Vintage Electric Guitar

I am your classic passionate enthusiast when it comes to Vintage Guitars. My particular passion and focus is on the Vintage Electric Guitar (though I also get that fluttery feeling inside when I see a very handsome vintage acoustic guitar as well!).

I've really focused in the past 4 years on building up my Vintage Electric Guitar collection. Though it tends to be in burst of activity, that I go on the hunt for the next special edition to my collection. My current favorite is a Vintage Gibson Guitar! Stunning!

There's a couple of important things to know, for those thinking about starting their own Vintage Electric Guitar Collection (or you may have one already).

What a lot of people do not realize is that what constitutes as a Vintage Guitar - Electric or Acoustic - is that it has been made between the 1920's to 1970. Some get fooled into thinking a guitar in the 70's is Vintage - because it's 30 plus years old. However those guitars are not of the same quality and therefore value.

Guitars made post 1970 were not made of the same quality of materials. And Also guitar manufacturing moved from being hand made to being manufactured via production line methods.

So even if you find a guitar made in the 1970's that ceased production early and is only available in small numbers - it does not constitute it being of collectible value, because it is likely to be easy to replicate with today's materials.

Now some people may call a Vintage Guitar an Antique Guitar - technically this is not the correct terminology - as an item needs to be over 100 years to be an antique. So come 2020 that term will be truly reflective.

What are some Key Criteria that makes a Vintage Electric Guitar a Collectible?

a) It's made between the 1920's to 1970

b) The better the condition the guitar is in the more it is worth.

c) Originality - any modifications to the guitar decrease it's value ( a 'beat-up' original finish is worth more than a perfectly refinishing one)

d) It is Mint aka brand new condition (note: there is no such thing as: it's mint for it's age)

e) Demand - so it doesn't matter if something is rare if no one wants it!

Now the question most collectors want answered is "What is it worth"

There is indeed a gauge with market value and something like the 2008 Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide is a huge help.

It really is a must have, if you are wanting to start or build up your Vintage Electric Guitar collection.

AND

The key driver to what something is worth is:

What you will pay for it!

Also ask around - see what people are indicating they will pay for it. This is true if you are buying OR selling.

So the key points I'd recommend you take away regarding building your own collection of Vintage Electric Guitars or Vintage Acoustic Guitars are:

Value is based on:

i) Demand for that guitar

ii) Originality (not modified, no repairs)

iii) Condition

iv) What you're willing to pay for it (or conversely sell it for)