Affordable Vintage? Our Guide For What To Buy
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- čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
- Most vintage guitars are out of the normal price range, but here are some suggestions on some still affordable vintage guitars and amps! Let us know in the comments what your favorite vintage gear is and where you think there is still some value and opportunity in the market for an investment piece.
#vintage #vintageguitar #fender #Gibson - Zábava
I have a 1964 Harmony H-19 that I acquired back in 1998. It belonged to my friend's dad, spent it's entire life in the case, and when I blew my knee out, I traded my buddy two beat up snowboards for the guitar and some old Gibson solid state amp. The amp wasn't working, so I sold it to another friend for $50, and he had it working within a week. I still have that guitar. It's both the oldest guitar I own, as well as the one that I've owned the longest. It's very well built. Holds tuning well, rarely needs any adjustment. Never had any issues with it. Really fun guitar to play. Probably the best deal I ever made!
The vintage market makes me glad I’m a Gretsch guy. The older Gretsch guitars tend to have a lot of issues (namely binding rot) and weren’t made very well past the late 60’s. No doubt in my mind that the best Gretsch guitars have been made in the past 35 years.
I bought a 2001 New Jet a few months ago and it’s fantastic! Hoping I can get the scratch for a few more Fred Gretsch, pre-Fender era guitars before the prices shoot up.
Picked up a ‘72 Guild D-40 player grade not too long ago. Best guitar I own! 50 years of play on the neck and a tone/resonance unlike any other acoustic I own!
In '99 I bought a 1974 Gibson Custom SG (3 pickups) in walnut all original, including the case, for $1,200. Still playing it! Love your show!
I love the early 80’s Fender Bullets made in the USA and designed by legend John Page. Incredibly under the vintage radar.✌️🎸
I got a 1966 Fender Music Master II is Near Mint Condition recently for a great deal and I love it. That neck pickup is huge sounding!
Got a 1977 Strat for a pretty good deal a few months ago. Absolute killer guitar.
Some '65-66 nonreverse Firebirds can still be had without breaking the bank. Light and fun to play
i picked up a 1961 magnatone 410 custom last fall for 800! had it sorted out at a local shop, and it's amazing. it does its "thing" SO well, amd i insanely cool!
I have a 1986 Rickenbacker 360 that’s amazing. It’s hard to wrap my brain around the fact that it’s now inching into vintage status. It was 11 years old when I bought it. I believe I paid around $850 for it. Those were the days.
I’ve got a 1990 330 one of my favorites
Case by case… words of wisdom.
Picked up an all original (with the case) 1979 Ibanez ST200 and it is awesome.
I bought a ‘78 Jazz bass around 15-20 years ago for around £600. It had been modded by a previous owner and was collection only in a remote, rural part of the English countryside. I was the only bidder and still have it and love it.
A modded, effed-up late ‘70s Fender might still be just about affordable - but would it be any good? As Jonathan said, it would be on a case by case basis.
I have a 1961 Les Paul Jr, love it. Its headstock has already been broken and fixed. Aint gotta worry about it now. Im in it under 3 grand and its a cool geetar.
I got bit by the vintage bug; but like others, price was in play; in the stable now are a Yamaha FG-330 acoustic; solid top; petite in size; sounds dreamy! Also grabbed a Lord Player - ‘78 - For under $500! What a beast; sounds & plays great. Rounded off the collection with an ‘84 ST360M; Yamaha’s ode to the Strat; got it for under $300…all made in Japan and just awesome (IMO)😅
60s Kapa and Framus guitars are undervalued
Got to say there is such a cool vibe going on. Had a look at the store tour and definitely the coolest guitar store I’ve ever seen . If I were in the USA and not in Scotland it would be on my must visit list . Proper cool the way things should be .. 6:32
Custom shop over vintage for me. My only “vintage” guitar is a 78 Gibson LP standard, and most people don’t consider it vintage.
