Guitar Collectors: A Rare Group of Passionate Musicians.
Guitar collecting is a unique passion that is shared by a special few. It’s an activity that has grown in popularity over the past several years, but one that still remains mysterious and misunderstood to many. For those that engage in it, collecting guitars is an intensely rewarding experience. From the beauty of rare vintage models to the feeling of stringing up an instrument that you helped build from scratch, the joy of adding another guitar to your collection is unmatched.
For most of us, collecting guitars is largely about the pursuit of the perfect sound. That singular goal demands a deep understanding of construction, tonewoods, pickup types and the rest. It takes time and effort to gain the knowledge and experience, but the rewards are well worth it. In this piece, we’ll take a look at what it takes to become a successful guitar collector, explain what makes certain guitars so sought-after and explore the hidden world of independent luthiers.
What makes a guitar collector?
Being a guitar collector is all about your drive to seek out and acquire rare and unique models. It can be a challenge to identify desirable pieces, but the collector’s process begins when they start to research their prospective purchases, either online or in person. This research is critical, as it can help to determine the provenance and authenticity of the guitar as well as give a sense of its rarity. Some guitar enthusiasts prefer to collect vintage instruments, while others look for creative custom builds or individually-crafted instruments.
The type of collector also plays a crucial role in the search for the perfect instruments. A casual collector may want to acquire a range of guitars for the lowest possible price, while a serious collector is typically interested in higher-end instruments with greater detail, craftsmanship and heritage. It’s the serious collectors that often have the most time and monetry to invest into their search and collection.
What makes certain guitars so desirable?
There is no single answer to this question, as the reasons for collecting will vary from person to person. For example, some collectors will have a particular brand or period in mind when searching for guitars, while others might be interested in an individual model’s story, design features or sound potential. Whatever the reason, all serious collectors have an eye for excellence.
High quality craftsmanship is typically key. Comprising factors such as the selection of tonewoods, finish, hardware quality and attention to detail, collectors will often pay special attention to the quality of construction, as it can directly affect a guitars tone and playability. With vintage guitars, these little details are even more important, as modern models often mimic vintage designs without the underlying construction quality. It’s also essential to ensure a guitar is genuine, as many fakes exist in the market.
Collecting guitars is also an investment. It can take an exhaustive amount of research and assessment to determine a guitars true value, but ultimately it comes down to the law of supply and demand. Many collectors will research dead brands and discontinued models, in order to make the most profitable purchases. Similarly, those who search for independent custom builds will often pay more for the exclusivity of a one-of-a-kind instrument.
The hidden world of independent luthiers
Collecting guitars isn’t just about buying instruments off-the-shelf. In the world of guitar collecting, independent luthiers play an important role. These are individuals who combine their knowledge of woodworking and electronics with a passion for craftsmanship in order to create their own custom guitars.
These aren’t just kits or replicas of vintage designs. The sheer variety of builds can be remarkable, from steampunk-inspired creations to wild and outlandish modern designs. What’s more, independent luthiers work with a range of materials, including traditional tonewoods, such as mahogany and maple, but also some more interesting materials such as lignum vitae, a beautiful dark pink-brown hardwood.
In addition to the custom builds, luthiers also undertake repairs and overhauls. Many players have latched onto the idea of restoring vintage instruments, as these can often provide great deals if they’re in need of a little TLC. Independent luthiers can help to breathe new life into worn-out guitars, and as a result, they become an invaluable source of advice, tips and unique instruments.
The future of guitar collecting
As the popularity of guitar collecting grows, the amount of talent and innovation in the modern scene has also been steadily increasing. Technology has helped to facilitate custom builds, with makers now using 3D printing and milling machines to create pieces that one could only dream of a few years ago.
But we mustn’t forget the classic models that have provided the inspiration for so many modern builds. With the coming of the internet, it’s now easier than ever to track down rare models from days gone by, and it’s in the pursuit of these classic pieces that many collectors find their true passion. These are instruments that transcend mere money and offer a deep emotional connection to the players. The classic guitars are truly a special breed, and it’s the quest for them that keeps us all searching ever further afield.
Guitar collecting is a fascinating endeavor, and it requires an enormous amount of skill, knowledge and dedication. From finding that elusive vintage model to collaborating with independent luthiers, the rewards of pursuing one’s passion are without bounds. So gather your mental and financial resources, sharpen your detective skills, and join the search. Who knows what you might find?