The Art of Collecting Guitars: A Guide for Enthusiasts.
Collecting guitars is a way to express passion for music and the instruments we love. For some guitar collectors, it isn’t just about having the best models; it’s also about having an impressive set of rare, vintage and unique guitars. Whether you’re a long-time collector or just getting started, understanding the art of guitar collecting is a worthwhile endeavor.
This guide is designed to help you develop a deep appreciation and understanding of collecting guitars. You’ll learn how to evaluate the quality of guitars, how to find rare and vintage pieces, how to store and care for your collection and other advise to become a successful guitar collector. So let’s get started!
What Makes a Guitar Desirable?
Guitars are prized for their sound, aesthetics and playability. Each part of the guitar has an impact on its overall value. Here’s a list of some of the most important aspects of a guitar:
— The Woods: The woods used in the body, neck, headstock and fretboard of a guitar have a great influence on the sound and aesthetics. The kind of wood and the quality of the craftsmanship determine the desirability of a guitar.
— Pickups: Single-coil pickups tend to provide a brighter, more articulate sound suitable for soloing, while humbuckers offer a thicker, more aggressive sound ideal for heavier music.
— Bridge/Tremolo System: Different bridge and tremolo systems give guitarists a wide range of sounds. The floyd rose system is a popular choice for its tuning stability, while Fender style bridges tend to provide a more traditional, punchy sound.
— Accessories: Guitarists can add electronics or other accessories to their guitars to alter their sound or enhance their capabilities.
— Quality Materials: Quality electronics and hardware make a guitar more reliable and can help to produce a better sound.
— Overall Condition: If a guitar has been well taken care of, it will usually retain more of its value.
How to Evaluate the Quality of Guitars
In order to determine the value of a guitar, it’s important to understand what makes a quality guitar. Here are some tips for evaluating the quality of a guitar.
— Look for Quality Craftsmanship: Quality craftsmanship is essential for any guitar. Look for even grain in the wood and make sure the grain doesn’t have any deep flaws or dents. Be sure to check the fret board and make sure all the frets are level.
— Check all the Electronics: Make sure to check all the electronics to make sure they are in good working order. If you’re uncertain about a particular component, have an experienced luthier take a look.
— Look for Wear and Tear: Even if a guitar is in good condition, it may have been used by a previous owner, which can affect the sound or playability. Check for any wear or tear on the finish, fretboard and neck. Make sure the strings do not have any fraying or corrosion.
— Check the Strings: Even though strings may seem like a small detail, they have a huge impact on the sound of the guitar. Check the strings to make sure they are in good condition and of a high quality.
— Test the Electronics: You may be able to test the electronics yourself or have an experienced luthier do it for you. Either way it is essential to make sure the electronics are in good working order.
— Play the Guitar: The last and most important part of evaluating a guitar is playing it. Play it in different styles and get a feel for how it responds. Listen to how it sounds unplugged and then plug it into an amp.
Where to Find Rare and Vintage Guitars
When looking for rare guitars, it’s important to keep an eye out for vintage pieces. Here are some tips for finding vintage guitars:
— Flea Markets: Flea markets are great for finding rare and vintage guitars. You never know what you might find in a random flea market stall.
— Music Stores: Music stores can be a great place to look for rare and vintage guitars. Most stores specialize in a certain type of guitar, so it’s important to research what type of store you should be looking at.
— Guitar Shows: Guitar shows feature a wide variety of guitars and are a great place to find rare and vintage pieces.
— Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces such as Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist all have a wide variety of guitars. It’s important to read the description of the guitar carefully and make sure to ask a lot of questions before buying.
— Private Discerning: Private discerners are experts in finding rare and vintage guitars. They can help you find the best quality and value in a guitar.
Caring for Your Guitar Collection
Once you’ve built up a solid collection of guitars, it’s important to take care of them. Here are some tips for caring for your guitar collection:
— Use a Humidifier: Too much dryness can cause cracking in the wood of your guitar. A humidifier can help keep the relative humidity of your guitar room in the optimal levels.
— Use a Guitar Cabinet: The best way to store your guitars is in a guitar cabinet. This will provide extra protection for your collection and will help keep them in good condition for longer.
— Clean and Polish: Cleaning and polishing your guitars is essential for preserving them. Use a soft cloth to clean the body and a q-tip for the neck and headstock. Be sure to use guitar polish specifically made for the type of finish on the guitar.
— Change the Strings: To keep the sound of your guitars fresh, it’s important to change the strings regularly. This is especially important if you play often.
— Regularly Check Electronics: It’s important to check the electronics of your guitars regularly to make sure they are in good working order. Pay attention to the volume and tone knobs, as well as the pickups.
Conclusion
Collecting guitars is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. For some, it’s a way to express their passion for music and the instruments they love. Understanding how to evaluate and care for your collection is essential for any collector. Now that you have a better understanding of the art of collecting guitars, you have the tools to become a successful guitar collector.