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What Rare Guitar Model Would a Collector Trade Their Left Arm For?
If you’re a guitar collector, you probably know that some guitars are more desirable and valuable than others due to their rarity, history, craftsmanship, or association with famous players or events. You may also know that some collectors are willing to pay astronomical prices to acquire these guitars, and that some even trade or sell their body parts, such as arms or legs, to get them. While this may sound extreme or bizarre, it reflects the passion and dedication that some people have for the pursuit of their dreams and the love of music. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the rarest and most coveted guitar models that could make a collector trade their left arm for (figuratively speaking) and see what makes them so special and valuable.
Before we dive into the list, let’s clarify some terms and criteria. Firstly, what makes a guitar rare? Simply put, a guitar is rare if it was produced in limited quantity, for a short period of time, or with unique features or modifications that distinguish it from other guitars of its brand or model. Secondly, what makes a guitar valuable? That depends on many factors, such as the original price, the condition, the provenance, the desirability, and the market demand. Some guitars may have a high intrinsic value due to their craftsmanship, materials, or reputation, while others may have a high sentimental value due to their personal history or association with a beloved player or genre. Thirdly, what makes a guitar model worth trading one’s left arm for? That’s a subjective and hypothetical question, of course, but for the sake of this post, let’s assume that the guitar model should meet some of the following criteria:
– It should be rare, but not so rare that it’s impossible to find or verify its authenticity.
– It should have a significant place in guitar history, culture, or lore that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.
– It should have a proven track record of attracting high prices at auctions, sales, or trades.
– It should have some aesthetic or sonic qualities that make it stand out from other guitars in its category and justify its value.
– It should be recognizable and respected by other guitarists and musicians, and evoke some degree of envy or admiration.
With these criteria in mind, let’s proceed to the list of rare guitar models that could make a collector trade their left arm for (or at least their right kidney).
1. Gibson Les Paul Standard 1959 Sunburst
The Gibson Les Paul is arguably one of the most iconic and influential electric guitars ever made, and the 1959 model in Sunburst finish is considered by many guitarists and collectors as the holy grail of Les Pauls. Why? Well, for one, it was produced in limited quantity, with only around 650 units made that year, due to some changes in the design and materials that affected its tone and sustain. Secondly, it has a unique combination of features that make it not only rare but also sought after by players and collectors alike, such as the PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups, the deep dish maple top, the thin binding, the long neck tenon, and the faded burst finish that varies from guitar to guitar. Thirdly, it has a legendary reputation among guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, and Joe Bonamassa, who have owned or played some of them and contributed to their mystique and value. How much would a Gibson Les Paul Standard 1959 Sunburst cost? Well, prepare to shell out at least half a million dollars, if not more, for a pristine and verified specimen at an auction or a private sale. While that may sound outrageous to some, it’s not uncommon for these guitars to fetch such prices, especially if they have some provenance or association with a famous player or collection.
2. Fender Stratocaster 1954 Sunburst
The Fender Stratocaster is another iconic and influential electric guitar that has been played by countless musicians and featured in many genres of music, from blues to rock to pop to metal. The 1954 model in Sunburst finish is considered one of the earliest and rarest versions of the Stratocaster, with only around 20 units made in that color that year, due to some changes in the design and materials that affected its tone and playability. The 1954 Stratocaster also had some unique features that distinguish it from later models, such as the one-piece maple neck without a truss rod, the single-ply white pickguard, the spaghetti logo, and the exposed pole pieces on the pickups. While these features may seem primitive or obsolete by today’s standards, they reflect the early days of electric guitar innovation and experimentation, and add to the vintage appeal and value of the 1954 Stratocaster. How much would a Fender Stratocaster 1954 Sunburst cost? Well, even if you could find one that’s authentic and playable, which is exceedingly rare, you would still have to pay at least a quarter million dollars, if not more, for it.
