The Wonders of Guitar Collecting: Uncovering the Fandom.
Are you a music fanatic? Do you have a passion for guitars? If so, you may find yourself drawn to the world of guitar collecting. Whether you are an aspiring collector or already own a collection of classic instruments, understanding the culture and history of guitar collecting can be a captivating journey. In this blog, we will provide an examination of the wonders of collecting guitars, trace an overview of the history of collectors, and discover which instruments are the most valuable.
Guitar collecting is an undeniably unique hobby – one that has been gaining immense popularity in recent years. Hardly surprising when you consider the power of the guitar. It contributes to almost every style of popular music over the past century and is one of the most iconic instruments in the world. Every year, countless collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts come together to share their knowledge, stories, and guitars. In being a part of the guitar collecting community, you will come to appreciate the instrument in all its guises – from the Les Paul electric and Rickenbacker bass to the beautiful archtops and acoustics.
Guitar collecting is filled with nostalgia: these priceless instruments carry with them a vast array of stories, spanning decades and generations. Every guitar collector has their own reason for collecting: desire for wealth, deeper appreciation for a certain artist or style of music, or simply to add charm and character to their home. These personal motivations make the guitar collecting community an incredibly welcoming and rewarding place; so much so that some collectors have amassed hundreds of guitars – from the 50s to the 2000s – throughout their time in the scene.
Tracing back the history of guitar collecting is a fascinating endeavor – one that leads us to the beginnings of rock and roll. Before the days of online forums, guitar collecting was primarily conducted through classified ads and personal connections. Such early collectors were motivated by affordability and rarity. One of the earliest and most famous collector stories was that of George Gruhn, an American guitar virtuoso and owner of ‘Gruhn Guitars’. George Gruhn has been part of the guitar collecting world since the late 1960s, and after 50 years in business his store remains one of the most respected and revered dealers.
Advances in technology allow collectors access to a greater selection of offerings. Online forums such as The Gear Page and the Vintage Guitar Collector’s Association are virtual marketplaces for collectors to purchase, sell, and discuss their collections. This ever-growing platform is furthering the accessibility of the hobby.
While many fundamental aspects of guitar collecting have stayed the same over time, the instrument itself has changed beyond belief. Years of advancements and changes have resulted in countless varied shapes and tonalities. It’s become increasingly common for a collector to hunt down a ‘perfect’ guitar in terms of both tone and aesthetics. However, when it comes to which guitars are seen as the most valuable, the answer can vary drastically. Ultimately, it comes down to the collector’s personal preference: some value vintage quality and rarity, while others prefer newer models or instruments with a certain aesthetic.
As one of the most popular instruments of the last century, classic guitar models are highly sought after by collectors. From the hollow body Gibson ES-335 to the iconic early Stratocaster, vintage electric guitars hold immense value for some of the wealthiest collectors. While the most valuable vintage guitars exceed six-figures, collectors can find something special for a reasonable price. There are numerous guitars that hold unique appeal to collectors, and most are recognizable by their own distinctive look and sound.
Other popular sections of guitar collecting involve pre-war guitars. Pre-war guitars – including guitars produced before or during World War II – are hugely sought-after. Dating back as far as the late 1800s, these instruments range from Gibson J-200s to Martin Dreadnaughts, are viewed as the pioneers of guitar design and make up an important chapter in guitar making. Such pieces hold immense monetary and sentimental value to the collector and offer a remarkable window into the past.
At the other end of the spectrum, modern electric guitars are also highly sought after by collectors. While the demand for vintage instruments has been on the rise in recent years, many collectors seek more modern offerings – such as the iconic Fender American Professional Series. Delivering warmer and fuller tones, these guitars have been shaking up the collecting scene.
Ultimately, the power of the guitar is undeniable – it evokes emotion and nostalgia. Collecting these instruments is a hobby enjoyed by many, and draws an incredibly diverse audience. From legendary collectors and rock stars to beginner hobbyists, guitar collecting offers an all-encompassing journey: each collector has their own story, with their own motivations and emotional connections. Whether it’s the pursuit of wealth or a deeper gratitude to the music and culture of the instrument, uncovering the fandom of guitar collecting is nothing short of captivating.