Why Are These Guitars Worth $1 Million Dollars Each?

[@acegibson9533]

When Stevie Ray Vaughan passed away, there were about 6 Strats that he owned that we not stage guitars. Those guitars were sold at the Orange County Guitar Show about 20 years ago. No premium, they were sold as regular Strats. Reason being is that jimmie wanted those guitars to go to working musicians not collectors.

[@funkster007]

And exactly how Stevie would have wanted it too. That's cool to know!

[@dnews9519]

Unless a guitar goes to a working musician you will never get to hear how great it sounds.

[@allguitar3349]

How cool is Jimmie

[@AuntAlnico4]

@@allguitar3349 Jimmie Vaughan I think is the epitome of cool 😎 with his haircut and jacket and all !

[@mrshmanckles1463]

Then you and I would not get to see and appreciate it

[@niczim123]

$1,000,000 and it comes with a gig bag, the hard case costs extra.

[@coffindancer38]

Loool if it dont come with a house, and three strippin hot blondes i ain there.

[@jlutie2943]

And a free ticket to the museum

[@efwfew]

Always hate this when buying a guitar. I'm a student and I find it crazy that most company don't give a hard case for 900+ dollars guitars, or maybe it's just me that doesn't realise the cost of it..

[@rickallen6378]

You just have to file the fret ends yourself too.

[@gbmillergb]

Also 2 packs of Ernie Ball Super Slinkys .

[@kikemarino6806]

"But their kids were gonna love it." - Back to the Future vibes

[@ZachBroyles]

Yes!

[@TheChadPad]

You got a repeat in their man, might wanna fix that

[@nolanr7679]

Pretty sure they got that 345 from Norman's Rare Guitars

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Oh, the guy knew the reference he was making - he delivered the line expecting a reaction, a laugh most likely, but Rhett just steamrolled straight over the top of him onto his next question !!

[@j_freed]

The Chad Pad * in there, might wanna fix that!

[@Sam_Howard]

Sucks that they are closing. I was hoping to go someday.

[@MrBighairyass]

Sam Howard ...Ya, but you didn't...

[@ItsRevival]

Yeah, seeing all those early production guitars in person would be really cool

[@jacobarmstrong5308]

it's a shame, but it's totally understandable. Even without the pandemic going on, it's a pretty niche collection. I'm sure it's hard to keep a steady stream of people coming in, and then I can only imagine what the insurance premiums would cost. yikes

[@bustacap3791]

yes these are the nice things we cant have anymore.

[@HooksBill]

Perhaps they want to keep these guitars in safer keeping. With the state of things in our country and knowing it will all pass in time, it would be responsible to preserve them for future generations by relocating them to a safer undisclosed location. Or maybe it's due to lack of business or something financial related. Or maybe it's both of those reasons or neither of them lol.

[@VincentViewer]

That story about the man who got his guitar from his friend who was sent to Vietnam was sad but it just shows the depth and history of the instrument. It's crazy (and great) how much importance people put on instruments, because of the memories and experiences that they can generate.

[@buncobooth]

Is that 1 million with or without the headstock break ?

[@ebathurst9216]

dftfujd dsrjdh yeah plus apparently it sounds better. Not that the guy able to afford a million dollar guitar would even play it.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Buncobooth Oh, what a perfect zinger! Take that, collectors (and Gibson) Peace!

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

Headstock break takes at least $1000 off.

[@kingbassk83]

I heard that rubbing Viagra makes the neck stiffer. They applied this during production, hence the price.

[@marions.120]

No case! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Allen Collins made the Explorer legendary for me. 👍🏻

[@ebathurst9216]

Dude You and Rhett have got to make a video together

[@Backcountryhunter]

AMEN !!!!!!!

[@richardcreese4468]

I don't think Allen took great care of his.

[@Sniffles69]

@@richardcreese4468 Some of the greatest guitars are pretty beat up. Neil Young's Old Black and Hank along with Willie Nelson's Trigger are great examples. Those guitars have had some life.

[@jr13227]

Was Allen using a ‘58? I know when he switched to it from the Firebird it was right around 1976 when the first reissues came out so I expected it was one of those.

[@reverb508]

I'm really bummed about Songbirds closing. I was hoping to visit TN after the pandemic and check them out.

[@admiralbeef5683]

I’m a musician from Chattanooga, and I can say that Songbirds was a place I thought would stand till the end of time. It’s not only an incredible collection of vintage guitars, but it is a great music venue. I saw so many badass artists both local to Chattanooga and people like The Bacon Brothers, Vince Gill, Hal Ketchum and many more. It’s a sad day in Chattanooga to be sure.

[@PIlotrcm]

I wanted to go visit. Heart broken

[@vonrikkor]

I got there the last week it was open. I have been a guitar geek since the late 50's. Mind-blowing is inadequate to describe the tour. I'm really sorry it closed.

[@michael4630]

That's exactly the reason why I love KZbin, because we all can see things that we are normally not expecting or able to see. I didn't even knew this place was existing. Thanks a lot for this Rhett :)

[@RÅNÇIÐ]

"They weren't ready, but their kids are gonna love it." Pulling a McFly here, I see.

[@theycallmewoodstock1756]

I saw that to

[@timb6558]

When he said that first part, I said in my head, "But their kids are gonna love it." Then he actually said it and it made my day!

