When is a guitar considered vintage

For the magazine, see Vintage Guitar (magazine).

A vintage guitar is an older guitar usually sought after and maintained by avid collectors or musicians.

The term may indicate either that an instrument is merely old, or that is sought after for its tonal quality, cosmetic appearance, or historical significance.

History

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In the 1920s and 1930s, Gibson, National and Martin developed higher quality acoustic, mandolin and resonator guitars which would later become very sought after vintage acoustic guitars.

During this period, Gibson used a nomenclature related to the price of the guitar. For example, in 1938, a J-35 was $35, a J-55 was $55.

A guitar is generally considered "vintage" if it is at least 20 to 30 years old, though this definition can vary slightly depending on who you.

J denoted Jumbo.

During World War II, metal shortages in the US meant that Gibson and Martin made acoustic guitars without metal truss rods. Hence guitars made before December 7, 1941 are more sought after. These are known as "pre-war" Gibson's and Martin's.

The majority of the workers at the Kalamazoo factory in World War II were women. They would design a smaller guitar, the LG-2 acoustic, which would becom

what is a vintage guitar