Guitars and the $14 Million Surprise: My Wild Flea Market Trip!

I hit the local Flea Market in search of guitars.
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[@MrRidleyDog]

You're very ham-handed and disrespectful in your approach and handling of the guitars.

[@GuitarFinds]

You’ll be pleased to know I actually had a little chat with the guitars after filming. We met up at a cozy little bar downtown-classy place, dim lighting, live jazz in the corner. The Stratocaster ordered an old-fashioned, the Telecaster went for a whiskey neat, and the Les Paul-always a diva-demanded a top-shelf bourbon. We spent hours reminiscing about the day. They told me they appreciated the way I handled them, even complimented my “firm but caring” grip. At one point, the Strat started cracking jokes about being more photogenic than the Tele, and we all burst out laughing. Honestly, if there was any disrespect in the air, it got drowned out by good drinks and even better company. By the end of the night, they were leaning against each other, singing Hotel California slightly off-key, and I was left with the bar tab. But hey, it’s all in good fun. Rest assured, the guitars felt respected, admired, and maybe just a little bit buzzed.

[@billdo4134]

LOL TURKEY AND SWISS ON RYE

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

@@GuitarFinds😂😂😂😂

[@TheGhostLad1]

That’s apart of the business because you can’t risk getting taken advantage of, or lose out on $$. Sorry that you feel like that bro, but I didn’t think Al was rude at all. He’s just being realistic, and ain’t No law against that. Besides, Al’s a crime buster, scammers buster, or something like that lol 😂 lol!!

[@nicksrc908]

Opinions are like a$$holes.

[@lespaulranger]

lol the 15 million dollar painting sitting in the sun and covered by a smelly old blanket is something else! I've been to the antique fair a few times and have never seen a guitar that caught my eye! i hope I don't become like that guy when I get older and I still am trying to sell some of my guitars!

[@LuísJoel-s7k]

I'm the painter 🤣🤣🤣

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

@@LuísJoel-s7k😂😂😂😂😂

[@thefamjaycrew3901]

Actually 14 million lol 😂 😂😂

[@steveoconnor7069]

That "stuff" will still be in his house when he dies.

[@scottsmith9492]

It will still be in his Van or trailer when he dies...

[@robertlowery5586]

I was REALLY hoping the $14 million painting was 5 dogs playing poker.

[@mrseaweed5587]

That vendor was somewhat confused.

[@trevorclarey3336]

Buying guitars is easy , its selling them that's the hard part .'

[@leokrissandy5579]

you just have to find the right community, when i saw the hideous mosrite i tell to my self who in the right mind wants that but turned out i was wrong and lots of people love their quirks

[@Jonathan-L]

You just need to be a smooth talker and tell 'em there's no strings attached!

[@PulauSwan]

Exactly , guitars are easy to buy , but hard to sell

[@StratocasterHemi]

Amen to that brother! There is no selling them anymore, market inventory is beyond saturated. Probably one buyer for every 2000 guitars for sale right now, never seen it this bad in 40 years of guitars. Old timers collections are flooding the market to non existent buyers and it’s just started.

[@Jonathan-L]

@@StratocasterHemi I reckon I've missed the boat by many years ... the guitars that are collecting dust in my house probably can't be given away. As you say, the world is awash with guitars, amps and PEDALS!!!

[@zenrun2913]

The painting took my breath away in laughter😂. You did good job passing on all of those items.

[@Jonathan-L]

A painting that automagcially blurs out the naughty part ... that's got to be worth $14 (but not 14 million dollars).

[@ph6376]

I have no doubt this is where art buyers from Sotheby's go when looking to acquire eight figure masterworks for their next auction.

[@GuitarFinds]

Definitely. I wouldn't be surprised if this place has spawned many items that actually sold into the hundreds of thousands if not millions. This flea market is run by an auction house actually, so the fox is in charge of the hen house 😅

[@elbib2446]

bb king never played a dearmond,they were made in korea,that model is mid range dearmond,worth around 400 used uk

[@jamesmarkham7489]

He definitely got fleeced by a “bodyguard “ that sold it to that old man.

