Vintage Guitars

Collect with Interest

As with all collectibles and antiques, collect primarily within your realm of interest. While other types or makes of guitars will increase the financial value of your collection, ensure the majority of your collection (or your primary investment if you are seeking one vintage guitar) has personal and sentimental value for you. This interest will motivate you to become fully educated about the guitars you wish to collect.

Guitar Types

Before you begin collecting, it is crucial to understand the two main types of guitars and the equipment you may need if you intend to play the guitar that you select. Manufacturer type is also important. Just as many customers are loyal to one make of car for a particular reason, many guitarists exclusively prefer one brand for performance and preference.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are hollow bodied instruments that do not require any additional plug in or electricity to function. Most vintage acoustic guitars are six string guitars strung with metal strings—the type of guitar preferred by folk musicians from the 1960s, for example. Several other types of acoustic guitars exist, but most likely you will be looking at the above described instruments. You may also encounter classical guitars, or acoustic guitars with nylon strings. Many classical guitars have personal or ethnic detail around the sound hole, such as Spanish or Celtic designs, and are therefore also collectible.

Electric Guitars

Most vintage guitar collectors are interested in electric guitars. Various breeds of electric guitar exist. This is because a different sound (semi-hollow bodied versus solid bodied) is required for different types of music. As a rule, electric guitars must be plugged in to an amplifier (amp) when played.

Manufacturer

As with cars, guitars are made by different manufacturers. Certain manufacturers are often associated more with certain types of guitars. Just as you might go to a Jeep dealership to purchase an SUV, you would go to Gibson for a decent blues guitar.

Accessories

If you have the opportunity to try out a vintage guitar before purchase, which is recommended, be sure you are provided with the proper accessories and that the guitar is in tune. If you are looking to match the appropriate sound of the instrument, you may also wish to purchase other vintage, or vintage sound-producing, items:

• Amps
• Pedals
• Strings
• Guitar Care

Famous Vintage Guitars

Celebrity value often drives guitar value. Certain artists have characteristically redefined the way music is played by the use of specific instruments and styles. Therefore, model types matching these musicians’ famous guitars, and even reproductions in vintage styles, can hold particular value.

If you wish to emulate a specific sound or tribute your favorite musician, consider instruments looking and sounding like these:

• Paul McCartney’s Hofner (a bass guitar)
• B. B. King’s Gibson: Lucille

How to Research

A guitar of any age or type is a considerable monetary investment. Make an informed, thoroughly researched decision when you buy.

Books and Guides

Due to the popularity of guitar collections, you can many objective online resources available. These guides walk you through the process of purchasing a vintage guitar and tell you what to look and listen for.

Price Comparison

As with all vintage and antiques items, price comparison is an easy way to get a general idea about the cost of a guitar. Peruse a few music stores or do an online search to get a general idea.

Value and Identification

Be sure to inspect or inquire about any serial numbers or manufacturer’s markings on the guitar. Manufacturers often produce reproduction guitars that can be easily distinguished from the original guitar by the markings.

Condition

Like any other vintage item, condition impacts the value of a guitar. With musical instruments, sound and tone are also crucial in determining the value. Physical flaws due to manufacture, age, or neglect can adversely affect the sound even if these flaws are not noticeable by sight inspection.

Where To Buy

Guitar stores generally have small selections of used guitars. It is advisable to look in more than one store before making a purchase. Ask other vendors about prices, and let them know what you have been looking at in other stores. Prices on used instruments are negotiable, even it at larger stores. It is best to choose what type of guitar you would like by researching guitars in stores and online before determining your vendor.

Care and Maintenance

Whether you play, display, or store your instrument away, be sure that you take proper care of your vintage guitar to preserve its value, sound, and appearance. Be sure to change the strings regularly, keep the guitar in a case when it is not being played, and polish the finish with appropriate cleaning materials.

Other Online Resources

• Top 10 Guitar Web Sites – LoveToKnow
• B.B. King’s Lucille
• Wikipedia: Guitar – general info
• Vintage Guitars Info
• eBay Vintage Acoustic Guitars Buying Guide
• eBay Vintage Electric Guitars Buying Guide

Written by Tara Meacham