[@voornaam3191]

@@timb6558 What did your parents think of this? :-)

[@darrenkangmusic]

Sad this place is closing. Seems like a joy to walk around and look.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

I would be bored, I didn't make it to the end of the video. I would rather see the original guitar (or copy of One) that was played by a real musician. If the guitar is sealed behind glass anyway, a copy would be just as good. I'm thinking SRV's "First Wife", Clapton's Blackie and Brownie, Gilmour's Black Strat and Tele, Randy Rhoads' Flying Vs etc.

[@voornaam3191]

No, it is NOT sad. This was just dead instruments on display. This was morbid. Why the hell don't they ask top musicians to play great concerts, USING those icon guitars? I don't want a guitar grave yard.

[@voornaam3191]

Seems like too many guitar people NEVER went there. Seems like this business was not busy enough.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@voornaam3191 at least most Stradivarius and Gaurneri violins are played.

[@adrianlee3497]

May as well turn it into a museum and forget about it. :/

[@preacherjohn9986]

I found this video very interesting seeing how I used to play one these original Korina 1958 Explorers occasionally back in the '70's. My father played with a country band in the Louisville, KY area, and the guitarist that played with him owned one of these Explorers. His name was Bob and dad's band was called the "Nightcaps." I was 13 in '70 and Bob really enjoyed listening to me play guitar as I started at very young age of 6yrs old. Dad used to take me to Honky Tonk jam sessions on Sunday aftns so I could sit in with his band, thus getting the opportunity to play Bob's Explorer. Being more of a pop/rock player in those days, they were really impressed with my riffs as most country players never heard anything from the likes of Zep, ZZtop, Stones, etc. Did I know what I was playing with them at that time? Nah, but most country songs of that day was pretty much a 1-4-5 progression, which gave me all the riffs in the world I could slip in. Bob loved that Explorer, and bragged on it a lot. He moved to the Southern IN area and opened a used furniture store, but we all kept in touch, and of course dad's band was still intact; they just expanded their honyky tonk endeavors across the bridge also. One day (and I'm guessing at the date now; very late '70s to early 80's, I wasn't married yet and that happened in '83), Bob had his Explorer at his store, and someone came in and offered him $1500 for it. He thought that was an incredible price for it, and sold it! He never did play the same after that with whatever he replaced it with, and I'm guessing a 335. I heard tell, that the person who bought it shipped it to England, and it was damaged in air freight, but I have no proof of this. I haven't seen Bob since the late '90's as he moved to TN somewhere and we lost touch. He was a bit older than dad who would have been 88 this year if he was still here. I did end up with dad's old bass though, a 1961 Fender P-bass. And it still sounds as good today and plays as well as it did when he played it. It's finish is pretty wore out now, but it has the mojo you can't feel or hear anymore, and boy the stories that bass could tell if it could talk. $1 million plus for a '58 Explorer now? Boy, that's crazy! But your video really brought back some memories and reminds me how blessed I was to say, "I used to play one." BTW, Bob told me that there were only 8 original Korinas. Sorry this if this reply is a little lengthy, but Hey, all guitars have a story to tell.

[@RhettShull]

Great story!! Thanks for sharing

[@chrissullins3]

Thanks for the walkthrough. As a veteran I'm tearful regarding the story behind the 1963 Jaguar.

[@SugarcatPlays]

Brian May and the “Red Special” are a good example. That guitar is not only priceless, it’s one of a kind.

[@sschmidtevalue]

Who knows? Someday the Red Special may be up for grabs. That's easily going to be a million $ guitar. There are repros around if you just can't wait. Brian May has a couple for backup and alternate tuning. Ritchie Castellano has one and talks about it in one or two of his videos. There have been at least two manufacturers, so caveat emptor!

[@Sniffles69]

@@sschmidtevalue Much more than $1m. David Gilmour's black strat went for just shy of $4m. As great as Floyd were they don't have as much mainstream appeal as Queen. I wouldn't be surprised if some incredibly rich person who isn't even a collector ended up with it. Frankly it belongs with his kids.

[@sschmidtevalue]

@David Wang For my part, I am happy with my moderate-priced Strat and Les Paul knockoffs. I would love a chance to play the original Red Special for a few minutes though! I'd probably drool all over it.

[@kingbassk83]

The reason is simple: they make you play authentic!

[@shuanglyu797]

Lol

[@shuanglyu797]

Best to buy an Esp, Ibanez or Music man.These brands are truly worth the price.

[@shanewalton8888]

@@shuanglyu797 Just bought an ESP LP last week.

[@MooCow2X2]

Oof. Play authentic comes back again!

[@Pauld62]

Haha. Nice one

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Great little piece, Rhett! I’m 62, and you speak with the wisdom of a seasoned veteran! I’m so sorry Songbirds is closing. - I’d of loved to tour it! Poop! Anyway, the reason for the comment is to recognize your good sense - hanging out with Rick, Dave, Kieth et al, is paying off in spades! Soon, you’ll be the all knowledgeable cool old cat! Joni’s Circle Game beats us all, eventually. Keep up the great posts! Peace

[@shanewalton8888]

They aren't worth that much unless someone actually buys one.

[@onusgumboot5565]

Like everything they are only worth what you can get someone to pay for it. Personally I wouldn't give more than 300 bucks for an explorer. That's what I paid for the one I have, and I never play it. Just don't find it comfortable.

[@myrthenboermann5979]

I am selling my laptop for 2.000.000 dollars

[@j_freed]

onus gumboot - you just have to get into early Def Leppard and Iron Maiden.

[@dbuck5350]

You are exactly right. You can say anything is worth x amount, but if you cant get anyone to pay that much, it is a fictitious, inflated value.

[@shanewalton8888]

@@onusgumboot5565 Yeah, in my opinion the Explorer is the worst designed guitar out there.

