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I've always wanted a vintage guitar but have never really had a need for one/been able to justify the cost. However in a few months its my 21st birthday and my Dad has been asking me if there is anything I would like. I have been thinking, if I put some money towards it, I could look at getting a nice vintage guitar. Something to hold on to for a long time. I'm not talking about collectors items, no early tele's/strats, but could look at the early shortscale models or maybe some later 70s fender stuff. It doesn't have to be fender either.

So, what do you thing are good vintage guitars to look for which aren't too pricey? Are there good deals to be had?

Aluminium necked Kramers are cool as fuck, cheap-ish and likely to appreciate. I'd always recommend a Japanese guitar: the days of finding a cheap 70's/80's Tokai are long gone, but there are some great Grecos etc. out there. Not sure if I'd go too berserk on 70's Fender output, but must admit that the various Coronados floating around the forum have piques my interest: the same necks as are fitted onto crazy money strats. And it's the neck you play.

There are a hell of a lot of options from £500-1000, and an almost endless variety of high quality Japanese stuff (though mostly Gibson style and some of it quite rare). You're definitely best off by setting a rough budget, having a look what that gets you and going from there.

Hmmm yeah I have seen some nice lookin' Grecos and other Japanese stuff. I was looking at those international series strats earlier, really nice but more expensive than I would've expected.

Vintage hagstroms I's and II's can still be had in good shape for around $400-$600.

My favorite vintage guitar ever is still my 68' Ovation Tornado...I found it at a guitar center for $350. It's not all original but it's the best guitar ever. I've seen them sell on ebay for as low as $500 sometimes

Without hesitation, for me it would be a Yamaha SG-3



Quality-wise, they're easily on a par with 60s Fenders. Just properly great guitars.

James wrote:There are a hell of a lot of options from £500-1000, and an almost endless variety of high quality Japanese stuff (though mostly Gibson style and some of it quite rare). You're definitely best off by setting a rough budget, having a look what that gets you and going from there.

£500-1000 is pretty much what I had in mind. Could stretch a teeny bit maybe if it was a good deal. I guess I just have to keep my eyes peeled on eBay and stuff. I would prefer to go to a shop but the prices are mad.

I didn't come to this thread intending to push my own wares but I do have a few vintage guitars I intend to sell soon. I've offered them for sale previously here and they've all been posted about so there's a good chance you've seen them before.

- 67 Hagstrom II
- 74 Ibanez Melody Maker
- mid-late 70s Ventura ES-175 copy

vintage duos and musicmasters can still be had in that price range, if that is your thing or is the fact this thread isn't in the short scale forum significant?

I put it in here just because I am open to anything. Fenders are my favourite guitars and the shortscale/student models are the ones I can imagine owning most but I would love others.

What sort of thing do you already have? If you like RI Mustangs, you should be able to get an original towards the top-end of your budget, depending on condition. Maybe even a fucked-with Jaguar. One-trick stuff like Broncos and Musicmasters too. All fun 60-70s eurodrek is within your budget. From decent guitars by Framus, Hagstrom, Hopf, Hofner all the way down to Klira, Musima, Migma, Jolana etc.

However, if I had £1000 to send on a Fender guitar I'd probably go for an AVRI instead. Less fuss, and if you're buying unseen you're more likely to not get a fake or a dud.

DanHeron wrote:

James wrote:There are a hell of a lot of options from £500-1000, and an almost endless variety of high quality Japanese stuff (though mostly Gibson style and some of it quite rare). You're definitely best off by setting a rough budget, having a look what that gets you and going from there.

£500-1000 is pretty much what I had in mind. Could stretch a teeny bit maybe if it was a good deal. I guess I just have to keep my eyes peeled on eBay and stuff. I would prefer to go to a shop but the prices are mad.

You could find a great Guild at that price, no bother.

Fender Music Master all the way!
You should get a late 70's model for just under £500 and they are quality, beautiful necks on them. I owned a 76 and a 78, then regretfully sold them for whatever fad i was having at the time.

LANK!

timhulio wrote:What sort of thing do you already have? If you like RI Mustangs, you should be able to get an original towards the top-end of your budget, depending on condition. Maybe even a fucked-with Jaguar. One-trick stuff like Broncos and Musicmasters too. All fun 60-70s eurodrek is within your budget. From decent guitars by Framus, Hagstrom, Hopf, Hofner all the way down to Klira, Musima, Migma, Jolana etc.

However, if I had £1000 to send on a Fender guitar I'd probably go for an AVRI instead. Less fuss, and if you're buying unseen you're more likely to not get a fake or a dud.

At the moment I play a 69 RI Mustang. I would love an original mustang, but also would be quite tempted to go for something different. I was just wondering what other people may have bought or think is a good value vintage guitar to look out for.

American cousins please note - many of the bargains you're referring to simply can't be found for that price on this fair isle. You lot are lovely and all for posting us stuff, but it's never possible to try before you buy, plus we pay 25% tax on the item's value and postage cost.

Remember, as well as all the stuff listed above (and another vote for an AVRI from me, too): you could just afford a KC sig Jag.

benecol wrote: a KC sig Jag.

i got my '76 music master for about $350-400, and turned it into a duo-sonic for still well under a grand, and it is a fantastic feeling/playing guitar

Guild guitars are the best vintage guitars at the current price they sell for IMO, especially the electrics.

Be lucky to find one in the UK. I owned a Guild SG w/bigsby years ago and its the only one ive ever seen to be honest.

How about a Supersound guitar?