The Joy of Guitar Collecting: How to Find Your Perfect Piece.
Guitar collecting represents a unique opportunity for music fans to show their passion for their favorite instrument. Whether you’re a full-time collector or just starting out, there’s something special about choosing one-of-a-kind pieces and assembling them into a beautiful guitar collection.
At its core, guitar collecting is a way to accessorize your guitar playing. Much like choosing the right shades to offset your new haircut, it’s the way to add personal touches and truly make your guitar yours. Whether you’re collecting rare vintage acoustics or vintage amplifiers, expressing yourself through guitar collecting is an experience like no other.
For some, the thrill of guitar collecting can reach the same heights as playing their axe. With the rarest pieces and most esteemed brands, the search for your perfect piece can become an obsessive passion. But with information available from guitar communities, musicians and experts, guitar collecting can also be a rewarding journey whatever your budget.
So what does it take to be a dedicated guitar collector? What strategies should you adopt if you want to snag top pieces from reputable sources? Let’s explore the many facets and treasured tips involved in the fascinating craft of guitar collecting.
Part 1: Getting Started With Guitar Collecting
If you’re an absolute beginner to guitar collecting, you might be wondering where to start. Should you go for classic vintage guitars that cost a couple of thousand dollars or a more wallet-friendly option?
First and foremost, aim to focus your search on a particular style of guitar or a specific era that you feel drawn to. There’s nothing worse than being swayed by hype and buying a guitar solely because its a “collectors piece”. If you want to explore different options, decide on your budget range and use reference charts and price guides to help you find similar models that strike your fancy.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to the type of guitar you wish to acquire, it’s time to hit the shops. When you’re inspecting an instrument in the flesh, pay attention to the details such as the body and neck shape, the pattern of the fretboard inlays and any customizations the seller may have made. If you’re buying from a reputable seller, they should be able to answer all your questions and provide a deep dive into the guitar’s unique history.
Whether it’s online or in-person, always take the opportunity to ask for the guitar’s serial number so you can do additional research on its age and condition. Guitars made after the 1960s typically keep detailed records, and chances are you can trace the instrument’s lineage all the way back to its original days as a prototype.
If possible, bring your own amp and cable to play the guitar, as this is a great way to get a better idea of the guitar’s sound. An expertly trained ear never hurts when you’re shopping, so why not try and think like an experienced player, rating the guitar according to its intonation, tone and overall feel.
Part 2: Buying Vintage and Rare Guitars
Vintage or rare guitars may be the apex for many aspiring collectors, but you need to be prepared for the commitment and responsibility that comes with this venture. You are, after all, buying an instrument that is no longer being produced, and there may be added concerns such as copyright issues and missing pieces.
The research involved with spending thousands of dollars on an instrument is no small feat. To ensure you’re getting the best possible deal, you should consult with a wide range of sources from magazines to reference books and auction sites. You may even want to consult a guitar appraiser to look into the unique history and condition of a prospective purchase.
In general, try and avoid buying vintage instruments as they often come with missing parts and can lack the heft of fatter sounding contemporary guitars. That doesn’t mean you should ignore them altogether, as some of the loudest and best tones you’ll ever hear can come from older instruments. Passionate collectors – of whom there are many – might argue that the vintage crafting edge can make all the difference.
When buying a used or vintage guitar, always compare the prices of similar models on dealer websites. Although you may want to play “hardball” with a seller and haggle over prices, bear in mind that used guitars are never a great investment. No matter how rare the axe is, its already down a notch in resale value once it’s no longer in its original packaging.
Part 3: Taking Care of Your Collection
Once you’ve built your collection, the fun doesn’t end there. To keep it in the best possible condition, it’s well worth investing in a good case and some polishing material. Often overlooked, the case is your first line of defense against the occasional wear and tear that guitars are invariably exposed to.
If your guitars are stored in an uninsulated area such as an attic or a garage, it’s also a good idea to invest in a humidifier. Changes in temperature and humidity can have a destructive impact on your guitars, so best have these stored in an environment free of temperature swings and moisture problems.
Cleaning your guitars every once in a while is also a great way to extend their lifespan and keep them looking great. Different materials often require different cleaning products and approaches, so arm yourself with the appropriate resources and refer to manufacturer instructions for best results.
Part 4: Selling Your Collection
At some point, you may want to add to your collection or try and make a profit from the instruments you own. Knowing when and where to sell your collection is a complex topic, as there are many factors to consider when trying to gain the full market value of your precious pieces.
Since you’re not likely to recoup the original purchase price, it never hurts to be a bit creative with your selling approach. For instance, don’t be shy about making bulk discounts to buyers, as this might be an good way to appease collectors looking for bargains.
Whether you’re selling in person or online, always be clear about your expectations regarding the sale. Be honest about any defects or repairs and always ensure you provide clear photographs and offer quality customer service.
Conclusion
Guitar collecting is a fantastic way to fuel your passion and invest in the future. Whether you’re buying, trading or selling, having a good understanding of the market and instruments you’re dealing with is the only way to ensure a smooth and safe purchase. Keep informed of all the latest trends in the community and take every opportunity to flirt with differences as you go about building and showcasing your very own guitar collection.