[@walthaus]

That "I'm just a custodian..." routine got old years ago. I have no issues with collectors at all but don't lie about the fact that you like to own these things and you like to be recognized as the owner of these things. Wanting to own things is the essence of being a collector after all. Preservation comes in a distant second at best.

[@notthebannerboys]

So... who owns the Songbird collection? His name doesn't get mentioned and if you look for it it's not easy to find. Is he just inept at social media/ Or are you wrong about his motives?

[@fullclipaudio]

I disagree. Preservation is first on my list with regards to the tools and instruments that I have. I spend a lot of time keeping old vacuum tube amps alive but I also have to work equally hard to keep the antique tools alive that service these amps. These devices were made by hand and I have an obligation to keep them working so that future generations can use these tools and instruments.

[@FakingANerve]

The collection is owned by 5 anonymous owners. Unless he's one of them, I actually think he was just being honest.

[@dubskj01]

You make a great point about the importance of collectors like these who are preserving something that's had such an important and mind-blowing influence on the cultural heritage of the last 40/50/60/70 years etc.

[@joelreeves]

Driving 20 hours to Atlanta last year, we took a time out at Songbirds. Really glad we did - such an amazing place. Very sad other folks won't get to experience it now. Thanks for documenting this Rhett. Maybe and extended cut of all of your footage from last year and this trip together in one video? For posterity's sake?

[@DeeTee79]

I played a ‘54 Gibson Gold top yesterday. I could stare at and play vintage guitars all day. Thanks for sharing.

[@phillippitts6294]

I worked a Allman brothers show in the late 80s . Dicky Betts had a goldtop, when it wasn’t in his hands . There was a guard next to it .

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

There's nothing wrong with that, at least it was being played and not behind glass.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Dickey apparently stripped his 57 Goldtop down himself in the early 90s and refinished it red.

[@zackboring3314]

@7:00 This just shows me that every guitar has a story, it has history

[@awittypseudonym2520]

What I'll always say is that if I were given a mint condition top dollar vintage guitar, I'd sell it to a collector and buy a set of "player grade" vintage guitars. Repairs, mods, refins, heavy wear and tear, if those guitars were played to that stage, those are the ones that are going play and sound the best.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

Same here. I want to play instruments, not hang them on a wall.

[@TornacenseDeFuturo]

I can't afford even a normal Gibson guitar.

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

U should look into burny rlc, the older ones have exact same specs as gibson, and ngl they better for a quarter of the price

[@tompoynton]

You’re not missing much

[@HooksBill]

@@tompoynton I always wanted one and was in the position to buy one and then I weighed the pros and cons. Weight? My back is bad and if I was going to buy one at all, it'd have to be a standard. Don't care for the moderns, studios or specials. The headstock issues, but I could overlook that and try to be very careful. The tuning issues, but they came out with the string butler. The weight distribution of the guitar. That's something I couldn't get used to. The quality, but I see that's improved. Many obstacles, but even with a wide strap I just can't deal with 9 to 10 lb guitars which most of them are. I've seen 8.4 lb LPs, but rarely. My guitars are mostly in the 7lb range and that extra few pounds makes a huge difference for me after 30 minutes of playing. I'm getting old I guess. I still want one, but I think it would'nt get played enough. I'll stick to my Ibanez and PRS electric guitars I suppose.

[@joeyjo-joshabadu9636]

most player's can't :(

[@dylanadams1455]

@@HooksBill as someone who played an original RG for years, I coudn't believe how heavy a Les Paul was, esp.when it was so small! I still find the shorter scale length a little odd. I have a Yamaha AES620 Les Paul(ish) type gat that is lighter and a less litigous shape but basically the same thing. I'm glad it's lighter but I think if you spend a long time on one scale length you never really get used to the other.

[@j_drichmond]

I find it so interesting how different the violin world is to guitar: if these were violins, many of them would be on long term loaned to top musicians-just look at how many del Gesu’s are still played despite the $10+ million dollar price tag.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

Yo-Yo Ma's performance cello (Petunia) is worth $2.5 million but he plays it. I would think the opposite would be true: Classical instruments on display and not being used, and guitars being used instead of displaying them. Even if the guitar owners don't want them used on the road, they could be used for studio work.

[@Jester-Riddle]

What always gets me and most likely a lot of others is when I reflect back on the rare kit that we used, traded, loaned out (but didn't get back), or even just plain lost during our younger years ... In my poverty and retrospective folly of getting 'better' kit to my view at the time, how many rare and exceptional items passed through my hands to my current regret ... I still don't know what exactly happened in particular to some old and rare Marshall Amps that were actually old and rare at the time and I knew as much ! No money and the need for newer and 'better' kit at the time always meant having to trade what you had ... but, those remain a mystery ... ... and those times that we passed on absolute classics as just a bit too much to afford. On the other hand, I have the memories which are priceless !

[@scottakam]

As Warren Buffet says "the only way to know what something is worth is to sell it". If someone is willing to pay a $1M then that's what it's worth.

[@geruto17760]

EXACTLY, let's face it, nobody's going to buy them at those prices.

[@BarrySW19]

What is worth depends on who shows up to the auction that day.

[@ricklewis5804]

Scott Akam And it might be worth that to just one person. To many others it isn’t worth much at all.

[@Jester-Riddle]

@@BarrySW19 ... but, you're forgetting that it may only be for sale at that $1 million minimum price ... So, if you want to buy it, then that is the minimum price you have to pay ...