[@gravyblue]

I've got one, with a bigsby.

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

@@jamesmarkham7489 Pretty sure the old man is the one doing the fleecing

[@michaelhowardrosskrh74]

You do not know every single brand name guitar that bb king ever played. So don't claim that you do.

[@elbib2446]

​@@michaelhowardrosskrh74 never played a dearmond.dearmond were cheaper versions of guild guitars ,made in korea in 97 to 2000.then fender bought out guild,and dearmond guitars left over,had the original creamy goldfoil pickups removed.main selling point of the guitar,and replaced by duncan designed pickups,some of the tailpieces also removed,and rebranded the squier 24 series.now i own the squier version of the starfire, which is nearest guild/dearmond/squier got to a gibson es 335 ,not the model being sold in the video,which a lower down the chain dearmond model,so if bb ever picked up a dearmond it would be a starfire.what bb king did have at one time was a usa dearmond pickup in his gibson es 335,thats it,not a dearmond guitar.so guys claim in video is in correct and nothing but sales patter

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Since the internet, the days of stealing a guitar from yard sales, pawn shops and flea markets are over

[@saltpeter7429]

I picked up a Japanese RG and a entry level amp for 250$ a little over 5 years ago. But...I agree with what you say. I couldnt believe that score.

[@joanstone6740]

Great show concept I could watch this all day

[@vertfinn2790]

I found that guy selling the duo sonic and Gibson at a flea market in Sac and I ended up buying the Gibson for $400. It’s a 1967 Lg 0 and it didn’t need a neck reset. Got the bridge re glued and proper Grover tuners.

[@GuitarFinds]

Nice! Small world! That's great that you ended up with the guitar and was able to bring it back to life!

[@MKUltra_YT]

how do you find flea markets like this?

[@Tribute2JohnnyB]

Wow. That old guy with that DeArmond reeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaally is a little off there.... "......ok!"

[@ianinvancouverbc]

John Frederick Lewis RA (1804-1876) was an English Orientalist painter. He specialized in Oriental and Mediterranean scenes in detailed watercolour or oils, very often repeating the same composition in a version in each medium.[1] He lived for several years in a traditional mansion in Cairo, and after his return to England in 1851 he specialized in highly detailed works showing both realistic genre scenes of Middle Eastern life and more idealized scenes in upper-class Egyptian interiors with little apparent Western influence. The painting is very much in his geogrpahical area but the subject matter is not his. I presume you blocked out the woman due to nudity. In all the Lewis work that I have seen there was never any nudity, lots of beutiful women but none naked or even partially so. I would strongly suggest finding a local art historian to go back and check it out, you never know. That frame in itself tells a story. I tried screen grabbing your image but the sun and angle made it impossible to do a proper Google image search. Worth a try IMHO.... some of his paintings do depict "harem" life and slavery

[@jonasbekaert2889]

Most of johns paintings are also worth around 1000 and not 10 000 000. This man is a con artist at its finest or he got conned himself and just believes others too much. Kind of like a lot of people in these comments.

[@Lil_vara]

did you ever figure out that painting im also interested

[@jasoncannon3492]

BB King did not play knock off Les Paul guitars. He played Gibson L-30's and Gibson ES-335's A.K.A. "Lucille"

[@martydibergi5228]

I met BB King 52 years ago after a show in Toronto. Very few people showed up. I went backstage and he spoke to me for two hours. I will forever be grateful.❤ I got his autograph on the back of a parking ticket and I still have it. eventually, I saved up enough money for 335.!

[@thinghammer]

I don't think you can call Lucille a 335. More like a 355, except there are no F holes in the top and, unlike a 335, it has a chicken head tone selector. Same general shape and size, but a very different animal all together....as I sit here and stare at mine.

[@ronaldfauver1469]

Oh let me run to the ATM quickly I'll take the painting😂😂

[@GuitarFinds]

I was hoping he'd take Bitcoin 😔

[@brodel77]

What a character. Knew you were into guitars but felt the need to show off his painting 😂

[@DudleySchmedlap-s6i]

What a aguitar sells for and what it is actually worth can be two different things. Like PT Barnham said, "There's a sucker born every minute."

