The Art of Guitar Collecting: Uncovering the Finest Musical Instruments.
If you’ve ever admired a beautiful guitar, viola, or cello, you may have wondered to yourself: Could one become a collector? For guitarists, the appeal of owning and playing a vintage instrument that has been around for decades is undeniable. However, there’s much more to collecting than just simply buying the most expensive guitar and strumming away.
From identifying the perfect fit and obtaining a thorough understanding of the instrument’s history to restoring it back to its former glory, the process of becoming a guitar collector calls for the most discerning eye and a true love for music. For passionate collectors, guitars and other stringed instruments are more than just pieces of wood and metal. They are treasured works of art with many stories to tell.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the intriguing world of guitar collecting and what it takes to become an expert collector. You’ll gain a better understanding of the importance of research, the different types of vintage guitars, and the best ways to go about restoring and preserving vintage guitars.
Before we dive into the details, let’s consider some of the fundamental aspects of collecting guitars.
What Is a Guitar Collector?
A guitar collector is someone who owns and is passionate about collecting vintage guitars and other stringed instruments. Collectors typically focus on instruments that were made between the 1920s and 60s, although some collections may start earlier or stretch to the present day.
The goal of the collector is to possess the finest instruments, both in terms of sound quality and condition. As such, they take the utmost care in finding, restoring and preserving these priceless instruments, with an emphasis on preserving their original craftsmanship.
Guitar collecting requires an eye for quality as well as a deep appreciation and understanding of the art. Experts must know what to look for in a guitar and have the resources to meticulously examine and preserve the instrument’s condition.
Types of Vintage Guitars
The type of vintage guitar you collect should depend on your own personal preference and expertise. There are countless varieties, each with a unique makeup and distinct construction. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most sought after vintage guitars on the market.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are known for their mellow tones and are a popular choice for collectors. Martin & Company is a renowned acoustic guitar builder that manufactured an array of acoustic guitars from the 1800s to the modern day. Likewise, Gibson is renowned for their Gibson J-200, the legendary model with a large round body shape and a distinguished sound.
Archtop Guitars
Archtop guitars are slightly bigger than their acoustic counterparts and have their own distinct sound. Epiphone is a renowned manufacturer of archtop guitars, producing guitars such as the Emperor, Broadway, and De Luxe models.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars were invented in the early 1930s and became widely popular after World War II. Fender and Gibson are two of the most famous electric guitar brands and are recognized for their classic models in the 1950s and 60s.
Research
Research is one of the most important aspects of guitar collecting. Knowing the history of the instrument is essential in understanding its full value. As such, collectors must research the models they are interested in, as well as the time frame in which they were made, the materials used, and the artisan who built them.
The best way to conduct research is through interviews and archives. Interviewing the artisan is one of the best ways to get a better understanding of the instrument. Additionally, archival photographs, patents, brochures, and sales documentation can be highly useful in vintage guitar collecting.
Restoration and Preservation
Restoration and preservation of vintage guitars is essential to preserving their condition and ensuring they are playable in the future. As such, collectors should make sure they use the best materials to restore the instrument and determine whether or not the instrument requires refinishing.
It is important to note that some collectors prefer to retain the original finish as can be damaging to an instrument’s tone, so it is crucial to fully understand the process of restoring before you begin.
In addition to restoration, preserving a vintage guitar involves keeping the instrument in optimum condition. Many collectors bring their guitars to a luthier for a general maintenance check-up and for humidification treatments. This helps to ensure the instrument does not become too dry over time and doesn’t suffer from warping or cracking.
Conclusion
Guitar collecting is an exciting and meaningful endeavour that requires a great deal of effort and dedication. From researching the history of an instrument to restoring and preserving it, becoming a collector will take knowledge, artistic appreciation and an unbreakable passion for music. If you’re up for the task, you could uncover some of the most beautiful and enchanting sounds the world has to offer.