Acoustic Guitars
By · CommentsIf you have been thinking about investing in a Fender Vintage Guitar, you want to start your search before 1966. Fender sold to CBS in 1966 and many guitar enthusiasts feel that only the Fenders produced before 1966 are true Fender Vintage Guitars. In my opinion any Fender is a great guitar so it really is only necessary to purchase a model before 1966 if you are becoming a collector. Many people think that the guitar went through a major change when CBS bought the company.
People that like the Fender vintage guitars felt that they were custom-contoured and the quality was above and beyond well made. When CBS bought the company the body of the Fender guitar looked really different and lost that custom, sculpted look. That was the look that set the Fender Vintage Guitars apart from all the other Vintage guitars. Even the Fender Stratocaster, the most wanted Fender Vintage Guitar to collectors was changed to a large peg head style.
Some other manufacturing differences that made the Fender not as desirable was the switch from Brazilian Rosewood to Indian Rosewood, the pearl inlays, the polyurethane and the plastics even looked cheap. After 1965 when CBS bought Fender mass production was utilized to maximize profits which really ruined the Fender classic custom look and feel. So collectors now concentrate on those guitars produced before 1965 and place great emphasis on the Fender’s that were produced in the 1950’s. This was when most collectors feel the emphasis was on making a quality instrument, not just mass production for money.
The Fenders manufactured guitars in the 60’s prior to CBS’s purchase are also collectible, but the models made in the 50’s are the most preferred. The 60’s guitars were made with Rosewood fingerboards but the 50’s models were made with slab style fingerboards, which were more desirable. The least desirable of the Fender Vintage Guitars were those that were produced during the year the sale to CBS took place, from about mid-1964 to late 1965.
The 1st vintage guitar was the Esquire which was introduced in the summer of 1950 and was D/C’d by September 1950. Then they released the Broadcaster and the Telecaster in October of 1950, the broadcaster having 2 pickups and the truss rod that was missing in the Esquire which caused the neck to warp.
The Esquire was re-released in 1951 had 2 pickups, they only shipped about 50 of these so they are extremely rare and collectible.
In Feb. of 1951 the Broadcaster was renamed the Telecaster. These guitars lack a decal because there was a naming conflict, but they decals did start to appear in the summer of the same year. In 1954 the Stratocaster was created and this model was to make the Fender brand the popular guitar it became. The Stratocaster is among one of the most popular and collectible Fender Vintage Guitars. With it’s three pickups, unique contour the perfect tremolo bar they have been continually manufactured since they were first introduced and the guitar that all other guitars are judged against. If you can find a Fender Vintage Guitar with a custom color or finish, you will have one of the most highly collectible guitars you can find.
The first fretted electric bass is another one of the most valuable Fender Vintage Guitars, it is called the Precision Bass Model. This guitar set the standard for all other bass guitars.
Electric Guitars
By · CommentsI 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!
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 Fender Squier 51 Vintage Style Guitar EC NO RESERVE  US $104.00
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 FENDER TELECASTER USA VINTAGE 1978 GUITAR US $720.00
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 Vintage 70s RI Fender Stratocaster Strat BODY Guitar 72 US $53.00
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 Vintage 1970s Fender P Jazz Bass F Neckplate Guitar US $.99
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 Vintage 1973 Fender Telecaster Guitar Sunburst Finish US $5,350.00
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 Vintage 1950s Fender Deluxe Lap Steel 8 String Guitar US $436.01
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 Vintage 50s RI Fender Telecaster Tele BODY Guitar 1952 US $81.00
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 old classic black guitar vintage not a fender or gibson US $53.01
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 vintage fender telecaster slimline electric guitar US $689.00
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 Vintage 60s RI Fender Telecaster Tele BODY 1962 Guitar US $68.00
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 Vintage Guitar Magazine March 1993 Leo Fender US $4.99
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 Vintage Fender Concert Acoustic guitar body for parts US $27.00
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 Fender Vintage 1972 Stratocaster Guitar Case US $145.00
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 Fender Stratocaster Guitar HD Case Squire Vintage Logo US $49.95
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 Fender Coronado 2 Guitar Wildwood 2 Vintage 1967 US $2,000.00
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 Vintage Fender Electric Guitar Lead 1 ONE Rare USA Made US $799.95
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 VINTAGE FENDER ELECTRIC GUITAR HARD CASE NICE CLEAN US $249.99
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 Vintage Fender F 35 Acoustic Guitar f35 f 35 US $199.99
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 VINTAGE 1976 FENDER JAZZ BASS GUITAR CASE NO RESERVE US $1,005.00
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 Fender Vintage 1966 Mustang Guitar w Bag US $1,600.00
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Fender Vintage
By · CommentsIf you have been thinking about investing in a Fender Vintage Guitar, you want to start your search before 1966. Fender sold to CBS in 1966 and many guitar enthusiasts feel that only the Fenders produced before 1966 are true Fender Vintage Guitars. In my opinion any Fender is a great guitar so it really is only necessary to purchase a model before 1966 if you are becoming a collector. Many people think that the guitar went through a major change when CBS bought the company.
