Before buying your first vintage guitar, you should gain little
bit of knowledge about this field. At least, you should be aware of what
you are buying in the market. Agreed that investors have made millions
in selling and buying vintage guitars, but in some cases, if care is not
taken while purchasing them, one can also lose money. There are several
dealers who try to sell vintage guitars above their actual worth, and
plenty of sellers try to pass off guitars as something which they are
not. Your aim should be to buy a vintage guitar at a reasonable price.
An old guitar does not mean that it is vintage collectable!
Generally, aside from their monetary value, vintage guitars are also in perfect working condition, and offer value to the musicians. Some old guitars are made using low quality wood, and components. High quality guitars have quality components, and are made using choicest of woods.
For instance, 1950s Gibson's were manufactured using high quality wood sourced from trees that were hundreds of years old tree, and possessed excellent tonal qualities, the likes of which are not available today. Due to this, many old guitars possess qualities that cannot be reproduced, and carry very high value in market due to their value as a musical instrument that still works as good as a new guitar.
So which vintage guitar should you buy to make a fortune few years down the line?
Well, your ultimate aim should be to get highest quality at the lowest price. Price of any guitar starts plummeting as soon as it is bought from the market. It turns from new to "used guitar" in about 8 years, and to an "unfashionable guitar" 15-18 years later. After a period of 30-35 years, this guitar becomes a vintage, and its price starts increasing.
Therefore, from investment point of view, you should buy a high end working guitars at the point when they are not so valuable (12-16 years). Cheaper guitars won't increase as much in value as high end guitars.
Originality is Important
Collectors of vintage guitars look for originality. That is original finishes, original parts, and without any repairs. Therefore, even slightly modified guitars have no value. However, in rare cases, some of them may attract some premium.
You can gain extensive knowledge about vintage guitar from many online resources and books. Once you decide on the model you are interested in, you can learn all about it within a matter of minutes.
Although dealer prices are much higher than the guitars sold privately, but buying from a dealer gives you some guarantee about its originality and worth. However, you can find same quality items in classified listings, auctions, yard sales, and online websites.
An old guitar does not mean that it is vintage collectable!
Generally, aside from their monetary value, vintage guitars are also in perfect working condition, and offer value to the musicians. Some old guitars are made using low quality wood, and components. High quality guitars have quality components, and are made using choicest of woods.
For instance, 1950s Gibson's were manufactured using high quality wood sourced from trees that were hundreds of years old tree, and possessed excellent tonal qualities, the likes of which are not available today. Due to this, many old guitars possess qualities that cannot be reproduced, and carry very high value in market due to their value as a musical instrument that still works as good as a new guitar.
So which vintage guitar should you buy to make a fortune few years down the line?
Well, your ultimate aim should be to get highest quality at the lowest price. Price of any guitar starts plummeting as soon as it is bought from the market. It turns from new to "used guitar" in about 8 years, and to an "unfashionable guitar" 15-18 years later. After a period of 30-35 years, this guitar becomes a vintage, and its price starts increasing.
Therefore, from investment point of view, you should buy a high end working guitars at the point when they are not so valuable (12-16 years). Cheaper guitars won't increase as much in value as high end guitars.
Originality is Important
Collectors of vintage guitars look for originality. That is original finishes, original parts, and without any repairs. Therefore, even slightly modified guitars have no value. However, in rare cases, some of them may attract some premium.
You can gain extensive knowledge about vintage guitar from many online resources and books. Once you decide on the model you are interested in, you can learn all about it within a matter of minutes.
Although dealer prices are much higher than the guitars sold privately, but buying from a dealer gives you some guarantee about its originality and worth. However, you can find same quality items in classified listings, auctions, yard sales, and online websites.
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