Vintage vs. New Acoustic Guitars (No-brainer Choice?) ★ Acoustic Tuesday 276

Which is better to buy: vintage guitars or new guitars? While it might seem obvious to some, you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses on an 8-point rubric. And when you walk it through these considerations, you might be shocked at the results.
Figuring our whether a vintage or new acoustic guitar is right for you can be as standardized as you want it to be. You can go by feel, you can do a pros and cons list, or you can borrow my 8-point guide to determine your direction.
I get asked all the time which is a better purchase: vintage or new. It truly depends on what you're looking for. There are some broad generalizations you can make, but if you like a guitar even though it's outside of your preconceived idea of what you should purchase, don't feel limited.
Vintage guitars have tons of strengths, some that, in your mind, may outweigh all of the strengths of buying a new guitar. Whichever decision you think is right is the important one. If you disagree with my rubric, that's totally fine. I invite you to share yours in the comments and let people know how your rubric worked for you!
Featured in this episode...
-‪@riddyarman30‬
-‪@WesternAF‬
-‪@dusttodigital‬
-‪@sweetwater‬
-‪@MuleResonatorGuitars‬
#acousticguitar #buyingguide
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Tone
03:30 - Cost
4:44 - Resale
06:07 - Availability
08:55 - Mojo
11:40 - Consistency
15:56 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
22:26 - Comment Roundup
33:20 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
38:31 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[@franknelsen9182]

Thanks,Tony, for the inspiration you provide! Your positive affirmations and genuine encouragement is unmatched online. Guitar is not a hobby, it is a lifestyle. Playing, learning, listening, researching, and discussing are all part of the fascinating journey. Modern or vintage? I say the answer is yes. See you next Tuesday.

[@anitakelling6419]

My husband and I have quite a mix of guitars both new and vintage. We do a story about a vintage guitar acquisition that speaks to responsibility of owning a vintage instrument. A friend of our had a relative that purchased a house that had a bunch of stuff in it. One of the things was a probable late 1960s Gibson B-45 12 string. He didn't play and knew we did so offered it to us for a song because it had so much repair needed to make it playable again. We decided that this guitar was a rescue. It was so pretty and the previous owner must have used it as a decoration? It didn't have a case, the neck needed to be reset, the bridge was pulling up, there were loose braces and it had a small crack in the face. There were also some minor hardware issues on top of that. We have a great repair shop in our area (Saint Paul Guitar Repair -Ron, Mish, and Kevin are the absolute best) and Ron did the work that made this guitar come alive again. It is the sweetest sounding 12 string I have ever heard. It now has a case, a humidification system, and players that play it almost every day. And still, it is stressful owning this gem. Knowing how much work and money that went into this guitar, I am a little neurotic about its care.

[@grasscreekbank]

I really enjoy playing a new guitar and listening to it come to life as time moves along. The vintage someone else had the fun.

[@jacobdoolittle124]

That’s a really great way to think of it. As much as I appreciate vintage gear, it is fun to watch it wear in from your own use!

[@texhaines9957]

I had learned some guitar 50 years ago and played for Church and other events throughout the years. I played for Dad's retirement community, but I knew I needed a regular practice when COVID shutdown came. I joined Tony's Acoustic Challenge. For awhile, I didn't know how to incorporate what I was l learning into what I play. These Tuesday sessions help introduce some of the lessons into what I sing. I always have that thought, "I'm not that good ". Until I hear the folks singing along.

[@steviegenoski9977]

Day 8 in 30 2 play and I am slowly making progress. I'm putting in the time and have been consistent and persistent. My fingers don't want to do what I'm asking them to but it's getting better. I'll post a video of day1 and day 30 when I get there. I've also been logging my practice time and will show that as well. I learned and practiced chords before I started TAC so week 2 should go well.

[@chloescat]

You got this, dude! KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK! ❤️

[@jed1166]

Re: vintage guitars have better tone…Yes, I agree, because they certainly open open. My examples are that my 2012 Takamine P4DC, already sounded noticeably better, after only 10 years of play. And, will continue to improve in tone! Versus: My 2022 RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo, which sounded great out of the box, and always will! But, it will NEVER sound better than it did on day one, because it will never open up! It is a perfect professional tool, but it is not going to improve with age / playing time…my luthier called it, “a perfect hammer”, and I agree. Recently, I added an inexpensive, ($569), solid spruce topped Alvarez 8 string Grand Auditorium, standard scale that I love playing, because it sounds really cool, and it is great fun! I know it will never increase in value, but I am really looking forward to it improving in tone as it gets more playing time. As for other playing my guitars, ESSENTIAL! A guitar becomes the sum total of all the players that play it. I always let other play my guitars at gigs or open mics… I am want all the mojo I can get from others! And guitars are meant to be shared! A friend who was really intrigued by the Alvarez 8 string, was actually the first to play it on stage! He was on an open mic list in front on me, so I asked him if he would do the honors of christening it, and he agreed. It sounded great, and many other regulars at this open mic have played the Alvarez, as well as my RainSong. And, Quinton King, was actually the first to play my RainSong, as he and Paul, from Music Villa, shot a video with it OUTSIDE in the Bozeman winter at 0 degrees Fahrenheit! I often think of that video, and am glad to have Quinton’s mojo in my RainSong!

