Epiphone was founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos, who named the company after a combination of his son Epaminondas’ nickname and the Greek word for sound. The company suffered greatly beginning with the second World War, however, and shortly after that, it was purchased by the Chicago Musical Instrument Company. Even so, it continued to struggle into the 1970′s. It was not until 1983 that it began improving again, after several structural changes within the company.

But the models from the very same years – the 1940′s through the 1970′s – are the rarities that collectors so desperately want. Especially when it comes to acoustic guitars, these are the model years, when the company was at its weakest and producing its least, that collectors everywhere want. Vintage collectors especially want the Professional Class models, which helped the company stay afloat even as the times threatened to force it under.

Epiphone has many collectible vintage models. One example is the EJ-200CE, which has the melody of an acoustic with the power of an electric, providing the best of both worlds. Epiphone also has many traditional acoustic guitars, such as the DR-100.

If you’re a collector of vintage acoustic guitars, don’t give Epiphone a pass. In fact, you probably can’t retire from guitar collecting until you’ve gotten your hands on at least one Epiphone. Don’t let their troubled history stop you: these guitars are excellent investments.

The Original Post is Located Here: The Sad Tale of the Epiphone Company and Its Acoustic Guitars

Marshall Amplification was founded in 1962 by drummer Jim Marshall. He set up the company in London, England, originally. Almost immediately, Marshall amplifiers became renowned for their quality. Before you could blink, famous rockers were using Marshall amplifiers at concerts and recording studios across the world. Eric Clapton used one; so did Pete Townshend of the Who, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Jimmy Page, and perhaps the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix.

In fact, so many famous guitarists used Marshall amplifiers that they began to name new amps after some of these stars. For example, Dave Mustaine got an amp named after him: the 1960DM. Lemmy of Motorhead fame also got one, the 1992Lem. This kind of star power does not come easily. Marshall Amplification could never have gotten this much endorsement and use from the greats if their amps weren’t great to begin with. That’s why getting a vintage Marshall amp can add to a collection like no other.

If strict classics are your thing, you can always go for the first amps that Marshall Amplification released. There was the JTM45, which was the original Marshall amplifier. There was also the JTM50, its immediate successor, which released in 1966.

Marshall amplifiers are part and parcel to the music industry, so vintage Marshall amplifiers must be included in any vintage guitar collection. With star power like that, quality comes with the territory, and you just can’t beat Marshall.

The Original Post is Located Here: Marshall Amplification, Powered by the Stars

When you go back far enough, you see that the Rickenbacker International Corporation is responsible for rock and roll. If not for Adolph Rickenbacher, George Beauchamp, and their guitars, the musical revolution of rock and roll might not have come until decades later, or maybe not at all. This is why owning a Rickenbacker is essential for any collector, but I can hear you asking already: how could Rickenbacker be responsible for rock and roll?

Rickenbacher and Beauchamp founded the Ro-Pat-In Corporation (which stood for ElectRO-PATent-INstruments) in 1931 with the intention of selling Hawaiian guitars. Beauchamp was the designer for the guitars, and Rickenbacher was the driving force in the company. They started out using the brand name Electro, but they only made a couple of models before they switched over to Rickenbacher. Eventually, they changed the name to Rickenbacker. They also sold amplifiers during this time, which were often repaired by Leo Fender, then of Fender’s Radio Service, who would – in just a few short years – found the Fender Musical Instruments Company (under the name Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company). That makes Rickenbacker responsible for Fender, and between the two companies, electric and bass guitars took off, making rock and roll wildly popular.

But Rickenbacker is also very well known for its bass electric guitars. They are the origin of the slogan, “Nothing rocks like a Rick.” Paul McCartney, among others, were among early adopters of Rickenbacker’s bass electric guitars. Look especially at the 4000 series, if you want to buy one for yourself. The 4001, 4003, and 4004 are all popular vintage models.

