Guitar Collecting: A History of Strumming Through the Ages.
Collecting guitars has long been an obsession among musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. While many people can appreciate the distinctive sound and feel of a fine guitar, few understand the history and culture surrounding the instrument and how the collecting of guitars can be a rewarding and fulfilling pursuit. In this blog post, we will explore the history of guitar collecting, the different types of vintage and modern guitars, and the benefits of becoming a guitar collector.
To begin, it is important to understand the history of guitar collecting. Contrary to popular belief, guitar collecting as a hobby is relatively recent. While professional guitarists have long been drawn to specific types of instrument, most likely due to its unique sound or craftsmanship, it was not until the 20th century that guitar collecting reached a wider audience. For example, in the 1930s and 1940s, renowned guitarist Les Paul began performing experiments to amplify sound and create a signature sound for the guitar. His innovations laid the groundwork for the now popular electric guitar and, more importantly, sparked an interest in collecting vintage guitars from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
Although guitar collecting became more popular in the 20th century, it is not just limited to modern guitars. Throughout the centuries, inventors and craftsmen have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument. That’s why there is such a broad range of instruments available to guitar collectors today. There are plenty of vintage instruments that span different eras of history and with an array of sizes, shapes, and sounds.
Firstly, acoustic guitars have been around throughout the ages and they vary greatly in quality and value. Vintage acoustic guitars are typically thought of as being classically designed, with strings made of gut or nylon. The most sought-after acoustic guitars are those from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, as these generally have great sound, lasting tone, and have held their value well over the years. Martin and Gibson have long been the premier manufacturers of acoustic guitars, and vintage models from these companies are highly sought after. Additionally, the acoustic guitar category includes a variety of folk and popular music genres, such as Celtic, Gypsy jazz, and Hawaiian, among others. These guitars are still in demand and can fetch high prices among guitar collectors.
On the other hand, electric guitars have a relatively shorter history, as they weren’t developed until the mid-1900s. Yet, they are still an essential part of any good guitar collection. This category of guitars includes names like Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Les Paul, all of which were examples of innovative design and sound when they first hit the market. As a result, they have become iconic figures among guitar collectors. Vintage electric guitars from the 1950s and 1960s are generally the most highly prized and can fetch high prices at auction or in specialty stores.
Collecting guitars is not limited to just the acoustic and electric categories. There is a diverse array of guitar models associated with different eras and styles of music, such as lap-steel guitars, banjos, Dobro guitars, archtop hollow-bodies, classical guitars, and jumbo guitars – to name a few. While these do not command the high prices of vintage Martin or Gibson acoustic guitars, they are often great instruments to add to a guitar collection. Depending on the builder and finish, playing and collecting these niche guitars can be a rewarding and interesting pursuit.
The internet has also drastically changed the landscape of guitar collecting. With the rise of websites like eBay, Reverb, and Craigslist, it is easier than ever for aspiring guitar collectors to find rare instruments or even entire collections. These sites allow buyers and sellers to connect and negotiate with each other, making the purchasing of vintage or modern instruments easier than ever. Additionally, online forums and youtube channels provide ample resources for guitar collectors to stay informed and connected with the community.
Finally, becoming a guitar collector offers more than just the pleasure of owning beautiful instrument. Collectors that focus on vintage vintage instruments often build relationships with the owners of the guitar, allowing them to gain insight into its unique history and journey. Additionally, cultivating a collection of well researched and well preserved guitars can yield great returns when it is time to sell or pass along the collection to the next generation of guitar enthusiasts.
Overall, guitar collecting is a rewarding and fulfilling pursuit that opens up a world of exploration and sound. From vintage acoustics and electrics to niche instruments and modern creations, there is something to be found for everyone. With the help of online resources and vibrant forums, it is easier than ever to become part of the guitar collecting community. Whether you are looking to build a collection that you can pass down in generations or simply looking for beautiful sounds and craftsmanship, guitar collecting can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.