The Best Guitars for Collectors: A Guide.
Whether you’re an experienced guitar collector or just getting started in the instrument collecting hobby, understanding what makes a great guitar is key to selecting the right model for you. Collecting guitars can be a rewarding, yet challenging endeavor, as there are many different types, styles, and variations within the same luthier’s output. To provide guidance on this complex hobby, this blog post will explore the best guitar collector’s picks. We will examine different types of collectors, discuss national trends in the collector’s market, and provide tips on how to make the right purchase for your individual collecting goals.
First, it’s important to recognize that there is no definitive answer to “What is the best guitar for a collector?” Every individual’s collection is going to depend on a variety of factors, from their own particular playing style and taste, to the general availability and grade of instruments in the collector’s local market. A collector that seeks vintage electric instruments may have very different collecting goals than someone looking for classic acoustic instruments, or a collector interested in traditional handmade instruments from a particular luthier. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the different types of guitar collectors.
The Vintage Guitar Collector
The vintage guitar collector is probably one of the most common and well-known types of guitar collector. These guitar enthusiasts are primarily interested in electric guitars and related equipment and amplifiers that were produced prior to the mid-1970s. These pieces are often considered to be valuable antiques, and as such, they can range in price from hundreds of dollars to many thousands of dollars. The vintage guitar collector is often driven by the craftsmanship, sound quality, and historical relevance of their collected instruments.
The Collector Of Rare, Handmade Instruments
Local luthiers and custom builders are responsible for some of the most remarkable guitars ever produced. Aside from their beautiful craftsmanship, these guitars are also prized for being relatively rare, as a given luthier’s workshop may only produce a handful of instruments each year. These instruments also hold a sort of mystique as they are often limited in availability and driven mostly by word-of-mouth demand from musicians or collectors. For the collector of rare, handmade instruments, understanding the luthier’s personal style and background can be as important as the guitar’s sound and playability.
The Recording Collector
The Recording Collector is interested in guitars and guitar-related equipment that has a connection to a particular recording artist or song. They may collect a range of items, such as the original guitars used by their favorite musician, or the amplifiers and effects pedals used in the recordings of their beloved albums. For the recording collector, getting a hold of an instrument used in the recording of an iconic album can be a challenge, as the items can often be expensive and very rare. However, these collectors view their items as more than just valuable possessions. To them, these pieces are a direct connection to the music they love, and as such, they bring a spiritual significance that can bring great joy and pride to the recording collector.
The International Collector
For many collectors, collecting instruments from different countries can be an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience. Different countries have different methods of guitar production and construction, resulting in different sounds and playing styles that cross genres and cultures. The international collector may be particularly interested in exploring the differences between instruments from different regions. Many countries also have unique musical styles and traditions of their own that can often be explored through their instruments.
Investment Collectors
Investment collecting is an increasingly popular activity among guitarists and collectors. Investment collectors may be interested in acquiring instruments from renowned and famous luthiers. These luthiers may be producing instruments that are thought of as too expensive or difficult to acquire nowadays, or they may feature recognizable elements that make them attractive to collectors. A savvy investment collector may understand the dynamics of the guitar market and be able to predict which instruments may appreciate in value more than others and as such, they may make calculated purchases in order to gain valuable instruments as an investment.
The Strummer
We can’t talk about guitar collecting without talking about the “strummer”. Strummers are collectors that are primarily interested in playing the instrument they’re collecting. For them, playing is the primary activity, and collecting is an activity to supplement that. Strummers may be interested in collecting a particular brand or model of guitar for the sound and playability that it offers, but for strummers, collecting is ultimately about creating a unique and personal connection with their instrument.
National Trends in Collectors Markets
For many collectors, considering the trends coming out of the collector’s market can be an important part of their decision-making when choosing which instruments to add to their collection. National trends within the collector’s market are often a reflection of the tastes of the local populace, as well as the availability of different items from different luthiers, dealers, and shops.
The United States and Europe tend to have strong collector’s markets for vintage and handmade guitars, as well as guitars used by famous recording artists. Open-backed and flat-top guitars are popular among the collector’s market in the US, with thinline and semi-acoustic electric guitars being particularly trendy. In Europe, handmade steel-stringed, acoustic instruments from local luthiers have become increasingly sought-after in recent years.
In Asia, local and traditional craftsmanship is prized. For instance, hand-crafted instruments from luthiers in Japan, Southeast Asia, and China are popular with collectors in the region, while classical and flamenco instruments are quite common in the collector’s market in South America.
Tips for making the right purchase
Making sure that you’re making the right purchase for your collection can be a daunting proposition, especially when facing the enormity of the collector’s market. To help make your purchase the right one for you, the following are some tips to keep in mind when you’re making a purchase.
• Do your research. Read reviews and articles about the instrument and its make and model. Also, ask knowledgeable individuals, such as other collectors, luthiers, and dealers.
• Examine the instrument thoroughly. Look for signs of use and abuse, as well as any structural or cosmetic damage.
• Try out the instrument. As much as possible, try to play or test the instrument you’re considering. This can help you determine whether or not it meets your needs and expectations.
• Be mindful of pricing. Many instruments can be expensive, so make sure you understand the market value of the item you’re considering before you make a purchase.
Conclusion
Guitar collecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their level of experience. By understanding the different types of guitar collectors and the national trends within the collector’s market, as well as gaining some basic knowledge of what makes a guitar a good collectible, anyone can begin to assemble a collection of great instruments that they can proudly call their own. So whether you’re a passionate collector or a budding guitar enthusiast, the right instruments are out there waiting to be found. Good luck, and happy hunting!