[@SuperDrumwolf]

you did what works for you and your business, guitar buying (or not buying) regrets have haunted us guitar nuts for time immemorial. lol... love your channel!

[@rodnyg7952]

dude is hoping to sell his 14million dollar painting at a flea market, because auctions just don't do it for him

[@andresberrelleza9813]

That BB King guitar made a miracle by rising up a man on a wheelchair lol

[@guitar_noodle]

We witnessed a miracle 🌟😇😂

[@B-Killin]

😂😂😂

[@mattf0331]

This is super cool. I’m a heavy equipment dealer, and do the same thing. I just wish I could do this with guitars. Thank you for posting!

[@DavidSmith-md9yt]

the Kingston looks like a version of the guitar Andy Summers smashed in The Police, "Synchronicity" video

[@Malady]

saw some nice vintage stereo receivers next to that BB King guitar

[@johngorgis]

Who knows if they work that seller is not trustworthy

[@jacobhurst9566]

Found your channel this morning. You got my follow IMMEDIATELY.

[@GuitarFinds]

Jacob you rock! Thank you!!!! Gonna post another video soon! 🤘🤘🤘

[@Bulacafx]

Stumbled across this video and was suprised to see how close you are to me here in Vallejo! I definitely might check your shop out

[@GuitarFinds]

You might??? Oh no, it’s too late now....we’re officially expecting you to stop by! It’s basically a requirement at this point 😅. Looking forward to seeing you at the shop! Happy New Year!

[@Bulacafx]

@@GuitarFinds Haha, Happy new year to you too!

[@whammyyyyy]

Great content man. See you at a million subs 👍🏻

[@Groovychu]

8:07 🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@jakelung7039]

BB King's "Blueface" with the upgraded 1K case!? Find of a lifetime. 😂🤘

[@guitar_noodle]

Selling a BB King guitar at a swap meet rather than an auction or online and no authentications. Deal of the century!

[@leonarddaneman810]

Case was an opportunity but the Duo Sonic was not a stellar deal. (Unless it was the one Jimi Hendrix traded in for his White Strat, thanks to humble guitar tech/salesman Jeff Baxter!)

[@GuitarFinds]

I keep replaying in my head that since the Duo Sonic seller offered both for the Gibson acoustic and the Fender for 3,000.... right then and there I probably could have offered maybe $2500? Then sold the Fender for 3k and still have the Gibson acoustic...but I also realize that's A LOT of "ifs" haha so probably wouldn't have happened. And you're right, overall it wasn't a good deal.

[@leonarddaneman810]

@@GuitarFinds In my buys and sells I've learned to wait for the really good deals. He was pretty close to retail on the Fender, and that Gibson needed massive overhaul. I found a 30's Gibson in good shape locally, $3200 . . . which is a damn good deal at half the market rate. But, I just buy Squiers to mod into '$1500' Fenders and $550 was the most ever paid for a Fender, which I sold for $750 after full set up and two minor repairs.

[@apr6337]

Man I wish I had a place like that around where I live

[@JillandKevin]

To my knowledge, D'Armond never actually made any guitars. The D'Armond (originally a pickup maker) name was purchased by Guild, and used on their cheaper overseas made guitars, much like Fender/Squier or Gibson/Epiphone. Also to my knowledge, BB King never played a D'Armond guitar. SO the $7500 D'Armond was worth around $3-400 or so. BTW, I used to love the Alameda Flea Market!!!

[@jasonmoore4060]

Awesome show

[@Teiscoman64]

i have that kingston but it has 3 pickups its my favorite guitar

[@fritz4345]

John Frederick Lewis (1804-1876) was an English Orientalist painter. He specialized in Oriental and Mediterranean scenes in detailed watercolor or oils, very often repeating the same composition in a version in each medium. It looks like some have sold for a few of millions. Not sure if I would buy one from the flee market in a smelly blanket.

