Vintage Guitars - Tips and History

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Tips and History of Antique or
Vintage Guitars

As far as vintage guitars are concerned, they are governed to some extent by the same traditional definition of vintage as many other objects. Although the definition of vintage varies from source to source, product to product and year to year. These are some time test definitions of vintage for you to consider. An item which is 100 years old or is collected or desirable due to rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature. ... antique (noun) -  1. any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity -- note this is a traditional definition that DOES NOT apply to guitars! Guitar-like instruments have existed since ancient times, but the recorded mention of the guitar was from the 14th century. The guitar probably originated in Spain. The guitar became popular in other European countries in the 16th and 17th centuries, and by the late 17th century the fifth course of strings had been added below the original four.  In the mid-18th century the guitar attained its modern form, when the double courses were made single and a sixth string was added above the lower five. Guitar makers in the 19th century broadened the body, increased the curve of the waist, thinned the belly, and changed the internal bracing. The American contribution to the guitar really started in the 1930s.  A great article on the complete history of the guitar can be found at malaspina..com. Make Sure you do Some Homework Old Guitars! Buying vintage guitars is unlike any other type of shopping in that your purchases are not protected by any regulatory agencies, forcing the novice collector of vintage guitars to succumb to the phrase "Buyer Beware." However, there are several ways for the collector to gain confidence and minimize costly mistakes. Most importantly, be informed! Learn everything you can about the old guitar market from library books, price guides, trade magazines and museums. Get to know the particular periods and styles that pertain to to the item you are considering Reputable dealers can be valuable sources of information. However, when searching for dealers look for those who are established in the community and have some of the best examples to show. Ask questions about different pieces that will help you understand about price structures and values of vintage instruments. Even the most experienced collectors can become confused in the antique market, but having armed yourself with all that knowledge you should be amply prepared to successfully make that special purchase. Lastly, request a receipt! Ask the seller to provide a detailed description including the age, origin and condition, as well as the price paid and where, when and from whom it was purchased.