People that like the Fender vintage guitars felt that they were custom-contoured and the quality was above and beyond well made. When CBS bought the company the body of the Fender guitar looked really different and lost that custom, sculpted look. That was the look that set the Fender Vintage Guitars apart from all the other Vintage guitars. Even the Fender Stratocaster, the most wanted Fender Vintage Guitar to collectors was changed to a large peg head style.
Some other manufacturing differences that made the Fender not as desirable was the switch from Brazilian Rosewood to Indian Rosewood, the pearl inlays, the polyurethane and the plastics even looked cheap. After 1965 when CBS bought Fender mass production was utilized to maximize profits which really ruined the Fender classic custom look and feel. So collectors now concentrate on those guitars produced before 1965 and place great emphasis on the Fender’s that were produced in the 1950’s. This was when most collectors feel the emphasis was on making a quality instrument, not just mass production for money.
The Fenders manufactured guitars in the 60’s prior to CBS’s purchase are also collectible, but the models made in the 50’s are the most preferred. The 60’s guitars were made with Rosewood fingerboards but the 50’s models were made with slab style fingerboards, which were more desirable. The least desirable of the Fender Vintage Guitars were those that were produced during the year the sale to CBS took place, from about mid-1964 to late 1965.
The 1st vintage guitar was the Esquire which was introduced in the summer of 1950 and was D/C’d by September 1950. Then they released the Broadcaster and the Telecaster in October of 1950, the broadcaster having 2 pickups and the truss rod that was missing in the Esquire which caused the neck to warp.
The Esquire was re-released in 1951 had 2 pickups, they only shipped about 50 of these so they are extremely rare and collectible.
In Feb. of 1951 the Broadcaster was renamed the Telecaster. These guitars lack a decal because there was a naming conflict, but they decals did start to appear in the summer of the same year. In 1954 the Stratocaster was created and this model was to make the Fender brand the popular guitar it became. The Stratocaster is among one of the most popular and collectible Fender Vintage Guitars. With it’s three pickups, unique contour the perfect tremolo bar they have been continually manufactured since they were first introduced and the guitar that all other guitars are judged against. If you can find a Fender Vintage Guitar with a custom color or finish, you will have one of the most highly collectible guitars you can find.
The first fretted electric bass is another one of the most valuable Fender Vintage Guitars, it is called the Precision Bass Model. This guitar set the standard for all other bass guitars
Gibson Vintage Guitars
By · Comments“Vintage guitars” is a very broad subject. There are electric and acoustic guitars. Electric guitars are divided into categories like solid body, hollow body and semi hollow body. Solid body guitars such as the Les Paul, SG, flying V and Explorer guitars have no sound chamber and sound holes to give the instrument a sound that’s heard without being plugged in and amplified. Semi hollow body guitars such as the ES 335 and B.B. King “Lucille” are guitars that have a hollow body with a plank of wood down the center that inhibits feedback at higher amplified levels. Hollow body electric guitars like the “Jazz box” ,”arch top” type are generally thicker or deeper and the tops of the guitars are (on the real collectables) are carved from a single piece of wood to make a warmer deeper more pleasing sound.
Acoustic guitars are unamplified (newer acoustics have electronics so you don’t have to use a microphone on the instrument). There are various types of acoustics as well. There are the dreadnaught, jumbo body and the arch top “jazz box”. The dreadnaught type of acoustic guitar was designed in the 1800’s by the C.C. Martin Co. The jumbo guitar like the Gibson model j200 has a very wide belly and has a booming large sound designed when there was no sound re-enforcement “public address” so it would cut or travel throughout a room of significant size with large groups of people and other instruments. The Arch top “jazz box” guitars were the F-hole carved top variety would also be a larger size variety like the electric mentioned before.
