Vintage guitars have a special place in the hearts of many guitarists. But what makes a guitar genuinely vintage?
A Studio1 vintage guitar and a modern reissue may look similar to an untrained eye. But a thorough inspection will help you distinguish the real thing from a knockoff.
Scarcity and artist association are significant factors in the value of a vintage guitar. But there are other things to consider as well.
Originality
Many vintage guitars are not in their original condition, which can affect their value. Guitarists are avid tinkerers who often swap parts to experiment with new sounds and styles. If you find an old guitar that needs a replacement part, it may be challenging to get, or it might reduce the guitar’s value. For instance, if the guitar’s headstock has broken, replacing it can be costly. The same goes for cracked body or neck wood.
A broken neck can make playing difficult, and a cracked body can detract from the instrument’s beauty. If the damage is bad enough, you might want to repair it, but this could be expensive.
Some guitarists will go to great lengths to restore their vintage guitars and keep them pristine. These guitars are considered collector’s items and can be very valuable. However, it is essential to remember that the purpose of a guitar is to be played. Therefore, it should be as enjoyable to play as it is to look at.
In addition, some people want to own vintage guitars simply because they are a good investment. These guitars are usually made from high-quality materials and can be worth money. However, it would be best if you always researched before investing in a Studio1 vintage guitar.
Another reason why people buy vintage guitars is because they are a good deal cheaper than brand-new ones. They can also be more reliable than newer guitars. Vintage guitars are also made from quality materials and have a unique sound that many players prefer.
Condition
The condition of a vintage guitar is a significant factor in its value. A mint instrument that comes with all original parts commands top dollar. Changes and modifications decrease the weight, especially if they are not done correctly or for the right reasons. These changes include replacing the pickups, electronics, bridges, tuning machine heads, and wiring. Other changes include rebinding and body crack repairs. These can be done, but they have to be well done to maintain the integrity of the guitar.
Guitars are very modular instruments by design, and guitarists are natural tinkerers. It means that many older guitars have replacement parts that did not come from the factory. The most obvious examples are replaced pickups, but there are also replacement tuning machines, bridges, nuts, and control knobs that are not what was initially intended for the instrument. Unfortunately, these replacements decrease the value for collectors.
Another thing to consider is if the guitar has been refinished. It can be done correctly and not affect the value, but there are instances where a guitar is painted to cover damage or to improve its appearance. Again, this can drastically reduce the weight of a Studio1 vintage guitar.
Another critical factor is the sound of a vintage guitar. The sound of a guitar can be dramatically changed by aftermarket pickups, a poor setup, or even by environmental factors such as heat and humidity. Look for a vintage guitar with original pickups, a good design, and no known problems to maximize its potential for a great-sounding guitar.
Sound
Vintage guitars are often sought after for their unique tone and the fact they have been used and played for many years. It can be attributed to the fact that vintage guitars were usually finished with a nitrocellulose lacquer which has a much more natural sound than the polyurethane finish that modern instruments are typically coated in.
In addition, woods naturally mature with age, which can also make a big difference in the overall sound of a guitar. Finally, vintage guitars are usually made with rarer or more challenging-to-find materials than modern guitars, which can add to the overall sonic quality.