70s/80s ibanez stuff is nice i still want to get a rocket roll ii at some point
There are some cool vintage Japanese guitars from the ‘60s but I won’t name any names because they’re still affordable and I want them to stay that way. Lol
I have a couple of 82 Fender Bullets. Small but cool. I don't take them to gigs as they do melt under lights, but they are rad for studio work. Being an 82 baby also helps. I suspect in a few years 90s Epiphones will become collectable too.
My old high school buddy sold me his late-70s Fender Musicmaster Bass amp for very cheap. It’s all original. Makes popping noises. I’m sure it needs a thorough going over. I’m inclined to learn how to service tube amps using it as my first. Or I’ll take it to an amp guy. Circuit is about as simple as you will find. Apparently great amps for guitar.
Love my CMI cs-212 system and I got a couple of sunns that. I'm very partial to as well. Gauge Master 2x12 and the little 1x12 SL160 that amp stays right next to my bed
Sears Silvertone Guitars are pretty nice. Have an awesome vibe and sound. They were made by Danelectro so you can play a very similar guitar that Jimmy Page plays on Kashmir (his is a ‘59) for a very reduced price. I got a ‘65…they are actually very well built considering they were catalogue guitars. They also got Brazilian rosewood fretboards
Got myself a 65 Jaguar for a pretty reasonable price. Gonna need a refret soon but sounds amazing
Silvertone is pretty darn decent.
We had one as the backup for the high school jazz band in the early 80’s. Kinda jangly and bright, not great for jazz but still a fun guitar.
You can still get into the 50s with Gibson via some less popular models. I snagged a ES-225T two years ago. Killer P90
I wanna collect silvertone and Tiesco del rays 😅
Ive had all the old vintage stuff and just like my 68 ford gallaxy 428 ragtop it cant come close to my sons new ss. The vintage are cool but id take my wildwood custom shop or my luxxtone anyday over the old stuff...
The best Les Paul I ever played was a 74 Deluxe it felt way better than a real burst I got to hold and thump on a little while my uncle was restringing it for the owner, but that 74 deluxe was butter
70's Guild Electrics. Still VERY cheap comparatively. Made in USA, good quality, sound great.
I love my 1973? Ovation Viper. Paid 900 three years ago.
Late November!!! Woo boo!
I’ve had a few pre cbs fenders and several late 50s and 60s Gibsons (not a burst but a lot of the p90 guitars, sgs and 335 ). And recently got hip to mid to late 60s fender mustangs. Just got one with a racing stripe and had no idea I’d like it as much as a do. Still really affordable for vintage. Amps have always been a better deal than guitars and if you’re willing to put up with volume a black panel twin or super reverb is still a decent deal. No one wants them because of the size and volume but they sound great and can be cheaper because of the size downsides
Looking at my collection I have a mid 80s E Series Fugigen MIJ Squier that’s amazing. They say only diff between it and the Fender version is the hardware and headstock decal, otherwise same husk/wood/paint, assembly line for as little as $450. I got a mint 1958 Silvertone for $850. Got a 1965 Gretsch Tennessean for around $2500. I’ve had a Jackson Rhoads since 1984. Forget what any of them are today, whether you like them or not. I’m telling you, any Jackson or Charvel made in the original San Dimas factory is an AMAZINGLY crafted and amazing playing instrument. These were high end, expensive, exclusive boutique (Echopark-ish) equivalents in the 1980s, especially the early 80s. Grab ‘em now. People are starting to realize what I’ve known for 39 years. Not just Metal guitars. I knew Fusion Jazz players who loved the Soloist, and any would be great to play Blues. Had Grover not sold the company to IMC and had they not gone mass production they would have an image/reputation closer to PRS today as far as quality. Today’s Jacksons look the same but do not feel or play like the San Dimas or Ontario era instruments. Go seek one out before they are too expensive to touch.
Yamaki and S Yari Japanese made acoustics from the 70s are fantastic and still pretty affordable!
Melody Makers and Epi Olympics can be found someone else has already added a humbucker or P90 - big deal BUT Seymour Duncan and others have pickups that scream and drop in those slim existing cavities. Tube amp sleepers include OAHU, TUBE Peavey's , AMPRO, and many Gibsons are still affordable.