[@gilwood7530]

When I was learning repair and customizing I would buy every 35$ squire or Ibanez I found ...I taught myself how to make them sing ...still got a bunch I should put up for sale

[@twilightzone39]

Old dog is the epitome of “I knows whut I gots sonny”

[@hostilerampage]

you should've asked if the BBking came with a jet engine

[@waltdavis29]

I’m moving from Texas to Sacramento later this year. I’d love to come talk shop with you

[@GuitarFinds]

That’s awesome! Sacramento is a great city. Definitely swing by when you’re in Cali-would love to talk shop with you! I look forward to hearing from you later this year! 🎸🎸🎸🤝

[@Releasethebats123]

1:47 haha you definitely watch “should I open it or should I keep it sealed”

[@GuitarFinds]

😂😂😂😂😂 😁

[@Releasethebats123]

@@GuitarFindsI watch it religiously haha great video. I would had passed on the Ibanez too haha

[@GuitarFinds]

" wow..... Should have kept it sealed" 😅

[@Releasethebats123]

@@GuitarFinds hahaha $500 pack and makes $6 bucks on non hollows are the worst. I love the sassy replies she always makes in the end “wow that was actually mid!” Haha

[@sevenity2677]

4:59 nah u ok on that duo sonic bro

[@FECRWY]

Yeah...definitely not worth the $3k someone spent on it. At least not in that condition

[@michaeloverton8288]

I think you made a good pass on the $3000 deal. You were going to have to put some money in repairing them both especially the Gibson. Then your at the mercy of the market on Ebay or Reverb.

[@durstondarden8765]

Now your dog is full-blooded, so he has to have two names... I guess his second name is either Slash, or Izzy...?😂😂 We surely don't have those kinds of flea markets around here...(Lots of guitars)

[@tankdarla637]

extremely optimistic on the resale values still interesting

[@timmannion3793]

Those Rock amps are really good. I’m not sure about the one that you saw there but the Petros model is really good. They were hand made in Pomona Ca. And one of my first guitar amps that I ever had. The built in distortion was amazing.

[@liberalsrmentallyflawed3611]

With the ability to look / search things on the internet. Finding a deal or rare find is rare as Hens Teeth...

[@Alienkush97]

I enjoy this video thanks 👍

[@philj3095]

Another wounder fun filled video full of some good finds you missed Al . I know the sun was in your eyes so im not blaming you on thoses. Flea markes are the best kinds of sellers too. Ive got a mac lcII ill sell you for 3500 its signed inside the case bro :-) . Good editing too the sound effects and funny clips where funny . Monty hall would be proud . Bty i saw another gutiar buyer video that this guy have a pallet of duo sonics from japan ...? Lots of vintage fenders . Ill see if i can find it again . 15 million in monopoly money ? Sure ...playing craps and doing opioum sweet .

[@moncorp1]

$14 million dollar painting at a flea market. Sounds legit

[@Glenlivinit]

I always buy my fine million dollar artwork at the swap meet.

[@TheGhostLad1]

@Guitar Finds I’m very interested in your Washburn Dimebag “Stealth” mate, but I’m not getting a response from you. Like I said before bro… I’m a serious inquiry about buying/trading gear for the Axe mate.?! I’ve been looking for one of the Washburn “Stealths” for a long time and this is the opportunity to check it off of my bucket list. I don’t care if it’s a 2ST, I just need it for my collection of Dime guitar’s. If you can, please leave me a message in the comments so that I know I’m not wasting my time on trying to obtain it from you mate?! Thanks again for the update on “Trying to be a Crimefighter” lol 😂!

[@Joseph-l6w]

I smashed the like button when you asked

[@apollocannito2974]

Very nice! Interesting channel my friend. I subscribed

[@fredtirbo4411]

The only thing you missed out on was the Duo Sonic. You probably could've worked out a decent deal there. As far as the BB King thing was concerned,I just don't see any added value . You can go into 4 different stores in Nashville right now and half the stock was previously owned by a superstar.

