Then came my electric guitar years, assistant roady for a couple of our high school garage bands, from which a few would make the pro cut into the the big time, like Timothy Schmit (Eagles) and Ed Robels (Ambrosa).īefore long I was working for Carico's Edison Light Co, a subcontrator for Bill Graham, and doing psychodelic light shows for the SF Bay areas - Dead, Quicksilver, Big Brother, Airplane and the likes. Musicians enjoy vintage guitars for a multitude of reasons, from differences in sound to simply having a unique look.ĭiscover the perfect backpack, dorm room decorations, study supplies and great vintage electric guitars to prepare for going Back to College.So I bought a cheap acoustic guitar (Harmony) and started learning songs by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, early Dylan, Bias, and Collins, songs popular for our generation at that time. Collectors tend to desire electric guitars that are as original as possible, while this may not be as important for a musician who is looking to play the guitar on a more regular basis. If parts have been replaced, is the guitar still vintage?Īn electric guitar that has replaced pickups or a refinished body is still considered vintage.
The body of a guitar can also be refinished, meaning that even if a guitar appears to be brand new it may actually be a vintage find. Many guitarists will replace parts of the guitar, such as the pickups, if they become worn out or the guitarist simply has different preferences. However, appearance alone cannot always determine whether or not a guitar is vintage. There are many other companies that have made guitars in the past that may provide a unique find.Įlectric guitar trends and preferred styles have changed over the years, and often vintage guitars are recognizable simply by the way they look. However, vintage guitars are not just limited to these three makers. When people think of guitars, they often think of Gibson, Les Paul, or Fender. These two brands have been around for a very long time, and many vintage finds come from these two companies. Well-known guitar makers include Gibson, Les Paul, who worked closely with Gibson, and Fender. They were later refined in the 1940s by Les Paul, paving the way for the Gibson Les Paul, which has become an iconic guitar that is used by many. Guitars had been in use for much longer than this, but the electric element was added during the 1930s. The electric guitar was invented in 1931. When something is referred to as vintage, the object is recognizable and representative of the era it is from. Generally speaking, electric guitars are considered vintage if they are 30 years old or older.
Companies such as Fender and Gibson make guitars and offer a wide selection of vintage guitars as well. Professionals and hobbyists alike utilize electric guitars to create infinite sonic possibilities. Electric guitars have long been considered a staple of certain music genres, and they have become both more accessible and more collectible.