Guitar Collecting: The Finest 6-String Experiences.
Collecting guitars is a hobby that has been enjoyed by many for decades. From novice to experienced players, everyone can appreciate the beauty, craftsmanship, and history of some of the most prized six-string instruments in the world. Whether looking for vintage gems or modern collectors editions, the pursuit of the perfect tone, feel, and look of a high-end guitar is something that can bring a whole new level of joy and satisfaction to one’s playing.
In the following blog post, we’ll explore some of the most significant and unique elements of guitar collecting, from the importance of researching a guitar’s provenance to the various ways collectors are transforming their homes into ultimate showcase spaces. We’ll also provide an overview of some of the rarest and most valuable guitars available today, along with some tips for how to get started. So grab your pick and buckle in– it’s time to learn all about the beautiful world of guitar collecting.
The History of Collecting Fine Guitars
Guitar collecting isn’t a new phenomenon, but its reach has grown exponentially in the last several decades. The 1990s saw the first wave of collector’s items with the surprise appearance of limited-edition copies of Gibson’s 1959 Les Paul Standard, known as the “Burst.” With an estimated value of up to $2.4 million today, these guitars set a precedent for the high-value and exclusivity that can now be associated with collectibility.
But it wasn’t just the Gibson Les Paul that saw a surge in demand from collectors. Legendary makers such as Fender, Martin, Gretsch, and Guild have all made their presence known in the collector’s market. Fender, for instance, has released a range of limited edition and artist signature instruments, some of which can fetch five-figure sums. Meanwhile, Martin is renowned for its vintage acoustic guitars, with a 1940’s-era D-28 fetching $162,500 in 2002.
Exploring the Provenance of a Guitar
For collectors, the urge to collect guitars isn’t just based on their appeal to the eye, but the rich history and provenance that often accompany the instrument. In many cases, guitars can act as bearers of stories and anecdotes, often born of their original users.
For instance, in 2018, an original 1949 Fender Esquire sold for over $59,000. This particular guitar was initially kept in storage for twenty years before being played by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. Such evidence of a guitar’s history are great selling points for collectors, tying in the past with their current pursuits.
Building the Perfect Display
The pride and joy of any guitar collector is often rooted in the display area of their guitars. Interested collectors often take pride in building a display area with specially crafted shelving, lighting, and stands to create the perfect presentation and showcase all the instruments they’ve collected in one elegant area.
Furthermore, customizing a guitar display area is just as enjoyable as collecting the actual instruments themselves. Living rooms, spare bedrooms, and even garages often become completely diverse areas. Shelves of memorabilia, framed album covers, tickets, photographs, and certificates often accompany a prized collection. Collectors enjoy looking back on memories, whether concerts attended, friends shared, or music played.
The Materials of a Great Guitar
Choice of materials is also a major factor when collecting a guitar. The thickness of the guitar body, the type of wood used, the bracing style, and the size of the fretboard all determine the tonal traits, playability, and appearance of the instrument.
Hardwoods are often the preference of collectors, particularly rosewood. Besides its visual appeal, rosewood offers a deep, warm bottom-end, along with bright overtones, making it ideal for many genres of music, such as jazz and blues.
Mahogany is another popular choice among collectors, but is often overlooked by new buyers due to its darker hue. Most manufacturers use mahogany in conjunction with a lighter woods, such as maple. This combination is often found on Les Paul, SG, and many other single-cutaway guitars.
The Rarity Factor
Rarity is a factor in driving the value of a guitar and the demand for collectors. Some production runs have been made in limited numbers, making them highly sought after. Erlewine Custom Guitars designs a range of limited edition instruments, including a western-themed reissue of the classic “Tele-Gibcaster,” limited to just 100 pieces.
Other rare instruments with huge values include the 1959 Les Paul Standard, which has already been mentioned. However, there are other spectacular guitars on the auction blocks, such as the 1958 Gibson 1959 Les Paul “Black Beauty,” which was recently sold at a $2.01 million, breaking guitar auction records.
Tips for Collecting Guitars
For beginner collectors, the world of guitar collecting can seem daunting. With limited funds and over 155,000 guitars to choose from, buying the right guitar can be an intimidating task. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to buying, selling, and trading that can ensure a successful collection.
Research
Researching a guitar’s background is a must-do for any collector, whether it’s a vintage or modern model. This is done by finding out production histories, benchmark releases, limited editions, artist models, and so on. Knowing the details of each guitar will give the buyer a better understanding of what they’re buying.
Inspect & Try
This one should be obvious, but is often overlooked in the guitar collecting world. Before buying any guitar, be sure to ask if you can inspect it and play or try it out. Not only will this give you an idea of the instrument’s condition, but you’ll also get a true feeling for its tonal qualities.
Certificate of Authenticity
When researching a guitar, seek out the right documentation. Manufacturers and different brands will often issue a “Certificate of Authenticity” that provides valuable information on the model, year of manufacture, and available options.
Know Where to Look
Knowing where to look for collectible guitars is just as important as knowing what to buy. Auctions, classifieds, and collector sites are great sources to finding the right instrument, with eBay being the most popular.
Invest Wisely
Even though some guitars can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s wise to get an idea of what a model typically goes for before investing a lot of money. Knowing market prices for the instrument in question helps buyers avoid getting scammed and keeps their collection under budget.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, collecting guitars isn’t just about the instruments, but the stories and experiences that come with them. People who choose to pursue it can find a whole new level of joy and satisfaction as they build and showcase their collections. From researching a guitar’s provenance to creating the perfect display space, the chase for the perfect six-string experience creates memories that last a lifetime.