The Original Post is Located Here: Rickenbacker, Bass Guitars, and the Origins of Rock and Roll

When it comes to powerful amplifiers in the 1960′s, few names come to mind as readily as Vox. Vox is extremely well-known for their powerful and advanced amplifiers from that great decade. Vox used technology that was advanced for the 60′s, making user control more effective than any other amp available at the time. It is an extremely popular brand with star power behind its quality production, so you know it’s worth your time.

Vox has always been famous for power. Its amps during the 1960′s were capable of 240 volts of output, which was unprecedented at the time. Marshall Amplification, for example, had an output of only 100 volts as late as 1966. Vox simply had the most powerful amplifiers of the day, making a Vox more powerful than anything else in your vintage collection. If you want to play a vintage guitar and have it sound the way it should, a Vox is necessary.

But Vox didn’t only have power. They also had advanced technology. In fact, a Vox amplifier could produce any amount of volume without damaging the hardware because of a control device that regulated the sound output, keeping it within acceptable levels without hindering the volume. There was also a foot control on the Vox for controlling echo effect, reverb, midrange, tremolo, and recurring repercussion.

Vox amplifiers have been used by plenty of stars. It was used by the Beatles and Brad Paisley and half the rockers in between. One of the most popular models is the AC15, which was Vox’s original amplifier and has been in production since 1958 in one form or another. You could also look into the AC30, which was the successor to the AC15, available since 1959.

When it comes to vintage guitars, no amplifier can make them rock harder than a Vox. If you want power in your sound output, get a Vox, because it can take a beating and still make sweet music.

The Original Post is Located Here: Power and Tech in Vox Amplifiers

When it comes to vintage electric guitars, Silvertone is renowned for both quality and value. The brand name for Sears’ musical instruments division for almost 60 years, Silvertone was extremely popular back in the day, especially with bands that were just starting out, because they produced great guitars for low prices. Now, with the Silvertone name retired, those same models are very popular with collectors of vintage electric guitars because of their increasing rarity.

Guitars from the Fender Musical Instruments Company or the Gibson Guitar Corporation might be more popular and, certainly if you’re a purist, better quality than the guitars from Silvertone, but the Silvertone name was always known for producing both quality and value. Even as good as Silvertone guitars were, they were not priced as atrociously as some Fender or Gibson guitars, which are mostly expensive because they’re named after a rocker. If that’s your thing, that’s fine, but Silvertones are still powerful and reliable guitars. Silvertone had guitars in a price range that was reasonable for guitarists or bands that were just starting out, back in the day, and they helped send a lot of bands to fame.

Silvertone has been producing electric guitars since the 1950′s, and many of them have become very attractive to collectors and musical purists who prefer more classic styles than you can find today. Perhaps the most popular group of vintage electric guitars under the Silvertone name are those produced by the Harmony Company, such as the Silvertone 1446.

Even today, vintage electric guitars from Silvertone are less expensive than their Gibson and Fender counterparts. If you want a piece of musical history, or you want an awesome guitar to play yourself, then a Silvertone could be perfect for you, especially if you’re not interested in spending a lot of money on one of the other big names.

The Original Post is Located Here: Silvertone Electric Guitars

Hofner is a household name when it comes to bass guitars. There are few companies so widely known for one instrument, but Hofner is incredibly popular, both among collectors and bassists across the world, all for one simple reason: Paul McCartney. But let’s take a look at a little history, and figure out why Hofner deserved McCartney’s support and the subsequent fame it attained.

Hofner’s bass guitars strongly resemble violins in appearance, and many people have often wondered why. They look like violins because they were inspired by the company’s founder, Karl Hofner. Karl started the company in 1887, making and selling violins, but before that, he was a master violinist. Karl’s son, Walter Hofner, designed and made the first Hofner bass guitar in 1956 with a semi-hollow body, striving to make it look like a violin, in keeping with the traditions of his father’s company. Paul McCartney loved it.

