Vintage Electric Guitar
From LoveToKnow Guitar
Vintage electric guitars are of interest to both collectors and enthusiasts. On the one hand, vintage guitars excite collectors because they can be worth quite a deal of money and are a solid investment because they will most likely appreciate. On the other hand, vintage guitars are worth the investment to the enthusiast because of the tonal sounds they give. Interested in learning more about the value of vintage guitars--particularly electric ones?
Popular Names in Vintage Electric Guitars
Many of the big names in electric guitars today are some of the most sought after vintage guitars.
- Fender: One of the most popular names in electric vintage guitars is the Fender Telecaster. Produced for over 50 years, the line has some early models looked after for the clean sound the guitar produces. The guitar also has a 'star' appeal. The Fender Telecaster is a model used by many guitar greats such as Bruce Springsteen and Hall and Oates. The guitar's original blond finish is one of the most requested vintage Fender models.
- Gibson: One vintage Gibson guitar that is popular is the Gibson Johnny Smith. Named after the famous musician, the guitar is the first fit with a suspended floating pickup. Depending on the year, the guitar can fetch as much as $12,000 and is thought to be a collector's dream.
- Ibanez: Another popular name in vintage electric guitars, Ibanez guitars are popular for their wide variety of styles and reliable sound quality. Ibanez guitars also tend to age well.
Buying Vintage
Some important things to look at when buying a vintage guitar are:
- The finish: Does it look like it has been used or does it look brand new? It's likely that a guitar may have been refurbished (and, as a result, not be as valuable) if it looks as new as this year's model guitar.
- Hardware: Does the guitar have a worn control plate, neck plate, pickups, tuning pegs and the like? If the guitar you're looking into does, then it is likely these parts have never been replaced and the guitar is more valuable.
- The neck: The neck on an electric guitar is crucial to its sound. When buying vintage pieces, it is also crucial to its value. Be sure to check if there is any curve in the neck of the guitar as this may signal a problem you'll need to worry about since older guitars can't be repaired haphazardly (or at a small cost).
- Tune: It is important, if possible, to try and play a vintage guitar before purchasing it. If the guitar won't stay in tune, this can signal a loose neck or other structural problems with the guitar that may make it not worth the investment.
- Price: It is important to remember when looking to buy a vintage guitar that just because something is expensive doesn't mean that it is worth the price. Remember to research what you're looking to buy against the market to make sure you are getting a great deal.
Sites of Interest
The following websites are some of the best resources on the Internet for vintage electric guitars:
- VintageElectricGuitars.net: This site features a good collection of vintage electrics for sale (including Gibson, Ibanez, Fender and Epiphone guitars), as well as acoustic guitars and accessories. The site features prices and listings from all over the Internet and rates the quality of each guitar.
- The Ebay Buyers Guide to Vintage Guitars: Ebay's buyers guide is a great resource for anyone looking to buy a vintage guitar. It features important questions you should ask yourself before buying any guitar, tips on how to find quality guitars at an affordable price and more.
- Vintageguitars.net: As a website run partially by Guitar Center, Vintageguitars.net allows customers to search vintage guitars for purchase. It also allows them to sell their guitars or to just browse through the site and admire.
Final Thoughts
Owning a vintage guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if it is an electric guitar. Be careful when purchasing one and you're sure to end up with a treasure that you'll love for generations to come.
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This page has been accessed 910 times. This page was last modified 16:42, 28 May 2009.
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