The Vintage Guitar, Aged to Perfection
Why is the older guitar the more highly desired guitar? Time will only improve the sound of a well made guitar. As a guitar ages, so does the sound; melodious is the word for a vintage guitar as the wood changes over time.
Is it a vintage guitar only because it is old?.
A vintage guitar has other factors that also are important when looking at buying one. A guitar is more valuable if it is scarce, perhaps made in a limited run. There are several models of Martin guitars that are rarebecause they were made in short runs of an individual design.
The Les Paul Gold Top guitar had a particularly valued finish and golden color which also aged well. With the Fender Stratocaster the quality was more sought after during an earlier time of the companys history. Signature guitars are made for, or at least endorsed by a famous musician and the guitar bears their name. The guitar is not vintage necessarily but it is more desirable and will be vintage someday. If a guitar was owned by someone famous, that of course makes it more cherished and increases its value.The guitar may also be associated with a particular event, say Woodstock or some other huge event. A guitar that has a great sound will be collectable regardless of the age of the guitar.
Guitar amplifiers are also considered to be vintage in some cases. Some of the amplifiers that fit into this category are Fender,Vox and Marshall. The tube circuitry is largely responsible for the sound of these amps.
A guitar can be as much of a work of art as any other prized object. A vintage guitar is a piece of history of todays modern guitar.Knowing that so and so played the guitar really adds to its reputation and enjoyment. The classic sounds of the modern era are represented by these guitars.
Many of the vintage guitars we see today, have been restored, to make them sound and play as close to the as possible.