I have an early 60’s Framus SSS that’s been a great guitar. Haven’t changed anything except for putting on new tuners and stainless steel frets. Didn’t buy it as an investment, bought it to play the snot out of it. I think paid under $1000.00 for it several years ago.
What do you guys think about the Martin/Sigma DM-4 from the 70's?
I acquired one from a yard sale recently and it seems to be a decent instrument. I had a Martin D35 from the late 70's and the quality seems to be about the same. From what I've read, some of the Sigmas were actually built at the Nazareth factory.
I picked up a Korean made Samick SV/60 from 1992 and I love it. Best part is, it wasn’t expensive because it didn’t start with “Fender” or “Gibson”
What do you think of the recording king reserve 000 as opposed to a martin x series 000 as far as quality and affordability?
I just bought a 1985 Fender Telecaster MIJ for US 900 here in Australia. Ive played for 35 years, have a nice collection, this thing is amazing and i would put it against any US 80s tele. It'll destroy them.
And a 2006 Fender strat 12 string, same thing. 1200 US. Plays way above that price. They are out there boys, look past US and venture or step up to japanese made vintage. I know that your country wasn't exposed to them like we are in Australia, but they play and sound better than the US made.
I have one too. Serial number on the bridge plate. Great guitar. I also have a 1985 mij Jazzmaster. Fender USA didn’t actually manufacture any guitars in 1985 to my knowledge.
@APMTenants That's correct. They weren't manufacturing just then, but I was perhaps too general with my timeframe. Nice pickup👍 After watching the vid by the boys I played my CIJ and MIJ fenders, nothing but smiles. I picked up my USA pro tele, still very nice, but different, totally different. Went back to my MIJ. Like an old pair of jeans, yet ive had my USA for years longer and played it more.
@@LekkerDops yeah, the early 80s USA you get no strings through the body or a sloppy neck pocket, depending on the year. I’ve been wondering if the first American Standard teles might become collectible, since they are the first really good ones since the 60s, though some say the original Fullerton reissues are quite good. 83s USA are great build quality, if you like top loaders
I've got some vintage used strings if you want them
Kay , Old Kraftsman I have a 1956 Silvertone a H42 w/ a Dearmond p/u TONE!!!!
Estate sales are a vintage lovers best friend
I still have my '64 Hagstrom and 1960 Gibson GA-79 amp.
A few ideas: 50’s es-125. early 70’s SG-1, 2 or 3. Late 50’s early 60’s Silvertone S1384 or Espanada. Early 60’s Gibson B-25. Any vintage gibson you like that has a good headstock repair.
I just scored a 50 watt 72 bassman with a 1/12 Eminence loaded cab, with road cases and then rebuilt the inside of the amp with the black face circuits, etc and the thing absolutely rips. Total cost: $1100
Good luck doing better than that. Best part is there's more like this out there for certain
My next one will be vintage. The only vintage I like that I can swing is an early 60s jazzmaster. Not much more than I have paid on some of my custom builds.
Duo Sonic is on my list
ngl i just got a 66 duo ii after wanting one for a few years. got it for a deal from ppl i trust at my go to shop, great setup and it plays good. really happy to have it but yea honestly modern guitars are wayyyy better like in every way imaginable, vintage for sure overrated. I don't regret the purchase cause i imagine it'll increase in value and i won't have to want more vintage shit but yea my 99 srv strat was half the price and a superior instrument
Wait a minute, a video on my feed that isn't about the Katana Gen 3. Is this really a guitar channel? 🤣
Last year I swapped a 1956 Gibson ES-225 for a 2005 Les Paul Classic 60’s. I thought it was fair at that time, I might have gotten for a little bit more, there was a guy wanting to swap it for a 70’s Tele, that was maybe a big miss on my side
November 18. Scorpio. I had an early 70’s Strat. Can’t believe I don’t still have it. Teenagers are stupid! (Me in the 70’s). I also had Truetone guitar from Western Auto and a very old Gibson tube amp. Only had 1 knob, volume. Have no idea what year it was except that it was made in the 60’s, I believe. Also can’t believe I didn’t keep it. Does anyone remember Univox? My first brand new guitar was a Univox Strat copy. Had 3 Humbuckers in it. Also had a huge Earth amp. Cabinet had 6 10” speakers and a head that had distortion. Early solid state amp. My parents gave away the amp while I was in the Army for some reason. I still have the Univox.
