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What’s Your Guitar Worth?
by JOHNNY HILAND
I recently spent some time reflecting on
how much I love and admire all of the
guitars in my collection. Each piece has
its own character, feel, and vibe. I currently
own approximately 25 guitars – they
are tools for me to carry out my dreams,
using the gifts God has blessed me with.
Those gifts are my music and instrumental
ability, which I have the opportunity to
share with everyone.
However, I occasionally stop to wonder if
younger players or pickers really appreciate
their instruments. Do parents, when purchasing
a nice guitar for their child, really
understand the true investment they are
making? It is important to know the value
of your instrument.
When you purchase a guitar, what will it
be worth 20, 30 or even 50 years from
now? For example, I recently acquired a
beautiful 1968 D-35 Martin. It was purchased
and given to me by a dear friend
of mine, Tom Misner, owner of the 50
SAE audio engineering schools around the
world. On a bit of a side note, if you are
looking to become a studio engineer, SAE
is the school to attend.
I had fallen in love with this particular
vintage piece about six months prior
to ownership – the tone and volume of
the D-35 is incredible. By researching in
buyer’s guides and online, I discovered
what 1968 D-35s were worth, and I also
understand how this guitar will grow in
value over a number of years. I sincerely
love this vintage Martin guitar with all
my heart and I want to thank Tom for his
kindness and generosity.
Finding a vintage instrument can be both
exciting and gratifying and ownership
can bring an enormous satisfaction to
your life. However, it can sometimes be
difficult to privately purchase a vintage
instrument, as many pieces are family
heirlooms handed down through the
generations. The owners may have a hard
time parting with their old instruments,
for sentimental reasons.
If you are seriously looking for vintage
guitars, there are several different ways to
find this gear, so don’t give up! I would
first suggest buying a magazine that features
vintage guitars (Vintage Guitar and
Premier Guitar are two options). They list
stores, collectors and guitar shows which
will have all have vintage guitars for sale,
or at least have information about a specific
model you’re searching for. I would
also recommend checking guitar buyer
guides and even an Uncle Henry’s or
Thrifty Nickel book. You just never know
what you might find.
Guitar shows are also very fun to
attend. You will be offered the opportunity
to not only see cool vintage pieces,
but new guitars as well. Keep in mind
when shopping for an instrument many
of today’s newer guitars will be tomorrow’s
treasures. The upcoming Dallas
International Guitar Festival is one of the
best places to check out gear and the
players that use it – for example, my band
and I will attend and perform for Paul Reed
Smith Guitars.
The Dallas show is extremely awesome
with a wide variety of great vintage and
new gear. It is one of the oldest and most
respected vintage guitar and trade shows
in the industry. It’s a great feeling to be surrounded
by guitar enthusiasts and culture
while you’re looking for the perfect instrument.
I am very proud to be a part of their
show and I highly recommend this event
to any serious buyer or player.
Guitar shows are also a great way to put
your own vintage guitar on the market, as
there will be lots of interested buyers in
attendance. However, if you are considering
selling a vintage piece and are not sure
of the value, I would highly recommend
contacting a certified instrument appraiser
like George Gruhn [of Gruhn Guitars] in
Nashville to determine the value. You might
be surprised with the result.
In closing, vintage pieces are just wonderful
to own and can cause a huge addiction.
I am proud to have a 1939 J-45 Gibson that
once belonged to my grandfather, and now,
the old D-35 Martin. I am sure you all will
love and cherish each vintage piece you
purchase for a lifetime. For those who have
never experienced vintage gear, I urge you
to do so. I’m currently looking for an old
Paul Reed Smith Custom 24. I guess you
could say I have “Vintage Fever!” It is so
awesome to pick up one of these vintage
models and just wonder whose hands
have touched these instruments over the
years. God Bless and happy hunting!
Johnny Hiland
Guitar Player Extrodinare
www.johnnyhiland.com
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