calling guitar collectors.

[Jp.]

I'm thinking about buying a guitar to celebrate the birth of my child in september.

The obvious choice would be an American '60th anni Srat. Problem, their $3000 AUS.

I dont have that sort of money to spend on a guitar that will, hope fully, never see the light of day for about 18 or 21 years time.

I can afford/justify the $1000 price tag for the Mexican made '60th anni. But I just dont know if it'll be worth it.

ie If I'm gonna buy a "knock-off" (apologies to Mex Fander fans) I might as well buy anything really... and go the whole hog and get the family to sign it in paint penn. Which in itself would destroy any collectability of the instrument.

If theres any collectors on the board I would be keen to here.
Thanks

[Kilby]

One thing I would suggest is to consider signing the scratch plate, rather than the guitar.

To keep the value you could buy an additional scratchplate for that model, then you could sign the spare one and keep the original in the case should the guitar ever be sold.

Another thought is to look at the Martin range as they do some interesting special editions (the McGuinn 7 string for example) and they hold their value very well compared with fenders & gibsons.

Rickenbacker also do a colour of the year and never reissue the colour again. They do take up to two years to build your guitar, but you will receive the colour of the year the guitard was ordered in.

These appear to be very collectable, and last years blue burst finish commands a premium in the 2nd hand market already.

Other mfgrs do similar things but my ric fetish means that I actually pay attention to prices and desireability of that mfgr.

Rob...

[Twinfan]

I own/play/collect both electric and acoustic guitars, with the vast majority of my stable being electric solidbodies.  As a long term investment, and slightly contrary to my own approach, I would tempted to buy an acoustic guitar.  The craftmanship and longevity of the design would be great as a family heirloom or something for your child to keep, play and enjoy.  You can't beat the organic simplicity of me playing my Martin J-15.

Given that, and their reputation, I would buy something with the Martin name on it.  I wouldn't get too hung up on it being a limited edition either, just get the best, highest specced model you can afford.  It will be special enough being the year of your child's birth.  Choose a main model such as an 000 or D in 18/28/35/48 spec depending on budget.

[Searcher]

Martins aren't cheap in Australia, either, eh?   :P

Jp, I think you've gotta get over your reluctance to buy guitars sight unseen from the net.

[Jp.]

Martins aren't cheap in Australia, either, eh?   :P

Jp, I think you've gotta get over your reluctance to buy guitars sight unseen from the net.

Look, no gun shyness here mate :o  :lol:

I bought my last expensive guitar out of a catalogue.

I'm more concerned with the fact that Back in the seventies/sixties you really couldnt buy cheaper versions of guitars. There really was just a gibbo a fender or the Jap copies, Ibanez etc (simplistic but you get the point)

Now you can buy an epi version of an SG an Squire version of a tele..... you see what I mean. I"m doubting weather a Squire/ Mexican strat would be a desirable asset in years to come.

After all a ford cortina immaculate as it might be is still a cortina. Its no mustang

[Twinfan]

I don't think the current Epis/Squires etc will be worth anything in the future.  You need to get the "first" of something, e.g. I have an '83 Squier Strat, the very first Squires.  A current Mex strat won't be worth anything much in the future (IMHO).

If you're looking for a nice instrument that will hold it's value, or increase, you need to buy a big name:  Martin, Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker etc.

[headtheball]

As an australian, why not support you local and go for a Maton or Crocker?

[Kilby]

I just mentioned the ltd edition to make it that little bit more year specific, in keeping with the 60th year anniv strat.

A Martin, a proper Lowden (now that Mr Lowden has his name back in his posession again) or a Taylor should also more than hold it's value.

Hmmm, being a good Belfast boy I should push Lowden as a brand ;)

As I mentioned Ric with the colour of the year is a good option as there is no extra charge you just have to wait for it to be built for you (and the small problem of actually liking Rics raises it's head too)

Rob...

[FELINEGUITARS]

Or have something made by an up and coming Custom builder - loaded with BKPs
Then when the maker is a big name in 20 years - you will have a cool early example

Just a thought ...........(disguised as a shameless plug)


3000 AUD = £1200 UK