The Vintage Market

JCP · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:20 am Post subject: The Vintage Market

I have yet to take the leap of buying a truly vintage guitar, my oldest being a 25 yr old 335. I would like to find the right 60's 335.

I have always been into collector cars, but not for the investment, just because I love 60's muscle cars and the cars of the 50's.

If you've ever watched the Barrett-Jackson auctions, you know what the price of these cars has done in the last 10 years.

It's said in that hobby that once we 'Boomers' die off, the value of those cars will drop out the bottom, as the generation behind us doesn't have the emotional attachment. The same has also been suggested for the vintage guitar market.

Altho I want a 60's 335 for what it is, not the investment, I would like to think it's value will continue to increase.

What do you-all think of the current state of that market, and where do you see it going?

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject:

I have a suspicion, that at least some of that speculation about the market softening (eventually) might be correct. The trading prices for those old guitars (especially the Big Two, Strats and LPs) have blown out the roof now for some time and keep climbing, and I really don't know how long they can keep escalating at this rate. Eventually, all those booms come to an end, or at least level off.

It is quite possible that some of the heat in this niche market will cool as the boomers die off, but I'm constantly amazed that some of the music from that generation is highly respected by the subsequent generations. As far as I know, that hasn't happened before. If that trend holds, then I would expect that the old guitars and amps used to make that music will retain their value well.

BlueFinn · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject:

This is a really interesting post. I’m lucky enough to own a few vintage insturments but only because I was given them from family I can’t imagine stumping up the cash to buy one. That said I am crazy about vintage guitars. A 60’s 335 would definatly be on my short lsit.

You make an interesting poing about vintage cars I’d agree I think the generation behind us doesn’t have the attachement.

Unfortunatly the majority of the younger muscians I meet aren’t really interested in vintage guitars. New gear seems to be the hot topic.

Sad but true. I only wish I had started buying up guitars in the early 70’s

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:15 am Post subject:

Yeah, I wish I had seen this all coming and started buying up guitars way back when.

I agree that the younger musicians are hot on the new gear right now, but I believe that as they mature they will start to see the value in the older stuff. I have seen this happening in some younger friends who play around here. Cool

Strat Man dwight · Big Guppy Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

I agree with what's been said, and take it very seriously - you've got to watch your money!

That said, will somebody please sell me their 1959 - 60 Les Paul CSB before prices hit a MILLION!!! Wink

I like BOTH neck profiles, and promise not to be picky. Don't need a lot of flame either. And......... you can take my house! Laughing

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:27 am Post subject:

95strat · Cobra Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 487 Location: Canada