How do I know if my guitar is vintage?

Look for a serial number.

The guitar's serial number also may give you a clue to its value. Generally speaking, a lower serial number (for example, "0001") indicates an older guitar that will be worth more than one with a higher serial number (for example, "0987").

How can you tell if a guitar is vintage?

To tell if your guitar is a vintage specimen you would likely want to find out its serial number. In many cases, you will spot it on the back of the headstock, but in some others, such as in Fender guitars, it might be hidden in the heel of the neck.

How many years is a guitar considered vintage?

While an antique is defined as an object over 100 years old, there's no strict chronological definition of what makes something vintage. Typically, though, guitars around 30 years old or older fall into that category, and even newer instruments will often be labeled as such by sellers.

What makes a vintage guitar valuable?

Materials. One reason as to why vintage gear, specifically guitars, are more expensive and sought-after, is because of the materials they are made out of. The instruments made from the early 50's until the 70's were made from expensive woods, such as the renowned Brazilian Rosewood.

How old does a guitar amp have to be to be considered vintage?

For electric guitars, the '50s and '60s are often considered the ultimate vintage guitars. So they're less than 100 years old. There are more and more vintage guitars emerging from the 70s. So there is no strict definition as with antiques.

How to find your Dream Vintage Guitar (Advice from a Pro) - 64

Should I refinish my vintage guitar?

In general, valuable vintage guitars should never be refinished unless they have no original finish left. Minor damage, play wear and weather checking are not, generally, sufficient reason; these are better regarded as the 'patina' associated with a vintage instrument.

Do guitars go up in value?

Most Fender guitars depreciate quickly after purchase, but the guitar becomes a rare, esteemed piece after decades, resulting in appreciation. However, the guitar's condition determines how much it appreciates in value. For example, a well-maintained vintage guitar is sure to appreciate well.

Do vintage guitars increase in value?

With this in mind it is a known fact that vintage guitars have proven to be excellent investments often outperforming the stock market.

Are vintage guitars really better?

Older guitars often sound better than newer ones as they dry out over time which causes them to become harder leading to a more resonant tone with better sustain. The increase in age affects the tone more in acoustic guitars than electric ones.

Are vintage guitars worth?

A vintage guitar is really worth it. Due to limited availability, the prices are going higher and higher. Although more advanced and up-to-date guitars are available on the market, there is still a demand for vintage guitars and people are spending thousands of dollars buying them.

How can I find out how much my guitar is worth?

Check the Blue Book of Guitar Values.

The Blue Book is one of several respected pricing guides that can help you determine the general value of your guitar, depending on its overall condition and playability. You can find the Blue Book online and search it for free at bluebookofguitarvalues.com.

How can I tell if my guitar has no markings?

The most common place to find identification is on the headstock or on a label inside of the guitar, if applicable. If there is nothing on your guitar in question, chances are the original label or logo has fallen off.

Can you look up a guitar by serial number?

You can look up a serial number either in Gruhn's Guide or run the number in the manufacturer's database. The serial number itself will give you date information and the database will have a description of the guitar so you can check the specs of the guitar in question.

Do I have an acoustic or classical guitar?

Although comparing body shape isn't always the easiest way to tell apart the two, there is one key difference in construction that's easy to spot: acoustic guitars usually have a scratch plate (the piece of plastic next to the sound hole that protects the body of the guitar while you play), and classical guitars do not ...

Do guitars get louder with age?

Along with changes in string break angle at the saddle, high action due to neck warping, and a thinning finish there may be merit in aged guitars sounding louder.

Do guitars get lighter with age?

The upshot is that timber gradually becomes lighter, stiffer and quicker to respond – all of which is good for tone. Under normal circumstances, this process would take decades in a chunky electric guitar body and it may be inhibited by the finish.

Does guitar wood get better with age?

In short, as wood ages, its (tensile) strength to weight ratio improves, making the guitar more responsive and resonant due to the materials used to make up the wood's cell walls reducing in mass over time.

Which guitars keep their value?

Typically, American and Japanese-made guitars hold value better than anything else. That said, as the quality of Asian-built guitars increases, they get better at holding their value.

What is the most sought after guitar?

What guitars are collectable?

What guitars are good investments?

American Gibson and Fender guitars from the 1950s and 1960s are among the most valuable, though vintage Rickenbackers (favored by The Beatles, The Byrds and Tom Petty) have made big strides in recent years. On the acoustic side, Martin, Gibson and Guild rank as highly prized brands.

Do guitars lose value?

But the question usually has more of an economical ring to it: does a guitar hold its value over the years? The answer to that is usually: YES, because if you pay a little attention to what you buy, play it and take good care of it, a good acoustic guitar could costs you something close to nothing in the end.

What modern guitars will increase in value?

How do you store vintage guitars?