[@BarrySW19]

@@Jester-Riddle But if it doesn't sell at that minimum price then it's pretty hard to claim that it's worth that.

[@russclewley6945]

I have a 49 Gretsch New Yorker , in itself not a very expensive guitar. Now add in that my mother bought it new in 1950. She toured all over the USA and Hawaii in the 50's playing this very guitar. She left it to me several years before she passed away when she broke her hand and couldn't play anymore. This guitar is priceless to me. It will stay in my family forever.

[@karliebellatrixyoung6359]

The core of economics is supply and demand. Supply is actually fixed, but collectors like this guy and Norm own a shocking portion of all the surviving guitars of these types, effectively lowering supply further while demand might even increase due to the exhibition, resulting in prices getting even higher. The research about Stradivari shows that by modern standards they are basically hit or miss professional grade instruments, the reason that they are so treasured is that playing one puts you in contact with the whole string of amongst the best in the world players that have played them before you. Generally, Stradivari don't live behind glass, and only great playing ones fetch over a million. This is an exhibition of case queens.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

Yo-Yo Ma's cello Petunia isn't a Stradivari, but his primary performance instrument is the cello nicknamed "Petunia", built by Domenico Montagnana in 1733, and valued at US$2.5 million. It was named Petunia by a student who approached him after one of his classes in Salt Lake City asking if he had a nickname for his cello. He performs with it and it is quite a bit more expensive than those million dollar guitars.

[@j.r.777]

I just bought an all original 1958 Fender Stratocaster that has spent most of its life in its case. The guitar is fully functional and in flawless condition. The body is from 06/58 and the neck is from 07/58. Volume and tone pots are from the 25th week from 1958. It sucks that this place is closing its doors because I would love to get in touch with them about my guitar.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

Nothing on earth is "worth " more than someone is willing to pay - not diamonds, Rembrandts, Ferraris, etc - nothing. You're willing to pay and have the scratch? Knock yourself out. As for me - if I had ten billion in my spare change drawer, I wouldn't spend a million dollars on a guitar - and I'm a guy who has five FINE guitars and six FINE amps - and doesn't play out...

[@Pauld62]

Likewise. There is a line you just cant cross

[@Arni142]

If I was crazy rich I would buy something like that, because why not? :D But I would probably play some awful music or invite friends and let them play :) Or maybe I would give those guitars away :P

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@Charlee_Murphee theres too many hungry people on the world for any one person to righteously amass that much wealth.

[@Arni142]

@@Charlee_Murphee you cannot help everybody :/

[@j_freed]

Satilla gtr - the 'there's hungry people' line presents a false dichotomy and an empty virtue signal unless you are personally giving away everything (of your gear, money etc) you don't need to live so that others can eat better. It's a convenient cost-free moral posture otherwise. And even besides that, you don't know to judge what great good some rich people do the world with many of their transactions. Philanthropy. It really doesn't matter where they park their cash for a few years, and why not it be something they can appreciate. The art market sure needs them. A lot of the developing world also depends on you and me, living here in the global top 1 or 2 percent of wealth to live our lives and spend our money. You really wouldn't want to be in the 50th percentile of global wealth, it would get old real fast.

[@marcusdawson5621]

Hmmm, been playing 50+ years, have about 20 basses. There is no guitar worth $1000000. There are only crazy collectors.

[@bassboye8959]

And the carpet bagger geek speculators driving this nonsense. They WILL render these instruments irrelavant. Greed is not a virtue.

[@VintageSlide]

Buying something as a collectoble has little to none to do with buying something as a thing you use. Stuff like vintage Fenders and Gibsons are not that much better that you’d buy one for the price they are purely on the fact that it’s good. A reissue is much more worth your money. It only makes sense to buy expensive stuff if you’re into that. I know i would if i could afford that.

[@jrr832]

I bet the person who buys these guitars will never play them, they'll just be another item in their collection of nice things

[@marions.120]

If not played guitars go to sleep. Hard to wake up sometimes.

[@markinthemix6055]

He’s a player.

[@wj2454]

@@markinthemix6055 ?

[@j_freed]

They sort of become dead things, yes. Roy Buchanan's old Telecaster or Rory Gallagher's old Strat was alive and in connection with the universe. Holy cow. Then people buy guitars that were alive with those real artists, or they buy official COPIES. Those guitars if not played are more dead than some kid's Classic Vibe Squire or Epiphone from China, if that kid is on fire and plays music with love. I bet you lots of the more valuable Fender and Gibson Custom Shop guitars are dead. At least Kirk Hammet plays the Peter Green Burst, and Joe Bonamassa refuses to let vintage guitars become expensive dead things. Sorry for how dark this got LOL.

[@harrisdouglas7229]

j freed Joe B’s got too many guitars to love them all - he’s taken it too far IMO he’s stopping people from using these wonderful things by hoarding them

[@thebasementguitarist]

I was there on Saturday. Drove from Missouri when I heard they were closing. Amazing place. It's an absolute shame that they are closing.

[@guitarjag1]

I understand wanting one of everything, but having almost three dozen of a guitar people would kill for...that's pretty compulsive.

[@hammerpocket]

You were in my home town there. I went to Songbirds on a visit and happened to be the only person on the tour with Irv that afternoon. Unfortunately, he mostly just went through his standard spiel, but I was able to break him out of it and just talk some. At one point when we were in the vault he opened up one of those Flying V cabinets and took it out and handed it to me. The thing about the museum tour (and this video is guilty as well) is that it's so focused on Fender and Gibson. I mean, they have all kinds of unusual stuff in the collection, like the Rickenbacker Lightshow model you can see at about 3:55, but I don't remember the tour talking about anything but Fender and Gibson. They impress you that they have these things and how much they're worth, but it gets a little boring to look at endless variations of the same four guitars.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

I can imagine, I got bored watching the video and didn't finish it. Were there any basses in the collection?

