“Guitar Collectors: The Sound of Collecting Greatness.”
The electric guitar is an iconic musical instrument, heard in virtually every genre of music. For many guitarists, the thrill of collecting and playing that one special instrument is worth the investment. Whether it’s a vintage item or a more modern model, possessing a piece of guitar history is a goal of many guitar enthusiasts. For guitar collectors, each instrument forms part of the larger story, and owning multiple pieces of the same type opens up a world of sonic possibilities.
If you’re looking to expand your collection of guitars and become a guitar collector, here are a few essential tips.
1. Do Research
Learning about different makes, models and eras of electric guitars is the foundation of guitar collecting. Before you invest, learn as much as you can about the instruments you’re interested in. Researching the features and sounds that set these guitars apart from other manufacturers and decades can help to give you a better grasp of their value, and ensure that you’re investing your money wisely.
2. Join The Community
The collector’s community is large and varying. From online forums to local events and swap meets, there are many opportuniites to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and get valuable tips, advice, find local sellers and browse through a large selection of guitars. Joining the community can also open up opportunities to collaborate on projects and find new models to add to your collection.
3. Know Your Budget
The cost of electric guitars can range from affordable to sky-high. Be sure to research the market, as well as set aside a budget for what you’d like to spend. Whether you purchase guitars in person or online, you’ll be sure to find a wide range of prices.
4. Look For Rare Models
From the sparking neon colors of the 1980s, to iconic vintage makes, some guitars can become incredibly rare, fetching huge sums at auction. While surfing the second-hand market, it’s worthwhile to keep an eagle-eye out for special and rare instruments; depending on their condition, they could form part of a great selection of instruments.
5. Understand Its History
When considering a guitar purchase, research the history as much as possible. Used guitars often come with many stories, and knowing the history will give you an insight into the characteristics of the instrument. If you can, track the guitarist or studio it was originally used in, the year of manufacture and the general time of its production.
6. Give It A Test Run
The sound of a guitar can drastically change depending on the setup, pickups and strings that its equipped with. Play each instrument for a short while to get a feel for its reaction and tone. You might end up with a different outlook after testing several models.
7. Store it Properly
When buying a used guitar, invest in a hard case that will protect your instrument from dirt, dust, and extreme temperatures. Also, be sure to store it in a relatively humid and cool area, to maximize its lifespan.
Whether you’re buying it online or at a local store, guitar collecting can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. With these tips in mind, you can be sure that you’ll be able to add some great guitars to your collection, and start making new music with your newfound treasures.