Have you ever seen a guitar collection so wild, it left you in awe? As a guitar enthusiast, I have seen many collections that make my heart skip a beat. From vintage guitars to rare custom-made ones, the variety of guitars that collectors possess is amazing. In this blog post, we will explore some of the wildest guitar collections we have seen, discuss whether collecting guitars is an expensive hobby, and explore the factors that make a guitar collection valuable.
The Wildest Guitar Collection You’ve Seen
Guitar collectors worldwide have amassed a wide range of guitars, from the iconic Gibson Les Paul to the rare 1950s Fender Stratocaster. The wildest guitar collection I’ve seen so far is from Ralph Orlando, a prominent guitar collector. Ralph has over 150 guitars, with some of them worth over $200,000. He has guitars that once belonged to the legendary Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, George Harrison, and Jim Gordon, just to name a few. Not only are his guitars impressive, but he also has guitars signed by some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Jimmy Page.
Another guitar collector worth mentioning is Robby Krieger, known as the guitarist for The Doors. Robby has a collection of over 70 guitars, including the Gibson SG he used to write some of The Doors’ most iconic hits, including “Love Me Two Times” and “Touch Me.” His collection also includes a rare 1958 Gibson Les Paul, the guitar he used to write the hit song “Light My Fire.”
One other notable guitar collection is that of Tom Petersson, a member of Cheap Trick. Tom has a collection of over 500 guitars, making his one of the largest collections in the world. He has guitars worth over six figures, including a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard, a 1954 Fender Stratocaster, and a rare 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass.
Is Collecting Guitars an Expensive Hobby?
It is no secret that collecting guitars is an expensive hobby. The price of guitars varies depending on a multitude of factors, including the brand, model, and age. Some guitars can be bought for as low as a few hundred dollars, while others can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. This makes collecting guitars an expensive hobby that is not accessible to everyone.
However, some collectors argue that collecting guitars is not expensive when compared to other hobbies. For instance, some collectors have spent as much on their guitar collection as they would on a luxury car. Still, they argue that collecting guitars is a worthy investment as the value of some guitars increases with time, making it a profitable venture.
What Makes a Guitar Collection Valuable?
Several factors determine the value of a guitar collection, with the most obvious being the rarity of the guitars. Vintage guitars from the 1950s and 1960s, specifically by Fender and Gibson, are often considered the most valuable due to their scarcity and quality. The condition of the guitar also plays a crucial role in determining its value, with well-maintained and preserved guitars fetching a higher price.
Additionally, guitars that have a history with music legends will always be highly sought after. For instance, guitars used by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen fetch high prices at auctions. The connection of a guitar to a particular period of music history can also increase its value. Guitars used in historical concerts or music videos are often considered to have a cultural significance that makes them priceless.
Conclusion
Collecting guitars is not just a hobby but a passion for many enthusiasts worldwide. The variety of guitars available and the rich history behind each instrument make collecting guitars a fascinating and valuable venture. While it might be an expensive hobby, the potential for profitable investments makes it attractive to some.
What’s the wildest guitar collection you’ve come across? Let us know in the comments!
Image Credit: Pexels