[@Jester-Riddle]

@@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847 There was a Thunderbird in the very first part of the video right next to the Flying V ...

[@jrhill7767]

I have an original Milton & Bradley guitar that my dad played as a child, i also played it and my son plays it today. After all this time we have only had to replace 2 of the plastic strings... PRICELESS.

[@jrhill7767]

@David Wang Rare, that is putting it lightly, I doubt there is another one on the planet. It also has Keith Richard's autograph on it. Is a $100,000 the best u can do ???

[@jbourke33]

Just signed up to visit on Saturday. Been meaning to go and never got around to it. Thanks for bringing the closing to my attention!

[@GeoFitz4]

One thing to mention as well about these vintage guitars... often times, there is this thought of "Oh, there were amazing guitars made in the 50s and early 60s! They must all be amazing!" But the reality is that not all of them were amazing and there are a lot of flubs in the group. Just because a Burst is worth $200,000, doesn't mean that it plays or sounds as amazing as The Beast.

[@albertplaysguitar]

You're absolutely right about what you said there at the end. I know I take for granted all the origins of the instrument that I love... Places like this DO need to exist... The knowledge must be passed on!!!

[@rustyaxelrod]

A good guitar gives inspiration to the player. It might be the tone, or the feel, or the look, or the history. Any of that could be crazy valuable. Can a guitar inspire a collector? I suppose it could but I have trouble getting my head around that. It’s in a case to be admired (which is not without some value) but it’s musical inspiration, where it’s real value is, is mute. I see a building full of instruments like this as collective pause in amazing songs that haven’t been written and performances that have yet to happen.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

They should just have full size prints of every guitar framed and on a wall.

[@markprice1847]

Did the tour last spring, and got to hold a '58 burst and a '56 Strat. Very cool experience.

[@dpokor]

That's a pretty weird way to launder money

[@thulsa_doom]

Yep it is

[@Fernando-ry5qt]

It is actually great, they can say a rock is worth 3 millions and nobody can say that's bullshit, and was a lot of money with no hassle

[@realkarfixer8208]

It's a great way, like classic cars, paintings, really anything like that. There is nothing intrinsically valuable about those guitars. The guys played them because that's what was available. Nostalgia, it's a hell of a drug.

[@campbellpaul]

more of a tax shelter, as it is a museum of sorts... not a good investment unless you got in early IMO

[@Fernando-ry5qt]

@growlingbehemoth Yup, white collar laundry tricks lol

[@michaelwillinger]

Great video. Thanks for taking us along with you. I’ve never been there, and now will never be able to but at least I got a little taste. 👍

[@josearaujo8616]

In the grand scheme of things, I would rather have a 1million guitar than a 9,5 million stamp... Collectors live in a world of their own.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

I would rather have ten different less expensive guitars and use them than one single guitar for that price.

[@riproar11]

And there are stamp-collector conventions...excuse me, Philatelic conventions with attending philatelics and philatelic products. What do they do there, drool over each others' collections??

[@TheEchelon]

I'd rather have a one million mansion than anything costing a million. Priorities.

[@michaelkeudel8770]

I'd rather keep the milion and use it for things I actually use or need, instead of having some materialistic object to hang on a wall.

[@dappawap]

The museum is not only important for guitar players. It is a very important part of musicology, music history and humanity. Many early instruments no longer exist due to climate and other factors.The story of the Esquire was my favourite. Thank you so much for this tour as I doubt I will ever get to see it. Cheers from Montreal.

[@Pauld62]

Joe B : which of my 11 59' les pauls am i taking on the road this time 🤔

[@maxdevlin4349]

Awww man, sorry to hear they are closing the museum as I am going to be taking a trip through Tennessee early this fall, and that would have been a great stop to make.

[@ronnelson7828]

I've "heard" that Billy Gibbons turned down $5 million for his "Pearly Gates" '59 Standard. Bought it for like $250 or thereabouts.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

He's probably got his beard insured for $5 million.

[@Just-a-Guy1]

There is a cover article from Vintage Guitar about Rick Vito's Korina V and Explorer where he explains how he came to buy both guitars and the story of the original owner of these guitars. Worth finding and reading.

[@jambajoby32]

That’s what they’re asking not what they’re worth

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I agree. If you have 10 guitars out of a 100 of a guitar that isn't really so much sought after to begin with, it's very easy to just make up your own price. It's a cool guitar but the price is silly.

[@shanewalton8888]

They're Gibsons, so we know the quality is crap.

[@whocares.20]

This is all ridiculous greedy morons trying to make a buck off someone else's fame. Similar to B Jackson auction rip off crap on cars. Think, with 1 mill you can buy 2000, even 4000 decent guitars, that play music. Definitely won't get a penny from me. Collectors, stop paying those idiot prices.

[@michaelschreiner95]

It has been paid for them before. Simple supply and demand. Very few originals made.

[@jambajoby32]

Michael Schreiner if you’ve played an original you know the parts are brittle & that’s why no one really plays them.