In fact, Paul McCartney used a Hofner bass more than any other bass in his repertoire, even though he had a lot of bass guitars. You’ve probably heard of the “Beatles Bass.” That was the nickname devised for the Hofner 500/1 model, because even though McCartney had several Hofner models, the 500/1 showed up on stage with the Beatles more often than any other bass.

The association with the Beatles alone makes this a must-have for collectors of vintage bass guitars. We’d go so far as to say that no collection of vintage guitars could possibly be complete without a Hofner 500/1. But it’s also a really fantastic bass guitar, with strong tonal quality and superb playability. Why do you think Paul McCartney loved it so much?

If you want to collect vintage bass guitars, or if you already do, and you don’t own a Hofner yet, it’s time to get yourself one. Their excellent quality and star-studded history cannot be ignored.

The Original Post is Located Here: Hofner Basses and the Beatles

Do you want a classic electric guitar? Do you want one that looks awesome and rocks hard? Then get yourself a Gibson. The Gibson Guitar Corporation has a stellar history with a lot of famous and popular models back through the years, and we’ll detail both of those for you here. We’ll even give you a few tips on how to find and purchase the one you want.

Gibson is possibly the highest-quality guitar company in history. Founded in 1902, Gibson released their first electric guitar just thirty-four short years later, in 1936. This was the Electric Spanish model. It didn’t quite take the company to new heights, but not long after that, in 1952, Gibson released the Les Paul. The Les Paul Standard (the new name for the original Les Paul, since an alternate version was introduced some years later) is Gibson’s most popular electric guitar, hands down. Interestingly, Les Paul himself had very little influence on its design, but he licensed the use of his name and made a small adjustment to the tailpiece.

Gibson also has other quality vintage electric guitar models, besides the Les Paul. These include the Gibson SG, introduced in 1958; the Gibson Flying V, which was popular among heavy metal guitarists; the Explorer, which did not sell well originally, but it has a futuristic design that is very popular; and the Firebird, which resulted in a lawsuit from Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, making the ’63 to ’65 models of the Firebird not only very different from later models, but also very rare and highly collectible.

So when you’re choosing a vintage Gibson electric guitar for yourself, the first thing you want to do is try to find a few in a nearby music shop. Try them out and see which one you prefer. Then set yourself a maximum budget, because these guitars can get expensive in a hurry if you’re not careful. Then track down the best deal.

Gibson is one of the finest guitar companies in the world. They have made some of the most popular guitars in history. Don’t you want a piece of that history that can still rock with the best?

The Original Post is Located Here: Gibson Electric Guitars

When it comes to vintage acoustic guitars, getting a Gibson means getting the best. The Gibson Guitar Corporation has a long history of making acoustic guitars, and they’ve always been quality instruments. But before you buy one, take a look at a few of our hints on how to find the right one for you. Then think about several of Gibson’s various models before settling and making your purchase.

The Gibson Guitar Corporation began making acoustic guitars around 1900. Ever since that time, for over a century now, they have been known as the best acoustic guitars in the business. No matter how Gibson changes things, with new designs or styles or options, they never fall out of favor. Gibson sets the trends, and everyone else follows after them. They do an excellent job of staying on top of their game.

But before you buy an acoustic, Gibson or otherwise, you need to make sure it fits your preferred style of music. Do you play country? Or folk? Do you accompany a singer in a small setting? In any of these cases, the acoustic guitar is perfect for you. But it won’t work nearly as well if you’re a heavy metal rocker playing Madison Square Garden. Try out a few acoustic guitars, especially the Gibsons, at your nearest music shop, just to be sure it’s what you want. If you’re a collector, of course, you already know what you want – and vintage Gibson acoustic guitars are an essential part of any collection.

Gibson makes a wide variety of acoustic, acoustic/electric, and electric guitar models. For great acoustics, take a look at the J-series, especially the J-45, which has been very popular over the years, and the J-200, originally called the Super Jumbo 200 (its named changed in 1955, so if you can find a Super Jumbo 200, you know you’ve got a rarity that’s perfect for collecting).

