Building a six-string portfolio

Building a six-string portfolio

While it certainly helps to be rich to get into the vintage guitar market today, there's still some fun to be had in all price ranges.

If you're absolutely sagging with cash, here are the blue-chip investments:

* Martin: Pre-war Martins (especially with herringbone trim or abalone inlay, and Brazilian rosewood back and sides);

* Fender: Pre-CBS Fender Stratocasters (particularly in custom factory colors) and Telecasters (1954 and earlier with a black anodized pickguard are preferred);

* Gibson: 1950s Les Paul Standards (the 1952-1957 Goldtop models can still be had for under $50,000) as well the intensely rare '50s Gibson Flying V and Explorer models, remain the premium investments. 335s and other semi-solid models are also in demand.

* Some less-common instruments, such as D'Angelico arch-top jazz guitars, also have a long track record of appreciating.

If you have less than $10,000 to play with, consider Fender's Jazzmaster and Jaguar guitars, and Gibson's lower-line 1950's Les Paul models such as the Special and Junior, and 60s models such as SGs and the Firebirds, as well as upper-tier flattop acoustics such as the J-200 and J-45, and arch-top jazz guitars.

Gibson also had a second line of instruments, Epiphone (today the brand on its budget imports),with the Casino model the Beatles played being particularly desirable.The Beatle connection also adds to the luster of Gretsch and Rickenbacker guitars.

If you have only a couple of thousand dollars, or even just hundreds, there are still plenty of vintage instruments to be had. Look at Fender and Gibson's student lines, such as the former's Mustang, Duo-Sonic and Musicmaster models, or Gibson's Melody Makers. The Japanese Ibanez copies of U.S. guitars can also be found in this range, as can the guitars and basses of any number of lesser-known U.S. makers, such as Danelectro, Kay and Harmony.

Rick King considers '50s and '60s Danelectros (favored by Jimmy Page, David Lindley and others) to be among the most undervalued instruments today. Vintage guitar amps -- particularly the '50s tweed-covered or '60s Fenders and Marshall models -- also have yet to appreciate the way guitars have.
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Washburn New Model

1919 Washburn New model This is a very rare guitar It has been fully restored by a well known luthier.
It has all the original parts and Brasilian rosewood back and
sides A fantastic sounding vintage guitar ideal for finger picking
I have all the paperwork regarding the restoration and if interested in
buying this rare guitar I will be happy to show this comes with NOHSC