[@heywilbur]

Early 70s I played with a guy who had an original V... and it had a factory Bigsby. Played it on gigs all the time. I'm a keyboard player but played it some sitting around motel rooms, etc. Seems odd now...😎

[@chuckschillingvideos]

"I'm not a collector" Meanwhile, four amp heads sit directly behind him. Hahahaha

[@giannapple]

4, not 400

[@oe542]

Being a collector is different. Collectors often only use their collection sparingly or in many cases not at all. Many collects are not even interested in the actual job their collection was intended to do.

[@edwhite7475]

@@oe542I'm a rescuer....i also have 3 dogs i can barely afford to feed....i cant stand to see a $50 HOMELESS unloved guitar.

[@SoiledWig]

A collector would have those four amp heads, plus the same ones in every color and configuration released.

[@maxlove8894]

If you play them all to get different tones that’s fair enough. That doesn’t make you a collector

[@jesushair2784]

Love songs birds. Took the private room where this vid was shot. Have several pics holding several of the guitars. Wonderful tour to the vault.

[@framusburns-hagstromiii808]

Speculators began running up vintage guitar prices in the late 70's and it really went nuts in the 80's....

[@timothyvandyke9840]

Great show... I waited to long to go to song birds. I from Alabama just 100 miles from there collection. .You know. I didnt realize the saw dust from the explorers with the limba wood made them sick to breathe.... I order 2 Epiphones limba flyin V and limba explorer... Well thry stop production on them I got my order. But the Explorer was damaged when i got it.... Gibson said they could not replace it.? So I still got both of them. They play great.. Excellent. Re pro guitars.

[@rubenpuglisi5334]

But they give you the gig bag too ? Right??

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

" A million dollars? I saw the exact same guitar for $900,000 at another museum"

[@angusseletto1511]

And a little Tuner

[@brownsound69]

some plectrums as well. oh yeah and a strap too! please

[@landguitar]

Very interesting, Rhett, thanks for showing us this before it closed. I had never heard of it. Would be really hard to see all those incredible guitars behind glass and not be able to play them! I think a number of folks in the comments confuse value and worth; they are the same in that they are whatever someone will pay for them. Many of these have provenance, which increases value, like the Rick Vito guitars, some are just that unique in some way. This is an amazing modern music (1950's forward) collection of musical Americana, and I agree that although guitars should be played, when they become of such value and worth, it's hard to take them "out of the house". Great to see them on display, even if not for much longer. Better than just in a real vault, out of sight. Thanks again!

[@marions.120]

I played the Les Paul the called “Goldie” and if it was to be sold the asking price was $1,000,000. Looked in my wallet and didn’t have it! Oh well. But I must say, it was a little overwhelming. ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶 Plus, Guitar’s not played go to sleep. Hard to wake up sometimes.

[@ksgtrpkr]

So sad to see Songbirds closing!! Such a fantastic place for families!

[@jimmpanik3402]

OMG! Why is this just getting out now!? If I had known about this, I'd definitely take a trip to see this before it's gone forever. I'm surprised someone like Joe Bonamassa hasn't mentioned this on his channel to get a huge spike of people to go to this piece of history.

[@adrianlock654]

Thanks for making this video. Museums such as this should be preserved. As a foreigner a museum like this shows a time when America designed and manufactured quality products. Made in USA meant a quality and sort after product.

[@dylandoge1627]

The difference in buying a custom shop Jimmy page Les Paul for 10,000 and a real one for 1,000,000 is just 990,000

[@aniksaha9169]

Your math is blowing my mind bruh!!

[@voornaam3191]

Do it. Buy a 10 grant or a 1,000 grant guitar. Who cares? Just don't banter until we get angry at you.

[@nickprice4942]

As a native of Chatt and as musician, losing songbirds hurts big time. The museum was incredible, and the venue itself was also a great place to play.

[@texasfreedomlover4730]

In the early 90’s I used to help out Chuck Rainey, behind the scenes: and I drove him to a bass clinic that he was conducting at Sam Gibbs music store in Wichita Falls, Texas. Sam was the road manager for Bob Wills, if I recall correctly. Anyway I was admiring some guitars in his store that were hung up very high on the wal and they were not for sale. Sam asked me if I played guitar, and I said yes I do sir. Immediately after that he had an employee begin bringing those guitars into his office and he allowed me to play them. They ranged in type from an early Rickenbacker skillet lap steel to WW2 Gibson guitars, etc... A truly once in a lifetime opportunity.

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Hey Folks, As of September 2021, the Songbirds Musuem is reopened to the public with all new exhibits. Please come down and check it out. We'd love to have you!

[@RiotHomeRecording]

They’re worth what someone will pay for them, if someone bought one for a million doesn’t mean they can sell it for a million.

[@conan218]

Zach dropping the knowledge - he knows so much about gear! Thank you for this video, Rhett! Its the only way I could have experienced Songbirds guitar museum.

[@groverjuicy]

They may COST a million, they sure aren't WORTH it.

[@badspy100]

exactly my thought.there are much better instruments in every way today

[@dylandoge1627]

I’ll take a 76 ibanez destroyer

[@munta1967]

I agree..no guitar is worth $1m

[@14lamnc1]

whether or not its worth it depends on the beholder. You saying its not worth it doesn't mean it isn't to someone else.

[@mikethecollector]

In all honesty, they're insured for those costs, they only sell for tens of thousands at absolute max.

[@mikeybishop7886]

I remember back in high school in the late 90’s. I bought a guitar magazine (that I’m sure I still have) that featured collector guitars. It was the first I’d ever heard about the 59/59 Explorers/V’s. Cost back then? $75K. According to the magazine, the really nice heavy flame cherry burst 59 LP’s were 35K. Quite a return on investment if you bought one back then. By the way, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick owns two 58 Explorers.