[@646oleg]

bb king played gibson es 355

[@karlblanchette5217]

At 2:30 the Ibanez is a SZ. I love mine, it's very under rated so it's not worth a lot. I paid mine 300$ cad a few years back, they are up around 500 now. I don't think they will go up in value though.

[@jason5276]

Really Love those ''Flea Market - Swap Meat'' videos regarding video games and old toys. It's about time that someone does the same thing but with Guitars, Basses and pedals!!!!! Best regards from Québec and AmpleSound virtual instruments

[@liberalsrmentallyflawed3611]

The ability to search items on the internet... Voids actually finding a great deal on anything.. Unless, a crackhead is selling it...

[@josephracano1500]

The gibby was a wreck and the Fender was decent.

[@richardvasquez8911]

Next time somebody says they want $2,500 for a 1957 dual Sonic don't hesitate😢

[@samright4661]

Honestly anyone that buys Guitars should have jumped on the Fender! I can’t believe you let it walk !

[@davidaucoin7280]

nothing like buying a $14 million paintiing at a flea market!

[@johncunningham9094]

You should have haggle for the Martin acoustic. I would have. 😊

[@johncunningham9094]

Also, I don't suppose you have a Jedson Dallas Arbiter 12 string knocking about, gathering dust, unwanted, etc?

[@timmy707707]

Was that the Napa flea market?

[@in2rock275]

This is a $14M painting. Uh, yeah, and you're sitting in the back of a pickup truck at a flea market. Tell you what, I'll give you $14.00 for it.

[@GuitarFinds]

Tree fiddy. Best I can do. 😅

[@MattH-c2z]

I think you did well to pass on everything. I loved the desert sand duo sonic, but given the condition and that its not really a highly sought after model or w/e, I would have passed on it too.

[@EllisWalker-zx2gf]

I would love a Lifton case for my ‘52 LG-2!!!!

[@GuitarFinds]

Do you know if an LG-0 case would fit an LG-2? There's a vintage Gibson alligator chipboard case for sale that's sort of in my area for $65 bucks!

[@frogwheat1672]

@@GuitarFinds Yes, LG-0, LG-1

[@dogmanky]

Thought I spied a Sammik Greg Bennet in one of those gig bags. :)

[@asyouratty13]

The emtpy Martin case, should have jumped on it

[@yodasecondave]

$300 gretsch jet with a hard case is a solid deal.

[@niptodstan]

I've just retired and im going to sell some guitars soon. The two to the left, an almost mint 89 LP and a mint 78 Hamer Sunburst (ex Jethro Tull). Plus others.

[@GuitarFinds]

Right on! Having both of those guitars in mint condition will definitely attract a buyer that will pay a premium (especially the Hamer). Finding well take care of guitars from that era are getting harder and harder to come across!

[@MicahSheperd]

Dude I have a really close model of the Kingston Guitar in the beginning except it looks a little more tobacco burst. I inherited it from my grandpa.

[@dr.falcon7567]

Man where do you go to find this decent of a flea market the ones in my area only got junk and nothing else

[@billbillings9314]

What do you think of an 81 Gibson sonex 180 standard silver burst. I still play it a lot but want a les Paul.

[@GuitarFinds]

They're good guitars. Especially in silverburst that's a rare color for them.

[@poloandrade7831]

Yessss minute 8:25 $14 mil painting sitting right on the asphalt covered with the pee smelly blanket $14 dollar no tax how about that 😮😂😂

[@henrys3629]

Cool. I don't see many electric guitars ever.

[@ZekeZable]

Expensive items, but great stories.

[@nyacoustics8373]

what state is this market in?

[@GuitarFinds]

Alameda, California. Alameda Antiques Faire.