3. Paul Reed Smith Dragon
The Paul Reed Smith guitar brand may not have the same historical or cultural significance as Gibson or Fender, but it has gained a loyal following among players and collectors due to its innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and endorsement by famous players such as Carlos Santana and John Mayer. One of the rarest and most coveted models of the PRS brand is the Dragon, which was produced in limited quantity and with unique features that set it apart from other guitars. The Dragon has a distinctive dragon inlay on the fretboard and the headstock, made of real mother-of-pearl, abalone, and coral, as well as a carved and contoured body with a bookmatched top made of exotic wood, such as Brazilian rosewood, madagascar rosewood, or koa. The Dragon also has some variations in its design and materials, depending on the year and the edition, such as the number of strings, the type of pickups, the finish, and the hardware. How much would a Paul Reed Smith Dragon cost? Well, it depends on the year, the edition, the condition, and the provenance, but you could expect to pay at least tens of thousands of dollars for one, especially if it’s from the early 1990s, when the Dragons were first introduced and quickly sold out to collectors and fans.
4. Gretsch White Penguin
The Gretsch guitar brand has a long and colorful history that dates back to the 19th century, but it’s best known for its archtop and hollowbody guitars with Bigsby tremolos, Filtertron pickups, and flashy finishes. One of the rarest and most flamboyant models of the Gretsch brand is the White Penguin, which was produced in limited quantity and with custom features that make it stand out from other Gretsch guitars. The White Penguin has a striking white finish on its body, headstock, and bound f-holes, as well as gold sparkle binding, gold hardware, and a jeweled arrowhead inlay on the headstock. The White Penguin also has some variations in its design and materials, depending on the year and the edition, such as the type of wood, the neck profile, the bridge, and the pickups. While the White Penguin may not have the same cultural or musical influence as the Les Paul or the Stratocaster, it has gained a cult status among collectors and fans who appreciate its audacious and luxurious style. How much would a Gretsch White Penguin cost? Again, it depends on the year, the edition, the condition, and the provenance, but you could expect to pay at least tens of thousands of dollars for one, especially if it’s from the 1950s or 1960s, when the White Penguins are said to have been made by special order only and given to some famous players such as Chet Atkins, Eddie Cochran, and Duane Eddy.
5. Martin D-45
The Martin guitar brand may not have the same electric history or glamor as its counterparts in the solidbody world, but it has a revered and respected reputation in the acoustic world for its innovations, craftsmanship, and sound. One of the rarest and most desirable models of the Martin brand is the D-45, which was first introduced in the 1930s and has since then been associated with top-of-the-line quality and tone. The D-45 has a distinctive design and decoration, with its abalone inlays on the fingerboard, the headstock, and the body, as well as its premium wood and hardware selection, such as the Brazilian rosewood back and sides, the Adirondack spruce top, the gold tuners, and the ebony bridge and fingerboard. The D-45 also has some variations in its design and materials, depending on the year and the edition, such as the type of binding, the neck joint, and the bracing. While the D-45 may not be as rare as some of the electric guitars on this list, it’s still a highly sought-after and valuable item among acoustic guitarists and collectors who want the best of Martin’s acoustic tradition. How much would a Martin D-45 cost? Again, it depends on the year, the edition, the condition, and the provenance, but you could expect to pay at least tens of thousands of dollars for one, especially if it’s from the pre-war era or has some special features or history.
In summary, these are some of the rare guitar models that could make a collector trade their left arm for (not literally, of course). These guitars are rare, valuable, and desirable for different reasons, but they all reflect the passion and dedication that some people have for the pursuit of their dreams and the love of music. While it may seem extravagant or irrational to spend so much money or effort on a guitar, it’s also a testament to the human spirit of creativity, innovation, and appreciation, and to the power of music to inspire and move us. If you’re a guitar collector, you may not have to sell your limbs to get these guitars, but you may have to be patient, persistent, and well-informed, and have some luck and resources on your side. And if you’re a guitar player, you may not need these guitars to make great music, but you may still appreciate their beauty, craftsmanship, and history, and be inspired by their sounds and stories. Happy hunting and playing!
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