What To Look For When Buying Vintage Guitars
If you are a beginning guitar player, you may start out with a new and rather inexpensive model of guitar. That is how most start because they don't have a lot of money, and they know there is a chance they won't take the hobby too far. If they were to spend a lot on the guitar, they would be out all of that money. They may be able to resell, but they won't get what they paid in many cases. However, those that have been playing for years and love it will be more willing to lay down some money to get what they want. Most will have a yen for vintage guitars at one point or another, but they do have to know what to look for in one.
There are many great vintage guitars out there. There are some brands and models that are well known for their particular sound and even value. These are great additions to any collection if the piece found is in great shape. There can be some problems, though they may not be obvious. There are some flaws that may be visible, but those will not compromise the value or the quality of sound that the guitar will produce. A seasoned guitar player may know what to look for, but not everyone can tell a good one from a bad one.
The basic structure of the vintage guitars you are looking at has to have stood the test of time. Some will be good no matter what, but some are mistreated. Leaving a guitar in a damp atmosphere can be a huge problem for some. That means the guitar can warp and at times, there is nothing you can do about it. Study up on how to tell if a neck is straight or not, and if there is any help for one that may have moved out of normal position. You should also look for deep cracks in the vintage guitars that may not be fixable.
If you find vintage guitars that have no flaws in those areas, you may have found some good ones. There are some cosmetic things that have no affect, but they may make you think twice. What you want to know is why those flaws are there. Some times, this adds to the charm of the vintage guitars. Some scuffs and even dents, and a lot of paint wear can make an instrument look old, but that look is sometimes just what you may want. It shows the history of the guitar, and if that is what you are looking for, you have found exactly what you want: a great instrument with a whole lot of personality.
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