I got me into a vintage 80s or early 90s. The serial numbers are not conclusive. Gorilla 10 watt soild state amp. The tone is unbelievable.
Maybe you could get one of those danelectro guitar cases that has the amp built in. Or get an early jump on those 80s Fenders with the lace sensor pickups. And for amps, this is gonna be kind of wrong sounding, but if you want vintage tone without vintage guitar prices find an old organ or electric piano and gut the amplifier section out of it. Once people figure it out, all of those Vox organs are going to be canibalized so jump on it now
How about Matchless amps?
I'm aware that slapping the (figurative or literal) "vintage" label on a guitar is entirely a marketing device designed to either A.) sell more new guitars (i.e. Fender American Vintage, Vintera, etc etc.) or B.) sell used/old guitars for more money due to the majority of buyers associating "vintage" with being "cool" "rare" "better" "old-school" as well as associating it as being closer to the guitars that their heroes played in one way or another. That being said, do you guys consider a guitar to be vintage based on its age alone (i.e. mentioning that 80s guitars are vintage now), or do you judge by any other criteria?
Oh, and 50’s gibson amps like ga-5 Skylark
Even as recent as Dec 2018 I snagged a one-owner 1973 Gibson SG Standard for $1,200. So glad I did...cuz yeah, 70s is even going up now. Yikes!
silvertone amps are still accessable .. and they do that 'thing '.....I recently acquired a minty 60's 1482 for $500
Some us are Scopios.
Wanted to get a 70’s Jaguar to match my beloved Classic Vibe Squire. $6500 and up on early 70’s Jag. Too rich for my blood
I’ve got some great vintage outfits to go with those great vintage guitars… I.e. vintage socks and underwear! For the right price I could make a deal🤔
Check garage / estate sales. I once got a '57 Ampeg amp (similar to a Fender Deluxe) for $5 at a garage sale and a tube tester at a church sale, also for $5.
Hay I'm November of 81.woojooo
I’ve got an 87 mij jaguar and I’m the same age. That’s vintage right!?
You spelt affordable wrong in the thumbnail.
My friend is a big Horner fan. They’re all cool, but not great guitars like the better fenders, etc.
Older guilds can be somewhat affordable.
I still don’t understand why people are paying over 6K for a Norlin era Les Paul. Doesn’t even come close to a modern custom shop. They’re inaccurately built, boat anchor heavy etc. are they still decent guitars? Yes but not at the price point.
Cheapest vintage is repaired or routed late 70s fenders.
Vintage collector (and player!) here- buy vintage that speaks to you. Obviously there are true classics that are worth $ no matter how “playable” they are. However, don’t buy a guitar based solely on specs. Buy a vintage guitar that plays well, has been taken care of, and THAT SPEAKS TO YOU! I have lots of vintage pieces along with newer ones. Someone write this down……
Old Eko guitars are dead cheap and they're made in Italy, judging from some that I've played they are very good.
Bottom line, there are no more affordable vintage guitars to be had. ha That ship has sailed.
There is good, bad, and horrible every year. Play before you buy! Names on headstock mean nothing and don't guarantee playability. Thanks for the forum.
My humble advice: Don't buy vintage. Unless, you get a fantastic deal, way below market, AND, you actually like playing the guitar. Do Not buy vintage as an "investment." After many years with vintage guitars, mostly because of the cool factor, as a player, I finally sold all my vintage guitars, and bought newer ones from Anderson, Gibson, etc. And, here's the truth: They are better guitars, on the whole, than vintage guitars. I would have to go through 10 vintage Gibson guitars before finding one that was good enough. Every Anderson I ever bought was perfect from the start. And, with modern features, like fretboard radius. My 2 cents.