[@analogaudiorules1724]

Not worth the money lmao, after the novelty wears off in 3 to 6 months, you'll be kicking your self for spending your life savings on something that is only special due to its age, im sure it sounds great and perhaps a bit "different" then a current version... but is it different enough for what they are asking, even if it was, it is only this much money because of the sentimental factor... there are exceptions... but this is ridiculous...

[@ulricclayton3428]

did you pay any attention to the video? you're not buying the wood, pots and man labor, you're paying for its historical value and future significance. Those are not aspects that a poor person considers when they buy stuff, and that is because they can't afford it.

[@reallyanti]

Literally nobody in the world is spending their life-savings on these. People are spending their monthly allowance on one. Then "lending it to a museum for display" so they can claim it as a charitable donation on their taxes. Just typical money laundering bullshit.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

@@ulricclayton3428 I don't buy the "future significance" bit. I doubt that in a 10 years any of those guitars will be displayed anywhere besides the collector's home.

[@analogaudiorules1724]

@@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847 Exactly

[@analogaudiorules1724]

@@ulricclayton3428 And did you read my comment? These guitars are far over priced, historical value or not... these aren't any more special than a modern example...

[@amlemay]

So sad to see the museum closing. I wish I had an opportunity to visit it and hope it can somehow come back, somehow in the future. Great vid Rhett!

[@j_freed]

I think it's funny they compare a masterfully hand-carved Stradivari violin (a product of intuition and inspiration) to a mass-produced slab-body electric guitar made using industrialized technology / the cheapest & most minimal aesthetic effort. Strads will still likely mean WAY more in 200 years than even the best electric guitars. I hate to say that because I feel guitar in pop music is not done yet. We really can't t say.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

Stradivari made cellos too.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Stradivari and Gaurneri violins are still played aren't they? The owners loan them out to concert violinists.

[@custom15player]

Yeah, like a 1935 D-28

[@normand123abc]

Thanks man! Really really inspiring. You should do a road show that explores all of those kind of venues

[@Sco3000]

Incredible instruments... too bad they arent getting played.

[@AirSoftGod001]

not really incredible when they arent any better than a guitar worth $1k

[@Sco3000]

@@AirSoftGod001 im not interested in your opinion, but thats's fine if u dont care about vintage guitars

[@badspy100]

modern guitars and basses are way better.i have 1968 jb(original)from my late uncle and a yamaha jp from 2000. jb is really great but yamaha is much much better in everything.and it sound better of course.better fretboard,better electrics better keys,better everything.

[@subzero308]

collectors ruin everything for people who just wanna play stuff and not care at all what its "price" is...

[@paul_domici]

Thanks for sharing this Rhett! These are Beautiful, Antique, works of Art! That's why I think they're worth so much!

[@tommydee1981]

Nice "Back to the Future" joke. Rhett you missed it! ;)

[@zorkwhouse8125]

I was about to comment on that when I saw yours :-)

[@calvinandhobbes1968]

So sad they are closing. Was there last month, what a great experience! The twins are my favorite from the vault. You should do a video on the twins.

[@jimistheman9732]

This just makes me sad. The "collectors" i.e. very rich people and/or performers have driven the prices for these to insane levels. That just drags up the whole market and makes it close to impossible for the average guy just to buy any good guitar, let alone a nice vintage guitar... which used to be a possibility. As for "it's worth a bundle because so-and-so played it". No, sorry, that doesn't add any value to it as an instrument - at least not to me - unless it comes with that person giving lessons as part of the deal.

[@danieldesoto6787]

Thank you ! You took the words right out. It is so frustrating 😡 and I can't believe no one really sees that or really gives a shit. This is one of the reasons why most can't afford a fuckin Les Paul. I bought a LP for 1700 and that burn a hole in my life lol😂 it was used but I had to look for a long while for a deal. The market is ridiculous now.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

yeah no supply and demand has driven the price. it's really basic economics. if there's a market for rare or historic items, especially if there are only a few in the world with billions of potential people between these items, the price goes up.

[@gbmillergb]

In 1983 I bought a Fender Basemen amp AB-165 at Imperial Beach Ca at a swap meet for $35, still use it today, they are going over $550 think I will hold on to it, it sounds great.

[@burnsanchez]

For 1 MILLION guitar! - i can get the finest custom guitars - finest amps in the market - fully loaded Studio - a big house - a GF - Plus you can feed poor people/homeless And i bet whoever will buy that guitar will not use it, so why you're spending a million guitar just to collect dust and molds, and can't make music out of it?

[@barrypaul4199]

But the person who drops $1million on a guitar already has a $10million house & trophy wife. In economics we call it “conspicuous consumption”.

[@billunmuth3396]

RHETT THANX FOR THE TIP OF TUNING STRATS TO E FLAT. I DID IT TO 5 STRATS AND IT REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE. AGAIN THANX

[@Jopeymessmusic]

Shit, the sawdust of black limba is carcinogenic? That wood is having a renaissance in certain boutique guitar manufacturers of today. Presumably there's little to no sawdust while using a CNC machine. Interesting to note that was a factor in stopping production.

