Guitar Collecting: Everything You Need to Know.
If you’re a guitar enthusiast, then you know that collecting guitars is a great way to express your love for the instrument. From electric to acoustic, from vintage to modern, collecting guitars can be a rewarding hobby that provides you with the opportunity to build a unique collection. But with so many guitars to choose from, where do you begin? That’s why we’ve put together this guide about guitar collecting, to help you get started.
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed introduction to Guitar Collecting, walking you through the different types of guitars that are available, the materials and construction of them, different factors to consider when collecting them, and the various practicalities that come along with it.
Let’s dive in!
Types of Guitars
Guitars come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the specific type, they have different characteristics, construction, and sound qualities. The type of guitar you’ll end up collecting will depend on the style of music you’re interested in playing, the type of sound you’re looking for, and other personal preferences. Here’s a brief overview of the most common types of guitars.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars are the most popular and versatile instruments in popular music. As the name suggests, electric guitars use an electrical signal to amplify and produce sound. Electric guitars come in two main designs: solid body and hollow body. Solid body guitars are made from solid pieces of wood, such as maple, mahogany, or alder, and the sound of these instruments is bright, clean, and solid. Hollow body guitars are constructed from a hollow wooden body and are known for their signature warm and mellow tones.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are the oldest and most traditional type of guitar. Acoustic guitars use six strings made of gut, nylon, or steel, and the sound of these instruments is projected through sound holes in the body. Acoustic guitars are also available in two main designs: flattop and archtop. Flattop acoustic guitars are usually made from mahogany or spruce, and produce a robust and resonant tone. Archtop instruments use a carved top made from maple, and their sound is typically warmer and more rounded.
Classical Guitars
Classical guitars are descended from the Spanish lute, and feature six strings made of nylon. These instruments have a wider fingerboard and their sound is typically mellow, sweet, and warm. The bodies of classical guitars are made from spruce or cedar, with the sound hole and bridge often adorned with intricate inlays. Classical guitars are typically used for classical music and folk music and are often preferred by fingerpickers.
Bass Guitars
Bass guitars are the low-pitched counterparts of electric guitars and are used to provide the low-end foundation of music. Bass guitars typically have four strings made of steel and their electric signals are sent to an amplifier, which produces a loud and punchy sound. Bass guitars are usually made from solid pieces of wood, such as maple, mahogany, and alder.
Materials and Construction
When researching guitars, you’ll come across specifications for the materials that make up the instrument, which can include wood, metal, and plastic. Let’s take a look at some of the more common materials and how they affect the sound of the guitar.
Wood
Wood is the most important material to consider when buying a guitar. The tone and sound of the instrument is heavily influenced by the type of wood used. Different woods have different resonance and density levels that determine the “tone” of the guitar. Certain woods are more expensive than others, and their availability often affects the price of the instrument.
Maple is a hardwood with a bright, warm tone typically used for electric and acoustic guitar backs. Mahogany is a dense hardwood that produces a balanced, warm sound found in electric guitar bodies. Alder is a lighter, softer wood that produces a warm, balanced sound found in electric and acoustic guitar bodies.
Metal
Metal is another important material for guitars and comes into play in two areas: hardware and strings. In electric guitars, the metal hardware includes the tall posts that hold the strings in place, called the tuners. The pickups (the electronic devices that capture the sound of the strings) are also made of metal. On acoustic guitars, the hardware is made from a combination of wood and metal, and on classical guitars, metal tuners are used.
The strings are also important to consider as they are usually made from either steel or nylon. Steel strings are usually used for electric and acoustic guitars, as they produce a brighter sound. Nylon strings are usually used for classical guitars, as they produce a warmer, mellower sound.
Factors to Consider When Collecting
Buying a guitar can be a significant investment, so it’s important to choose carefully. Here are a few factors to consider when collecting guitars.
Cost
When collecting guitars, cost is an important factor to keep in mind. The type of guitar you purchase will determine the cost, as some instruments may be more expensive than others.
The condition of the instrument is also important to consider when it comes to cost. A brand-new guitar will cost more than a vintage model, depending on its rarity and condition. In addition, certain types of vintage guitars may cost more due to their age and low availability.
Quality
Besides cost, the quality of the instrument is an important factor to consider when collecting guitars. Quality is a measure of how well the materials used in the craftsmanship and construction are made to last over time.
The quality of the instrument could also affect its sound. Higher-quality instruments will produce better sound than lower-quality ones. In turn, good sound can bring more enjoyment to your performances.
Practicalities
When collecting guitars, there are some practical considerations that you should keep in mind. One of the most important is storage. You will need a place to keep the instrument safe, such as a guitar case or hardshell case. You’ll also need to make space in the home or studio to store your collection.
In addition, if you’re collecting vintage guitars that may require restoration, you’ll need to make sure you have a reliable technician to take care of the instrument. It’s always best to have a qualified technician handle the setup and maintenance of your guitars.
Conclusion
Getting into guitar collecting can be a rewarding and exciting adventure. With so many types and varieties of guitars, there’s always something new to learn and explore. When it comes to selecting the type of guitar you’d like to collect, take some time to consider your individual tastes, budget, and what works best for the type of playing you’re interested in.
By considering the materials, construction, cost, quality, and practicalities of guitar collecting, you’ll have a better idea of where to start in order to create a collection that reflects your tastes and style. Good luck and happy collecting!
Guitar Collecting: Everything You Need to Know.