The Best Collectors When it Comes to Guitars.
For some people, guitars are just instruments of entertainment. However, for some others, guitars can become prized possessions that are carefully collected, treasured and even traded. For these individuals, becoming a guitar collector isn’t just a hobby, but a true passion and sometimes an almost full-time pursuit. If you’re thinking of taking up the hobby of guitar collecting and are wondering who the best collectors are, look no further; we’ve got the lowdown on some of the top guitar collectors around!
One of the top names in guitar collecting is none other than Jeff Beck – the groundbreaking electric guitar legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. Over the years, he’s collected a vast array of vintage guitars, amps and effects, helping to shape the sound of rock music for generations to come. Beyond his own collection, Beck has also started numerous other projects focused around guitar collecting, such as his Gibson Collection and the Femme Fatale Collection. Most recently, he’s been working on the “Gabor Collection”, a gorgeous set of electric guitars with amazing details and customization options.
But it doesn’t end there. There are many other huge names in guitar collecting, beyond just Jeff Beck. Les Paul, another name in rock history, was an immensely talented guitar player and a guitar collector. Yup, it’s true – the man who essentially invented the Les Paul solidbody electric guitar was also an avid collector of incredible vintage axes. His personal collection included not only all of the classic Les Pauls but also some of the rarest and most significant vintage guitars of all time.
Also included in the list of great guitar collectors we have Fender connoisseur, G.E. Smith – the long-time musical director for Saturday Night Live. G.E. has collected an immense array of vintage Fender instruments, and recently had some of his most prized pieces showcased at a special exhibit in the New York City Museum of Natural History. Beyond his own personal collection, G.E. is also the founder of the “Guitar Collectors Forum” – a website where guitar enthusiasts from all over the world can connect, share stories and discuss their collections.
And we can’t forget about Slash either. Besides being the guitar wizard of GNR fame, Slash is also a renowned guitar collector. He has a huge and varied collection, including some of the earliest Gibson Les Pauls and SG models. His passion for guitar collecting is one of the main motivations behind his signature line of Slash Collection guitars, which are offered through Gibson and Epiphone.
Even though these five names might be the most prominent in the world of guitar collecting, they’re certainly not the only ones. Many guitarists have a passion for collecting – some quietly and some not so quietly. Bands have been known to have their own guitar collections too – look no further than Led Zeppelin’s huge assortment of vintage and unique axes. Of course, you’d expect no less from the band that invented electric guitar tones and set the bar for future axe slingers.
Nowadays, the pursuit for collecting has become increasingly competitive, with prices for even the most average piece soaring through the roof. It’s become more difficult for collectors to find the rarest gems and the prices for those can be simply exorbitant. However, with ingenuity, knowledge and a bit of luck, collectors can still mine out hidden gems. It might take a bit of searching and a good deal of patience, but amazing guitars can still be found – you just have to know where to look!
So if you’re thinking of becoming a collector, the best thing to do is do your research. Read up on the various guitar makers, models and eras – and get up to speed with the current market prices. Take your time – learn the ropes and gain insight on the entire process. Being a collector means making smart decisions, so don’t rush into buying your first piece – take your time and build up a good collection of guitars that both you and others can be proud of.
At the end of the day, the pursuit of collecting guitars is a daunting, but rewarding task. It’s a process of discovery and appreciation for an instrument that has delighted and inspired many people all around the world. Being a guitar collector means being able to express yourself through an instrument that has a rich history in music – so if you ever need to feel motivated and re-inspired, just remember these famous, passionate and dedicated collectors who have made such an incredible impression with their love for the instrument.