[@lloydsplace2]

most interesting thing at a flea market is the stories.😅

[@TheGhostLad1]

You win some and you lose some. I’m not a guitar dealer, but I’m smart enough to know that’s how the business works. I think you made the right move with the Fender Sonic because it would have been hard to make your money back. With all the work needed to be done properly alone would have been costly. IMO Al, you know what you’re doing. I see that Washburn Dime Stealth in the background and I’m really interested in taking it off your hands. Is there anyway that we could have a conversation about it? I’ve been looking for a Washburn Stealth for years now and considering that you’re a guitar dealer well….. here’s my opportunity to try and possibly check this off on my bucket list. I don’t think that painting is worth 14 million bucks because it wouldn’t be on the ground, nor would it be covered up by that filthy blanket 😂. That old man was so ridiculous that it was hilarious and where was he getting these prices from.? Great hunting journey Al. I always have a liking for guitar hunts. TY for sharing and have a great new year. Until next time….. Stay safe, Stay metal, and don’t forget to riff.?!🤘🏻🔥😎🥂🫶🏻🎊🤙🏻👀👊🏻⭐️

[@noelsampson4195]

I have a Dean ML USA 2006 custom Redwood for sale if your interested, It was bought at the NAMM show in Vegas in 2006 Guitar and case are on mint condition and still smells new and clean,

[@GuitarFinds]

Right on. Send us some pics and how much you're looking to get for it. We might be interested. Info (at) GuitarFinds dot CoM.

[@noelsampson4195]

@ I sent in text to ya

[@ajizzle4rizzle]

You, sir, are no dummy. You DEF made the right decision by passing- theres going to be a way better deal than what that dude was trying to give you- and that acoustic needed an entire new EVERYTHING.

[@rucksacks]

Wow if that Lewis painting is legit it probably would bring millions. I remain highly skeptical.

[@paul-m3g]

Where is this fee market?

[@DionCardile]

Phoenicia NY?

[@GuitarFinds]

Alameda, Ca Alameda Antique Faire

[@detin8]

I had the same model and color DeArmond for years, it was a good guitar, but I never really connected with it. Traded it for a mim jazz bass, and still feel like I made out.

[@jamesperry4470]

I start sweating when I don't find a deal and then I end up buying something stupid like a replica route 66 sign

[@omarks]

which swap meet was that?

[@GuitarFinds]

alamedapointantiquesfaire.com/

[@jcsolomon6470]

You Choose to Pick up,what You want!Cant Beat Yourself up,on the Coulda,Shoulda!Cause,Overall,There is Allways,a Better,Deal!😃😎❣

[@MaximeSalmon001]

Seeing this hurt , cause USA have a solid guitar market and it looks easy to find rare stuff. I'm French and it's not easy to find guitars at all

[@tru11666]

Dude what Flea Market is that? Where I live I'm lucky to see 1 guitar all day at our flea market.

[@kevinfox780]

Curious why you passed on the D 1 Martin

[@GrandmasDay32]

I miss the old flea market prices before everyone had eBay in their pocket lol

[@gregoryguarneri8473]

Flea market out here in Ohio is a substantial one but we only see maybe 1 or two guitars each market. They’re usually overpriced and not anything you’d want to pickup. Lots to look at over your way!!!

[@sunset1300]

There are so many used guitars out there yet ppl still buy new ones.

[@AsaTheEvilOne]

Where are you in Benicia? I would love to come visit

[@GuitarFinds]

Hey! Yep! We're in Benicia. We're over by the Arsenal. (That old brick building that's by the shipping docks). Feel free to stop by! We're open by appointment. Look forward to meeting! 🤝

[@tymanngruter1808]

I always dream away by walking down a flea market and discover Gibson korina moderne...... am i dreaming again? 😮

[@QwikVidz]

Does axel play an instrument?

[@GuitarFinds]

Does barking count? Because he's really good at it! 😅

[@phungmoe2302]

In the US, forget it, U best go to Japan for it!

[@GuitarFinds]

Best go to Japan for better flea markets? Tell me more 🤝😃

[@sevenity2677]

10:35 your instincts were right to pass. The speaker amp can be redone if you wanted to but you did good. Some Yamaha are great resale but do home work before.

[@MrMeik1970]

BB King Guitar 😂😂😂

[@Soquel-JTS]

I thought Mr. king played an ES 335

[@GuitarFinds]

He sure did. All the pics I've seen him playing, they were a Gibson ES-335. So him playing a DeArmond...I have my doubts.