I do agree with that. I’ve had several from the 1960s and 1970s in the past. Right now my favorite guitar is my Novo. It gives a very similar experience, but is much easier to play and more reliable.
I agree 100%. I got a few vintage guitars because I read other people's c9mments on how good they are. Most feel like tanks and need work compared to modern stuff. As an investment? Lol, forget it. Unless you get one from someone who has no idea what it is by chance, you're probably not the first guy to make an offer. Try to flip it and you'll be dealing with those same offers as the last guy. I sold my vintage Gibsons, Fenders and Gretschs for newer stuff. I still like those brands and own many Gibsons and Fenders, but I look towards Suhr, EBMM, Yamaha, and others now.
52’ Tele, 20k.
Scratched Blonde Finished. Waylon Leather Wrap.
The Greatest Neck I have ever seen on a 70+ year guitar.
Bless that Baseball Bat neck!
100% agree, I’ll take it a step further, I think vintage guitars are over hyped , you have FOOLS paying thousands on beat up new guitars made to look old. But a SUCKER is born every day, I’m a bass player , Fender custom(not so custom) shop put out a crappy P-Bass for 7 GRAND! Why buy that when for the same money I can get an American SPECTOR , MM or even a FODERA? Peace ✌🏼Rock on!
I totally agree
When I started playing in the 90s, guitars from the 50s were desirable. 60s guitars were cool but not that special. 70s guitars were considered the pits. As the 50s stuff got super expensive, the 60s guitars suddenly became sought after. Then as they got more expensive, people started re-evaluating the 70s guitars. The guitars hadn’t gotten better but were now all people could afford. Now I see people starting to talk up 80s stuff.
The reality is, a new guitar is probably built to a tighter tolerance and will all the sounds you want. 50s and 60s stuff have a vibe but that’s placebo effect. 70s and 80s stuff is just old. It’s not magic and it’s not cool. It’s just old.
I Have a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe that Is Way Better Than the 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe I Used To Have... GetThe Mahogany Neck Ones
Eko
Vintage makes no sense unless you have money to burn. You can play anything on a new guitar that you could play on a vintage, it'll sound just as good, and you won't have to do a bunch of repairs just to make it playable.
Doesn’t it depend on the individual guitar?
Statistically, not every guitar is a diamond. Some are dogs.
70’s Musicmaster…just saying
Buy 90s Gibson’s while you can I guess.
I've owned early 60 gibsons and fenders. They are great, but not necessarily better than today's custom shop guitars. 70s gibsons and fenders will never be the ones - just get a new custom shop if you're not going to buy into the true vintage era
Vintage as it applies to this video omits the elite stuff. Stop telling yourselves that your custom shop whatever is as good as a 59 Gibson. It isn’t. If you want affordable Vintage vibe you need to look at Pre 1967 Gibsons and Fenders that have been refinished or repaired that are original otherwise. You don’t have to worry about doing anything to them that will lower their value and you can just PLAY them. Only relics can boast a similar claim, but paying a premium for fake looking wear makes no sense to me.
Save your money unless you’re a studio rat and can afford it. New guitars and inspired by’s far out quality any thing “vintage” .
I've owned and played 70's Les Pauls since the 80's. They have always been my favorites, I play my beat up 74' Custom 90% of the time ( I own about 32 guitars) and its just better than any other Gibson I've played or owned, and I own some killer ones. I bought it for $500 about 30 years ago and it'll never leave me. Collectors always poo pooed them so they were never worth much which was fine with me, I could get them for cheap. I had a 81' Les Paul Custom and that was terrible, it played like a 2X4 and I could never get it to sound good, even changing the PU's out didn't help much and they were supposed to be the better Gibsons. I have a 73' and a 74' LP custom, 3pc top, sandwich bodies, everything the fart sniffing collectors hates and I love them, I always have. I never got why people hated them but whatever, more for me!