“Are you sitting on a goldmine? Discover the top 5 rare guitars that could make you rich!”

by Philin Guitar collectors, Guitarson Posted on

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Are You Sitting on a Goldmine? Discover the Top 5 Rare Guitars That Could Make You Rich!

Have you considered selling your old guitar lately? You might be sitting on a goldmine! Certain rare guitars can fetch thousands, even millions of dollars from avid collectors. Check out this list of the top 5 most valuable guitars and find out if you have one in your possession.

Table of Contents

1. 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Considered by many to be the holy grail of electric guitars, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard is valued for its sound, craftsmanship, and rarity. Only 643 guitars were made that year, making it highly sought after by guitar collectors around the world. Its unique sound is due to its “Patent Applied For” humbucking pickups, which give it a warm, vintage sound that cannot be replicated.

One of the most famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standards is known as “Burst #2” and belonged to blues legend Eric Clapton. It sold at a 2019 auction for a mind-boggling $1.8 million dollars. While your guitar might not fetch quite that much, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard in good condition can still bring in upwards of $500,000 at auction.

So how can you tell if you have one of these rare guitars in your possession? There are a few key things to look for:

  • A sunburst finish
  • Two humbucking pickups
  • Serial number of 9 1959 or 0 1960
  • A long neck tenon (the part of the neck that extends into the guitar’s body)

If you’re lucky enough to have one of these rare beauties, hold onto it tight. It could be worth more than you ever imagined.

2. 1960 Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster has been a popular guitar among musicians since it was first introduced in 1954. However, the 1960 Fender Stratocaster is particularly rare and valuable due to its combination of maple necks and “slab” rosewood fingerboards, which were only used for a short period that year.

One of the most famous 1960 Fender Stratocasters belonged to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Known as “Number One,” this guitar was frequently played by Vaughan during his career and is still highly coveted by collectors today.

If you have a 1960 Fender Stratocaster in your possession, there are a few things to look for to determine its value:

  • Original factory finish
  • Maple neck
  • “Slab” rosewood fingerboard
  • Lollipop tuners

In 2019, a 1960 Fender Stratocaster sold at auction for $231,250. While not as valuable as some of the other guitars on this list, it’s still a significant amount of money for a single instrument. If you have a 1960 Fender Stratocaster, it’s worth getting it appraised to see just how much it could be worth.

3. 1958 Gibson Explorer

The Gibson Explorer was introduced in 1958 as a futuristic-looking guitar that was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, it was not a commercial success and only a few were made that year. However, this rarity has made the 1958 Gibson Explorer one of the most valuable guitars in the world.

The design of the Explorer was so ahead of its time that it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became popular with heavy metal guitarists like James Hetfield of Metallica and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. In fact, many of these modern-day versions of the Gibson Explorer are modeled after the original 1958 design.

If you have a 1958 Gibson Explorer in your possession, you can expect a high value if it’s in good condition. Look for the following to determine its value:

  • Natural finish
  • Gold hardware
  • An angular, futuristic body shape

In 2019, a 1958 Gibson Explorer sold at auction for $1.2 million dollars, making it one of the most valuable guitars in the world. Not bad for an instrument that was considered a commercial failure when it was first introduced!

4. 1954 Fender Stratocaster “Virginia”

The 1954 Fender Stratocaster “Virginia” is special for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the earliest Stratocasters ever made, which makes it rare in and of itself. Second, it was owned by groundbreaking rhythm and blues guitarist Ike Turner, who played it on many of his recordings.

The most distinguishing feature of the “Virginia” is its unique sunburst finish. The paint on the body of the guitar was sprayed by hand, which gives it a one-of-a-kind look that can’t be replicated. This, combined with its historical significance, makes the “Virginia” one of the most valuable guitars in the world.

If you have a 1954 Fender Stratocaster in your possession, there are a few things to look for to determine if it’s the “Virginia” model:

  • Sunburst finish
  • Serial number 0001-1000
  • Original Fender case with “Virginia” handwritten on it

In 2016, the “Virginia” sold at auction for $25,000. While it’s not as valuable as some of the other guitars on this list, its historical significance and unique finish still make it a valuable addition to any guitar collection.

5. 1936-37 Martin D-45

While most of the guitars on this list are electric, the 1936-37 Martin D-45 is one of the most valuable acoustic guitars in the world. Only 91 were made during this period, and each one was crafted by hand by skilled luthiers at the Martin factory.

The D-45 is known for its beautiful design, which features intricate inlay work on the neck and headstock. It also has a warm, rich sound that makes it a favorite among acoustic guitar players.

If you have a 1936-37 Martin D-45 in your possession, it’s likely worth a significant amount of money. Look for the following to determine its authenticity:

  • Intricate inlay work on the neck and headstock
  • An ebony fingerboard with abalone dot inlays
  • Pearl tuning pegs
  • A forward-shifted scalloped X-brace

In 2018, a 1937 Martin D-45 sold at auction for $399,500. While this is certainly a lot of money, it’s not unusual for a rare Martin guitar to fetch such a high price. If you have a Martin D-45, it’s worth getting it appraised to see just how valuable it really is.

New Beginnings

Old guitars can be worth a lot of money if they’re the right make and model. A rare guitar can bring in hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars if it’s in good condition and has the right pedigree. Check your attic or basement today and see if you’re sitting on a goldmine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my guitar is valuable?

The value of a guitar depends on a number of factors, including its make and model, age, condition, and historical significance. If you’re unsure whether your guitar is valuable, it’s worth getting it appraised by a professional to find out.

Where can I sell a valuable guitar?

There are a number of places to sell a valuable guitar, including auction houses, guitar dealers, and online marketplaces. Do some research to find the best place to sell your guitar based on its make and model and the amount of money you hope to receive.

How do I take care of a valuable guitar?

To ensure your valuable guitar stays in good condition, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a soft cloth to clean it and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. If you’re unsure how to care for your guitar, consult a professional.

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