The Secret World of Guitar Collectors – A Journey Down the Rabbit Hole.
Guitar collecting is a world many people know nothing about. But with its long history, deep love of music, and passionate community, it is one of the most fascinating and rewarding hobbies a person can pursue. From the rarest vintage models to the modern-day marvels, this blog post looks at the secret world of guitar collectors, and all the wonders it has to offer.
Before you jump into the rabbit hole, it helps to have a basic understanding of the guitar, why it is so beloved, and how it is collected. In its simplest form, the guitar is a stringed instrument played by plucking, strumming, or fingerpicking the strings. Guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classical guitar to electrics, and each type has its own unique sound, feel, and history.
The story of the guitar stretches all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, who constructed a rudimentary stringed instrument around 3000 BC out of a gourd and a stick. Through the years, the instrument evolved into many different forms, with the modern look and sound recognizable today.
But it wasn’t until the early 19th century that guitar collecting truly began to take off. In the mid-1800s, the first ‘guitar factories’ opened with iconic makers such as C.F. Martin in the United States, and Orville Gibson in Canada, setting the stage for an explosion of production and guitar collecting. As people began to appreciate the different styles, shapes, sounds, and finishes that different manufacturers offered, the hobby of collecting guitars was born.
Guitar collecting is something of a specialization within the larger collecting community – but the objects of their affection are no less deserving of attention. Vintage guitars, for instance, can be incredibly valuable due to their rarity, playability, and sheer beauty. Many vintage guitars are now worth anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, with legendary models fetching breathtaking prices.
The most knowledgeable and serious collectors often focus their collections on specific models and design eras, such as the Fender Telecaster 1950s era or the Gibson Les Paul of the late 70s. Others may prefer more eclectic collections, such as mixed models from different ranges and different eras.
The problem many vintage aficionados face is that as time passes, these collectible instruments become more and more scarce, either from wear and tear, or from collectors hoarding their finds. Finding these gems can be a challenge, which is where the ‘guitar-hunting’ community comes in. Serious collectors know to often look for guitars in pawn shops, resale shops, and even swap-meet events in search of that special find.
Of course, it is understandable if you don’t want to venture too far away from the dealerships. Many large music instrument retailers also tend to specialize in vintage guitars, some offering models with no compromises in construction and sound, while also helping you to make a financially responsible decision when it comes to investing in guitars.
For buyers who don’t wish to shell out the big bucks for vintage guitars, there is modern-day guitar collecting, which marries classic looks with all the latest features and advancements in sound, construction, and playability. This genre of collecting was reborn during the mid-2000s, and is today, arguably, more popular than ever.
Modern-day guitar collecting can be done cheaply by picking up items from mass market chains like Guitar Center. But for the more serious collector looking for something original, there are plenty of boutique guitar maker companies who specialize in high-end instruments with hefty price tags. They offer a combination of premium woods, impeccable construction, and cutting edge designs.
But whether you choose vintage, modern, or both, one of the most enjoyable aspects of collecting guitars is sharing your journey with the wider community. And with a passion for guitar playing transcending cultures and global economies, it’s no surprise that there is no shortage of forums and social groups that cater to collectors.
In addition to the musicians, techs, and experts these forums attract, you will even find plenty of stories and anecdotes from everyday players who just want to discuss the gear and joy of collecting. Sharing experiences and stories about their instrument of choice is part of the community that continues to support the guitar industry as a whole.
At the end of the day, the joy of finding that perfect piece that fits your collection—whether it’s a vintage Les Paul or a modern-day marvel—is something that is unique to the guitar collecting world. It’s no wonder that so many passionate guitarists are driven to pursue this hobby, diving deeper and deeper into the secret world of guitar collecting. They’ll probably never surface again.