[@oe542]

I would guess they’re using respirators and dust collection systems as well as CNC machines would closed doors. Years ago they probably didn’t know the sawdust was carcinogenic until after people got sick.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Allen Collins founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, writer of Freebird + whole solo, Gimme Three Steps, Gimme Back My Bullets, etc., and credited to "thee Skynyrd sound/feel", and arguably the coolest player of the Gibson Firebird 3, spent the last few year in the Original Skynyrd lineup before the tragic plane crash, which he survived, playing his 1958' Gibson Explorer for which he bought from Eric Clapton for either $4,000 or $6,000 I forget which, but pretty certain it was $4,000. I like to think that it wasn't sold for EC to buy drugs with, but that he kind of imagined Collins just was made for that ax. Which he was. Allen was always jumping in the air... Allen's tall lanky frame, all white clothes [shows in all red too] including white bell bottoms made by his sister, his fierce skills and serious, but fun presence lighted up a stage with . His eternal rock presence, like Hendrix burns into your soul. The whole band does. What's somewhat interesting is that there are several audio recordings of Allen being interviewed. He was very personable. But what's odd is there is almost no film footage of him being interviewed, or even kicking it in rehearsals, studio, on bus, at home...anything! The most recent documentary about Skynyrd in those early years was Showtime's August 18, 2018 (4 days before Ed King's death) *If I Leave Here Tomorrow* . Not one second of Allen Collins footage. And iirc no Audio of his voice. There are 5-6 docs on Skynyrd, (inc. at least two while at their peak- The Pepsi Tribute short film in 1976, and 'Free Bird the Movie). Get into Lynyrd Skynyrd Docs and filmed shows for a week or so and you'll fall in love with that Ronnie Van Zant, to 12/20/77 band.

[@RC32Smiths01]

I think it goes without saying that if Gibsons from the 50s are worth a million, you know you're going to be in for a great story behind them!

[@dep1001]

Very interesting vid! There're collectors out there with a LOT of money and there're collectors of a lot of things. For instance the most valuable stamp sold for $9.5 million in 2014 at Sotheby's. Thanks, Rhett.

[@Pauld62]

Hendrix played a post CBS strat. There is a point hidden somewhere in that short sentance 😏

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

I said it above, but I would rather see a copy of Hendrix's Strat (or any of his guitars) in a glass case than a bunch of cases of guitars played by people I never heard of.

[@zeerust2000]

Hendrix played new gear off the shelf. Why would he be bothered with a vintage instrument? It was the music that was important to him.

[@K6HR]

Irv Berner! Hey Irv! Greetings from "The King" Great to see you're still having fun with music!

[@subzero308]

seeing guitars behind glass is horrible... they need to be played not shown off like art pieces smh..

[@charlesbolin7249]

Wow, that place is awesome. Lots of what you saw there I've only seen in books and heard stories about from my father. I hope at some point they open up again, I'd love to take the family to visit.

[@edgycontent6101]

Too bad their closing, had no idea they existed until now but too bad I’ll never get to go there.

[@edwardjamyangmacarchick1847]

Yes, it's odd that such a place existed for a few years but a lot of us had no idea. I would think the Guitar magazines or Rolling Stone would have had articles on it. Maybe he purposely avoided advertising.

[@jghillstudio1857]

Cool man...glad you guys went and shared your trip...would like to have seen Dave Onarodo there with you...anyway great video...

[@barryjoslin432]

“Commoners like you and me.” Hahaha. Rhett, you exceeded “commoner” status a while ago, bud.

[@thep2pband]

I really wish I could have seen this in person. Thanks for sharing.

[@-JohnGalt-]

Did that guy just say the set of Gibson's was owned by Rick Beato?

[@HenritheHorse]

I heard that too, but the guys name is Rick Vito!

[@-JohnGalt-]

@@HenritheHorse Haha, I knew I was trippin'! Thanks brother!

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Awesome video man! I'm a historian (or I've worked in the field in the past at least and that was what my degree was in) and I can certainly appreciate the desire the preserve those instruments. These days a lot of more recently made things are not looked at as worth holding on to in the same way as the violins you mentioned. (not in any intended as disrespectful, but you can see this from some comments here - its just a matter of perspective I think) But, at the time the (I can't think of how to spell the name) those violins were made - if no one had had the presence of mind to preserve them and hand them down, we wouldn't have the ones we do today. The same will go for these guitars. If people continue to recognize the importance they have had in shaping music and culture (as you do) then perhaps these instruments will be around, as you said, in hundreds of years as well. I do think the prices are kinda nuts-o, but in a way it could be a good thing b/c those extreme prices mean people take care of them in a way they probably wouldn't if they didn't command that value. So the high value actually works in the favor of preservation. Much the same with valuable paintings. We have paintings from hundreds and hundreds of years ago b/c they were so highly valued in the past that they were protected. No doubt probably millions of paintings haven't survived - some of which were probably just as good or better than the ones that did make it - b/c at the time no one thought of them as being worth collecting and preserving. So, the high value might just be a good thing in the end. Plus, the ones in this museum aren't the only copies in existence and so its still possible that models of these guitars could still be played and heard by people who own the other ones, while these remain behind glass to ensure that at least these examples survive into the future.

[@kujo5998]

“Personally i dont feel the need to collect multiple different, etc...” He says while standing in front of his 4 different amp heads and god knows how many guitars and speaker set ups!! Lol

[@kujo5998]

@David Wang haha right to morons huh? Are you like his knight in shining armor or something?? It was a joke kid. Settle down. I’m a musician myself. I don’t need a lesson from a youtube comment section fake tough guy.. it was funny. You know, a joke?!

[@srrings]

good one man... in 1983 i was given a 1969 SG Bigsby OMG went to a BQ and the host said hey i have a guitar a want you to have anyway he brought this huge case out of the closet where it had been for over decade...and if you were in a band back then the SG was like a low budget very good instrument even a really good Ibanez cost more at that time..