other options.
