The Unending Art of Guitar Collecting: An Exploration.
It is no exaggeration to say that guitar collecting is becoming ever more popular with musicians and music enthusiasts from around the world. Guitar collecting has existed for decades, but the past few years have seen unprecedented growth in its popularity. This trend shows no signs of stopping, as more and more people find themselves drawn to the unique and rewarding pursuit of researching, acquiring and preserving fine examples of this beloved instrument.
Guitar collecting is a passion that spans generations, styles, and tastes; it is a pursuit that engages both the senses and the intellect. A guitar collection is a tangible reflection of one’s individual interests, style, and aesthetic sensibilities. As such, it is often a source of great pride and joy for the collector. So what is it that separates guitar collecting from other types of collecting? Is it merely the status of being able to access and acquire rare and valuable instruments, or is it something more than that?
This blog post aims to explore the complex and ever-evolving art of guitar collecting, from its humble beginnings up through the contemporary scene. We’ll take a look at the different types of guitars and guitar collector archetypes, as well as the essential components essential for building and maintaining a quality collection.
The Different Types of Guitars
Guitar collecting is a surprisingly varied hobby. From classical acoustic guitars to electric guitars to specialized synthesizers, the sheer variety of instruments available is staggering. Even within a single model, there can be a world of variations waiting to be explored. It is this diversity that has helped to make guitar collecting so popular.
The most common type of guitar is the electric guitar. Electric guitars feature pickups (magnetic pickups, piezoelectric pickups or single-coil pickups) that capture the vibrations of the strings and turn them into electronic signals. These signals are then processed through an amplifier to produce the desired sound. The type of pickups and amplifier used can greatly affect the tone and type of sound that is produced, giving the electric guitar an enormous degree of flexibility and expression.
The types of electric guitars can vary drastically, ranging from traditional models such as the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul, to custom-built models made from components such as guitar bodies, necks, pickguards and bridge plates. The Fender Telecaster and Gibson Flying V are two very popular variations of electric guitars.
Classical acoustic guitars, or steel-stringed acoustic guitars, are traditionally made from wood. Most classical acoustic guitars have a solid body and are usually strung with six steel strings. The strings are attached to the head stock at one end and then tuned at the other. The guitar’s sound comes from the vibrations of the strings and the resonance of the body.
The steel-stringed acoustic guitar is extremely versatile; it can be used to play a variety of musical genres ranging from folk and country to jazz and rock. The acoustic guitar is also one of the most popular instruments for recording; it is capable of producing a unique and captivating sound that can be heard on countless albums. Some of the most famous acoustic guitars are the Martin D-28 and the Gibson J-45.
Guitar collecting also includes alternative instruments such as electro-acoustic guitars, which are similar to classical acoustic guitars yet are typically equipped with some form of electronic amplification. These instruments can be used to blend the traditional sound of an acoustic guitar with the power and clarity of an electric guitar. Additionally, there are a multitude of specialized instruments such as the eight-stringed guitar, the lap steel guitar, and the synthesizer.
Guitar Collector Archetypes
Guitar collecting is a highly personal passion, and for this reason it is likely impossible to pin down a single archetype of collector. Nonetheless, some of the most common types of guitar collectors are:
1. The Vintage Collector: The vintage collector is a person who is on a quest for historically and musically significant guitars from a specific time period. These include classic models from the likes of Gibson and Fender, as well as unique boutique instruments from independent makers.
2. The Artist Collector: The Artist Collector is the type of guitar collector who seeks out instruments that were once owned and/or played by a famous musician. These can range from an inexpensive acoustic guitar played by an early blues musician to an iconic electric guitar played by a superstar rock star.
3. The Investment Collector: The investment collector is the type of collector who is interested in buying guitars that may later increase in value. These guitars could be considered “investment quality,” meaning they are especially rare and/or desirable in the current market.
4. The Player Collector: Player collectors are those who are primarily interested in collecting guitars for the purpose of playing music. These collectors often have a particular musical style, and will focus on acquiring guitars best suited for that style.
5. The Modern-Day Collector: The modern-day collector is someone who is more interested in the instruments that are currently available, and often focuses on the latest technology and designs. This could include instruments that feature digital modeling capabilities, or modern designs that incorporate contemporary aesthetics into their form.
Essential Components for Building and Maintaining a Collection
Building and maintaining a quality guitar collection takes time, attention, and, perhaps most importantly, knowledge. Building a collection is a process that requires research and, inevitably, some trial and error.
One of the most essential components for building and maintaining a quality collection is research. Whether a collector is looking to acquire vintage instruments, seek out iconic guitars, or invest in investment quality models, proper research is essential. Knowing the details of an instrument, such as its provenance, is essential for any serious collector.
Another essential component for building and maintaining a collection is knowledge. A collector needs to know the history and evolution of their particular collectible and the market for it. Knowing the market value of an instrument, as well as the availability, is also essential.
Guitar collecting also requires a certain level of patience. Collectors need to take the time to research and understand the nuances of the instruments they are interested in, and be willing to bide their time when it comes to finding that perfect piece. As the proverb goes, “a watched pot never boils,” and the same could be said for the pursuit of the perfect instrument.
Finally, the key to any successful collection is passion. All of the research and knowledge in the world will only take a collector so far. The most successful collectors tend to be those who have a deep and abiding love for the instrument and the history that comes with it.
Conclusion
Guitar collectors come from all walks of life, and as such there is no single type or archetype of collector. Regardless of the type of collector, there are certain essential components for building and maintaining a quality collection. It takes knowledge, research, patience and, of course, passion. Ultimately, a collection is a reflection of the collector; it is an expression of the individual’s interests, style, and aesthetic sensibilities. Whatever the type of collector, a passion for the instrument and its history is essential.