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Advice on Collecting

Jeff42899

New member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
5
Hello all! I've recently started getting into LP's. I currently have a 2000 Deluxe and a 2015 Less Plus. I love them both and am amazed how different they are to play. My question is what models / years should I be looking for to add to my collection. My main goal is they won't depreciate if I take care of them (aside from an extraordinary market event). I just love the look and enjoy collecting on a small scale. I'll be converting a portion of an extensive firearms collection and diversifying via trade and sale / purchase. Any advice or thoughts?
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Thundermtn

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2016
Messages
548
Oh man, that's a broad swing there.

What's your budget per guitar and what type of necks do you like? Are you down for dropping big coin on pre-beaten fakozoids or are you interested in player LP's?
 

Jeff42899

New member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
5
Good point. I'd like to stick with LP's for now, and I'm open on neck style simply because I don't want to be too specific and limit options. I'll probably want to stay sub 3k and probably less than 2k each on most but I'm sure I'll eventually want a queen of the fleet.
 

tonar8353

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
490
I suggest you save your money and get a nice vintage Les Paul Junior or ES330. There really is something special about vintage guitars and in the long run your money would be more well spent on that.

In 1978 I spent $1200.00 on Gibson ES347 which was a nice guitar but I probably could have got a 54 Gold Top, or Blackguard Tele for close to that. Check the current prices on a 78 ES347 compared to the other two. I should have held out for the vintage pieces.
 

Thundermtn

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2016
Messages
548
In that prices range I'd suggest late 80's standards and early 90's classics before they switched to the ugly inlays. Nice tops with either of those could go over 3k but If you look you can find them.

As far as the queen goes how much do you want to spend on a guitar that's never going to sound as good as the originals. With the collectors choice guitars listing for over 10k to me that's ridiculous money. I wouldn't gig with one and with it not sounding amazingly better than a standard unless you always play clean through a vintage/boutique amp I have a hard time justifying the extra $6,500 for one that sounds 5% better, that only I would hear at the house. Plus so much tone come from the players hands that I have a hard time buying the snake oil-ish marketing. I'd rather have that money in killer pedals and amps.

Guys that have the coin and can justify those guitars, more power to them if they're that dedicated to tone. To me the money is better spent elsewhere.
 

clearmudd

Active member
Joined
May 26, 2016
Messages
499
I collect to play, not to sell,trade, or invest. On the other hand the market for Norlins is getting better but it requires a bit of knowledge to know what to look for. Like with any vintage purchase, originality is the key word, and to KNOW what that is. A lot of homework is needed. As far as new is concerned, there is too much product on hand to have any investment value. The only exceptions are the Custom Shop creations in very limited quanities, then your talking several thousand not 2 or 3. Do your research and read a lot in this forum, thats the best help I can give.:salude
 

Amp360

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
852
I've always bought what I like vs what I think will be worth a lot of money. The best way not to lose money is not to want to sell.

Buy used at good prices and usually you'll make your money back.
 

Jeff42899

New member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
5
This is what I typically do as well. I'm not looking to make money. I want to buy what I like and what I find attractive and not lose money. So far I feel pretty good about how I've done. My plan thus far has been to find good condition used guitars I like at decent prices. I do it mainly for fun, but like the comfort of knowing that if I need to dump it in an emergency I can. I think I'll stick to standards, classics and lower cost customs that I like. Seems safe.


I've always bought what I like vs what I think will be worth a lot of money. The best way not to lose money is not to want to sell.

Buy used at good prices and usually you'll make your money back.
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Or flutterbys! Youse could buy out everybody's flutterby collections then charge people to see them! You'll be a bazillionaire!
 
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