I am an absolute Vintage Guitar enthusiast. Or specifically I collect the Vintage Electric Guitar, and yes a few Vintage Acoustic Guitars sneak their way into my collection as well!

Overall I am very happy with my collection and the purchase experiences I have had. I have learned the hard way here and there. And it is through my being a good student, learning off others that new more than I did about collecting Vintage Guitars, that I now feel credible in teaching others some important factors in building your own Vintage Electric Guitar Collection.

What is a Vintage Guitar?

The answer is the same whether it be an acoustic or vintage electric guitar. And this is where people can get caught out. As many think that the term vintage is anything over 30 years old. However in the Vintage Guitar market, a Vintage Guitar was made between the 1920's and 1970.

Prior to 1920 they were thought to be too primitive. Post 1970 - the guitar manufacturing world changed. Up to 1970 many guitars were more of a hand made item. And then post 1970 it became more about production lines, computer controlled routers and cutters.

Even if you are told that something is a small or rare run - it is not a Vintage Guitar if it was made after 1970.

The materials used in making the guitars changed too. Like the Brazilian Rosewood, which was revered and then was no longer legal to import into the US. Also with guitars post 1970, they are very easy to replicate because of the materials that were used. So that is the first thing to be clear on. And make sure you get clear information from someone wanting to sell it to you.

How Much Is It Worth?

Bluntly - as much as you are willing to pay for it!

Other guides to help you assess it's worth are:

a) What demand is there for it?

Do not be excited by the word "rare" as it means absolutely nothing if no one is looking for it. The key there is that it is one that is sought after. And just hanging out in the guitar community, reading magazines, searching online, chatting to musicians...all of that will give you a good sense of what is in demand and what isn't. Of course a lot of it may be personal opinion - it's how collective that person opinion is. Is that an industry viewpoint, or the viewpoint of someone trying to sell the vintage electric guitar to you?

b) What is the condition of the guitar?

This one gets me going. I've been told something is in "mint" condition and frankly it's not. Mint means it's in the same 'new' condition as it you bought the item today (obviously since we're talking from 1920's to 1970's and we're in the 21st century, there is no such thing as 'new'). It is more that it looks brand new.

So be careful here, as descriptions can vary for those offering them. Also be aware that a 'beat up' original will always be worth more than a perfectly refinished Vintage Electric Guitar. As soon as the original finish is gone, then it loses it's value, as it is no longer an original.

Also any repairs done to the guitar, not matter how necessary - will decrease the value of the vintage guitar..

c) The most sought after Vintage Electric Guitars are the pre - World war II flat top guitars. As are the 1950's and 1960's Fender, Gibson and Gretsch unique designs of that era. So these will often fetch the highest prices.

d) At the risk of contradicting myself. Whilst condition is incredibly important when valuing a Vintage Electric Guitar, it's worth noting that there is absolute cache in owning a guitar by own of the recognized top guitarists of times gone by. Even modern day guitars played by these musicians fetch a high price - AND anything past 1970 is still not considered antique, and the value is more on the association with the previous (famous) owner.

In Summary

Collecting Vintage Electric Guitars, or collecting any sort of guitar, is a very personal hobby. It's about what YOU like, what YOU want in your collection.

The most important thing is to do your research. Do not take the vendors word for it. Check it out from alternative sources as well. And then follow your own instincts - as the end of the day, it does come down to what you are prepared to pay for a guitar. All I can do is offer some tips so that you do not blatantly get taken for a ride. And then if you know what you are getting, and are happy with it, that's all that matters!