The collector who specializes in the Gibson Vintage guitar will usually have invested large amounts of money for these instruments. The “Holy Grail” of electric vintage collectables is the 1959- 1960 Les Paul Flame-top named for the book matched maple top with a sunburst finish. These can command upwards of well over $100,000 dollars and can be two to three times that amount depending on the amount of flame or waves in the maple and are matched in the center with the V shape or chevron well pronounced in the maple top. The more pronounced and visual they are the more collectable and coveted they are. On the acoustic side the more collectables are the limited run or production arch top “jazz box” variety, since these instruments are handmade and carved top. Since these were “labor intensive” pieces and so limited in production. These pieces can get into the six figure range.
Gibson Vintage Sunburst Guitar - A Collectible
One of the most collectible guitars is the Gibson Vintage Sunburst Guitar. It's worth more than most guitars and is considered a high demand collectible. An early Les Paul Standard with Cherry Sunburst in original condition will usually cost around $200,000. If that's not a collectible guitar, I don't know what is.
The most important factor in considering the collectability of this guitar is the condition of the guitar and it's finish rather than the actual sound.
Another collectible Gibson guitar is the 1985 Gibson Les Paul Standard Plain Top VOS Guitar. This guitar comes with a carved maple top but a mahogany back. The neck is one piece and made of mahogany as well, but has a smooth rosewood fretboard. This is another famous and collectible vintage guitar. All VOS models of this guitar have a solid mahogany back with a long neck tenon. This guitar is probably worth it if you can buy it for less than $5,000.
If you can buy a original vintage Gibson sunburst guitar, it will cost you a pretty penny, but you'll have the satisfaction of buying one of the most collectible and most high demand guitars that have ever been on the market.
In conclusion, the Gibson Vintage Sunburst guitar. and other vintage Gibson guitars are some of the best, some of the most collectible, and, to be honest, some of the most expensive guitars anyone can buy for their money. However, if you're a guitar collector or can afford to spend extra on these vintage guitars, they can be a nice gem for your collection.
Fender Stratocaster
By · CommentsProbably the most popular guitar would be the Fender Stratocaster. First made by Leo Fender, founder of the now mega famous Fender Guitar company back in the 1950's, the Stratocaster or Fender Strat as it is more commonly known has taken it's place amongst the legends of rock. Now enjoying a cult following from new players and vintage guitar collectors alike, the Strat still powers the best of todays rock bands.
The 1957 model of this guitar is probably considered to be the best and most collectable of the near 60 year run classic. The 57 model features the infamous 2 tone sunburst color design, usually red and orange or black and yellow and can be seen being used by rock greats such as Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin during more recent times. After it's inception all those years ago, the Strat was mainly used for playing blues style music until the likes of Hendrix blasted it into another world with started pushing the guitar and rock music to it's limits and into a new era. Jimi was one of many who was able to work with the Fender technicians and custom factory team to produce his own white signature model. Leo Fender was famous for allowing and encouraging the worlds best guitar players to work with them to not only produce their own personalized signature models, but also innovate and evolve their existing designs through experimentation and customization.
The Fender Stratocaster has been used for a variety of different music styles over the years from rock to blues and jazz. It's clean, clear sound allows the player the freedom to make any style of music accessible and the perfect build quality of each guitar is second to none. The body of the strat is made from alder wood and the neck is made from maple with a rosewood fretboard. The guitar features a set of 3 popular single coil pickups which helps give it the classic sound. There is a 5 way selector switch that allows you to change between a combination of the pickups to generate different tones and a series of volume and tone knobs.
The Fender Stratocaster is definitely one of the guitars that will go down in history as being a perfect and versatile instrument that helped change the face of rock and guitar music as we know it today. Little did Leo Fender know that when he first created the Strat back in 1950, he would also be creating a legacy that will definitely span well over 100 years.
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If you want to find out more information about classic rock guitars and get your chance to own a part of rock history, come to the authors website -Buy A Rock Guitar. More information and history of the Fender Stratocaster and other rock guitars awaits you there!
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