Why Vintage?

Well, I don't own any vintage gear and I'd like to have the vintage lover's of the forum make a case for why I should shell out the big bucks for an old guitar other than the historical/investment value. Not talking anything over 10K.

I see myself getting there eventually, but I guess since I'm a relative newbie I haven't discovered that world yet - or don't know why I should be interested.

Thanks for indulging me...

Just re-read some of the comments from one of my previous threads - when is it considered vintage and badger had some good comments on the subject - I guess I'm looking for comments on the feel and playability of a vintage instrument...

new rule for me don't drink beer and post...

Why Vintage as far as sound and playability are concerned?

It's kind of hard to pin point until you've played a sought after vintage instrument. Since you live in LA, I strongly suggest you make a trip to the Hollywood Guitar Center and into the vintage room. Even if only to dream (although under 10 Gs will still get you quite a great instrument....particularly in the relic market...or maybe in a non-Pre-CBS Fender....I hear the market for vintage thinline Teles from the 70's is hot right now....and you can still pick them up for under 10Gs....same with early 70's ES-335s).

In the case of Fender instruments, my experience has been that a vintage instrument feels worn in....like a pair of jeans feels worn in. It also feels like the wood has stopped growing and realizes that it's a guitar. It's what the guitar is supposed to feel like.

With Gibson instruments it's the same kind of thing, although the feel is still very similar to a new "vintage" model.... it's more the hardware and finish that tend to make it "seem" vintage.

In both cases, it feels like you are playing an antique.....aged and distinguished.....often times with a illustrious and perhaps even documented history. Best of all, the value of these instruments will probably never diminish....so 10 Gs in a vintage instrument could yield a 10% a year return. My buddy has done better collecting vintage Fender/Gibson instruments on his own than he has in the stock market with a broker!

You can also have a look at Fender (or Bill Nash or other luthiers) attempt at creating new "relic'd" instruments, which use the same manufacturing techniques (wood, paint, finish, hardware, etc)....usually with some modern conveniences added (better hardware, pickups, fret sizes). Some even find real vintage wood or components.

I've recorded new Strats (2002 Am Deluxe) compared to a real vintage 62 Strat in the studio....and sonically the vintage instrument was noisier, but also more "realistic" sounding that it's newer sibling.....when paired with an incredible class A amp like a Badcat or Matchless. When I compared a 58 Les Paul to a new one, it was much less apparent...although it was a "New Old Stock" new Les Paul reproduction I was comparing it too.... and that's probably why I prefer vintage Fender....because the vintage quality is more apparent in the sound. You can go out any buy a brand new vintage looking/feeling Les Paul that will sound like a real one.

I hope this makes sense.... I've had no beer...yet.

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BTW...I recently met a guy with authentic vintage strats and teles....and he gigs with them regularly. They are NOT just closet pieces.

He has more balls that I have....each instrument is worth $50k+ and he leaves them on stage at honky tonks. I'd have trouble leaving my new stuff on stage behind the chicken wire.

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Thanks adaptable, great info - just what I was looking for actually. I especially enjoyed the comment about the wood knowing it has become a guitar - somehow that makes a lot of sense to me (no beer tonight).

Next question is how do I go about educating myself on choosing an instrument that could potentially give me that 10+% return? I am partial to Strat's in this case (C shape neck). I don't know if I want to put myself in the hands of the Hollywood GC sales person. I've heard mention of Gruhns?

I also think your friend is crazy...but hey, $50K to some guys is pocket change.

Thanks again

Yeah, a lot of what makes a vintage instrument attractive is totally intangible... that nice worn in feeling, the look of a well-played guitar, and even the simple fact that there are only so many of them.

I own a '59 Guild Starfire Archtop––it's far from a collector's item, and I paid all of $700 for it, but to me it is a true piece of art... it's not that it plays all that well mechanically, or even that it's in that good of shape (it's not,) but it sounds phenomenally warm, and the neck feels perfectly aged in my hand.

The guitar just has character. That's the best way I know how to describe it.

A pre-CBS Strat is like that––yeah, it may be noisy, and those skinny vintage frets might dig into your fingers if you don't watch it, but the guitar is a piece of yesterday, and it probably sings like a dream.

Good luck!

A true vintage Strat is too rich for my blood, which is why I went with the "Thin Skin" '62 Reissue... best of both words in my opinion

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egr :: guitar spoken here

I am no expert, but I know that there are lots of books and websites on the subject...Fender has gone so far as posting serial number information on their website. I'm sure the values have to do with supply and demand. My collector buddy told me about the Thinline Teles and 70's ES-335s. I'll do some research and report back.

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So far from talking with some vintage collectors they've given me a few tips. Find a vintage store in your area and make friends with the appraiser. I like Buffalo Brothers, but have never gone to them for any vintage appraisals

Gruhn comes highly recommended. Gruhn Guitars He charges $50 for each appraisal, or you can see if he’d want to buy it. He’ll quote you if he’s interested and it might be 15% below selling price.

The other piece of advice is to go to your local guitar shows. They generally have them about once a year in most major metropolitan areas. I went to one up the the Bay Area last year. Generally, the "major" dealers attend them. Guitar Center also has a vintage section of their website where you can get some ideas of what some of these instruments cost.

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Any comments on this particular guitar?

Fender Custom Vintage Strat HVY Relic

Something about it says come and play me - thinking about taking a drive...need some encouragement