It’s hard to go wrong with a Gibson, whether you’re playing or collecting. Once you’ve confirmed that the acoustic is your perfect guitar, look into several of Gibson’s models and make the best purchase of your life.

The Original Post is Located Here: Gibson Acoustic Guitars

Vintage acoustic guitars are widespread and available from a large number of companies, but none of those others can ever claim to be as “vintage” as C.F. Martin & Co. Martin has a very long history in the music business and beats every other company and corporation in this regard. Several famous guitarists had specially made guitars from Martin, and the company’s age has given it a lot of time to cover all of your guitar needs, but it is most famous for it acoustic guitars.

In 1833, C. F. Martin, Sr., the first of four men named C. F. Martin to run the company, emigrated from Germany to New York, where he first established his shop. In 1838, he moved it to Pennsylvania. Formerly a cabinet maker in Austria, Martin left after the Violin Makers Guild compelled cabinet makers to cease making musical instruments. Martin made and sold ukeleles, mandolins, and Hawaiian guitars as each of those instruments became popular. But Martin has been and always will be known for its excellent acoustic guitars.

Famous guitarist Jimmy Rodgers was the first star to request a specially made guitar from Martin. This was the “Blue Yodel” 000-45 guitar. Later came Gene Autry with his specially made D-45. Throughout the 1940′s and 1950′s, Martin acoustic guitars became extremely popular in country music circles. A number of stars played Martin guitars, but the most famous was Hank Williams, who played a D-28.

C.F. Martin & Co. made their 500,000th guitar in 1990, and their millionth in 2004. They are now the oldest surviving guitar production company in the world. These are very popular and rare vintage acoustic guitars. If you’re collecting acoustic guitars, you cannot miss getting a Martin. Their history making guitars is unparalleled, and they have the star power to back up their quality. It’s tough to beat a Martin, and you can’t complete a collection without one.

The Original Post is Located Here: Find Age and Beauty in C.F. Martin’s Acoustic Guitars

The Fender Musical Instruments Company is considered one of the best in the business. They have a strong history of competition with the Gibson Guitar Corporation and the rest of the greats. Every model is special, and there are a lot of them, too.

Leo Fender originally founded the company in 1938 as Fender’s Radio Service, repairing amplifiers, instruments, and other electronic devices. Eight years later, in 1946, Leo renamed the company to the Fender Electric Instruments Manufacturing Company (eventually, it was renamed again to the Fender Musical Instruments Company) and began releasing guitars. Fender is renowned for the tonal quality in its guitars. They are considered to be competitive with Gibson at the very least, and far surpassing them at best.

Each vintage electric guitar from Fender has its own unique tonal quality that is perfectly suited to a different style of rock, but the excellence lasts forever. This means that once in a while, you’ll see a guitar that originally worked with one crowd, but decades later, it works with a completely different crowd with a few minor alterations to the sound. For example, the Fender Jaguar was extremely popular in the surf rock of the 1950′s, but it was also popular among grunge artists of the 1980′s. How, you ask? Well, the clean tone was exactly what surf rock needed, but when you throw a little distortion on there, you make it the axe of choice for a grunge rocker.

If you’re looking to get one for yourself, consider two of their most popular models. There’s the Fender Telecaster, which was the very first successful solid-body electric guitar. It’s perfect for the blues, rock and roll, and jazz. There’s also the Fender Stratocaster, the quintessential electric guitar design. The Stratocaster was designed as the successor to the Telecaster, but it was different enough that it gained its own following, even among the stars. The Stratocaster was played by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Eric Clapton, among others.

If you want a vintage electric guitar that you can still rock out with, whether in the garage or on stage, get a Fender. You can’t go wrong with their strong history and powerful tonal quality.

The Original Post is Located Here: Fender Electric Guitars