Guitar Collectors: The Allure of Owning and Building a Vintage Collection.
The art of collecting guitars is alluring, intriguing, and unique. The appeal of owning and building up a collection of vintage guitars can be equated to the act of assembling a kind of personal time capsule of music history, with each guitar offering a unique and fascinating look into a certain time, place, and sound.
Guitar collecting can be an expensive and rewarding hobby, where enthusiasts seek out and acquire some of the most sought-after and special instruments in the world. This article will explore the range of different types of guitar collectors, and what makes the hobby so rewarding and enjoyable for those looking for something special.
There are many different kinds of guitar aficionados, though popularly there are three distinct sorts – vintage collectors, custom builders, and professional players. Of course, the distinctions between these three types are not always clear cut, as many collectors and players enjoy combining the two passions and building their own custom instruments.
Vintage guitar collectors are those who search for and acquire rare, historic, and otherwise highly sought-after instruments, usually from the golden age of guitar making. Collectors search out specific features, analysis and vintage catalogs to source the right guitar for their collection and may travel far and wide to track down the perfect piece. Commonly, vintage collectors may gravitate towards the classics – Fender Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and other beloved models, along with rarer and more esoteric makes such as Dowina, Hagström, and AEG guitars.
Real vintage guitar enthusiasts are looking for something special – a piece with a unique history that speaks to them, and that can offer a unique playing experience as well. For these collectors, the age and look of the guitar become extremely important. Depending on the collector’s budget, many vintage guitars contain additional features such as original pickguards, pickups and other components that can add to the instrument’s aesthetic appeal.
For those who do not want to go the vintage route, custom builders offer the perfect alternative – a completely unique guitar that has been built to the customer’s exact specifications. Professional custom builders often combine their knowledge with the latest innovations in guitar building technology, along with the traditional craftsmanship and an endless list of options to ensure that no two guitars ever leave the workshop the same.
Custom-building a guitar can be an extremely rewarding experience for guitarists who are looking to create their own vision of a perfect guitar. Whether it is a specific model, a special pickguard design or any other preferences, custom builders will work as closely with the customer as possible to make sure that the final result is the player’s dream.
Professional players are a final demographic of guitar collector – those who build up their own personal collection of instruments that they can use for gigs, recording and touring. For those who can afford it, the number of instruments in their arsenal usually reflects the level of their own playing. Players who tour extensively will often have multiple guitars of the same model, as strings may need to be changed depending on where and when they are playing.
In terms of musical instruments, professional players tend to look for the most modern and up-to-date models available, as they provide improved playability and more reliable tone quality than older instruments. For example, newer reissues of classic guitar models such as the Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul have seen tremendous advancements in terms of playability and tonal quality over older models. Additionally, modern pickups and electronics provide more clarity and consistency when recording or playing live.
When it comes to guitar collecting, there are plenty of options available to enthusiasts of all tastes. Whether vintage, custom-built, or professional-grade, these instruments offer lasting value that can last for generations. For many, collecting guitars is a chance to immerse yourself in music history, to find something special and to share your passion for these instruments with other like-minded enthusiasts. The allure of owning and building a vintage collection is like no other, and for many, it is the reward of a lifetime.