[@leeharper8363]

Thanks for that blues lick Tony it inspired me to connect it with stuff I have known. Great show gre

[@kenbink9423]

Tony do a show on your guitarsenal, please!

[@markhale6495]

You also have to remember that your new guitar, depending on make and model, will eventually become a vintage instrument. Just look after it, but more than anything, use it !! Thanks for a great subject.

[@margarethouse404]

But probably not in your lifetime . About as close as it would come is my one friend . Original owner of a 1957 mfg J-45 , bought new in 1959 . But he's 94 y.o. ( Yes , still plays) Even when someone started playing at a tender age , children 7, 8, 9 yo didn't buy high end guitars during the Great Depression . The abovementioned J-45 ? In 1959 it cost as much as his family station wagon . He never would have spent that on himself , but his late Wife gave it to him as 32nd birthday present .

[@whitfield2000]

15:52 I have my grandfather’s 1939 Gibson J35. I learned on it (he passed when I was only in 2nd grade). It sings from every part of itself. Glad I have new guitars - I can break them in and play less gingerly. My current favorite is a new Martin 000-10E JR Shawn Mendes. Check it out! All solid wood (sustainably sourced) and so comfortable. It rings and spanks. I turn to it while my GS Mini-e R is being neglected.

[@TommySG1]

Hey Tony, First off thanks for sharing and answering my comment man 🤙 Many moons ago ( late 70’s early 80’s ) I used to play a lot of ice hockey and even roller hockey too, I loved hockey…watching it and playing it! ( I was and still am a huge Islander fan and man were they good in that time era! ) Sadly it was kind of expensive here in New York and there was a lot of travel. My family wasn’t well off by any means too so my dad had to take any overtime he could. The hockey dreams for me never came to be although I never played at the level you did either Tony. On a side note, I am a lifetime Tac member and I look forward to all your lessons each and everyday man. I think the lifetime membership plan is the best deal on earth for the casual player that just wants to improve and play around a campfire 🔥 or simply strum some blues on the couch 🤟 Thanks!

[@davidarvisu]

Depends. I got a new Lowden (WL) and it's my favorite. But I also found a great deal on a used Lowden (O) and it had all kinds of dings and scratches on it and it plays like a dream. Just depends on preference, I love both of them for different reasons!

[@gillyOO7]

RIP the roundman. Sad to hear will be missed on music ranch radio in Red Lodge MT. He told me about your guitar lessons when I was there for the singer song writer fest.

[@clydeortego8332]

Hey Tony: Thank you for answering my question, I am retired and I do want to have fun playing my guitars and my Ukuleles and possibly joining my church night band or start my own Ukulele Group one day.

[@barbarak8158]

Thx Tony!

[@CameraLaw]

Great show, as always. And wonderful comments. My question after countless hours on Reverb, is how to evaluate a vintage guitar which has a repaired crack or two or three on the top. It would seem such a repair would greatly affect the ability for the instrument to properly resonate. Yet all these sellers profess it doesn’t affect the tone or playability.

[@jimdoner3443]

Do you like the tone, thats what the question really is, if you get it, get it up to propper humidity and keep it there and all should be good as long as the repair work was done propperly

[@johnviolette5511]

ahhh the days of the Trio! Tony, Noah, and Levi...

[@jimdoner3443]

Yes way back to the beggining 🙂

[@cph630]

I buy more new guitars than vintage although I wouldn’t shy away from a good vintage find. I have an Alvarez-Yairi Double neck from 1981 that I bought used & it has more than tripled in value. Not one I’d take out for gigging, but I love the aged tone & like to experiment with recording with it.

[@batman48195]

I remember when you got that 0-17. That fact it wasn’t a case Queen made it easy to put a pickup in it. It probably added value vs taking value away.

[@markmaris5355]

I inherited a 1945 vintage Gibson J45 from my late father-in-law. I had it repaired and setup by a local luthier, and it is a gorgeous instrument. No modern J45 sounds anywhere close. I have a LR Baggs M1 pickup installed, and the result is wonderful. I play it every day and consider myself extremely privileged. New instruments are certainly great; however, the old ones are (occasionally) truly amazing.

[@lorelielomaloma6569]

I had a Martin 1955 0-15 that a previous owner had hand polished to a fairly glossy finish… It had a really nice tone but the intonation suffered as you went up the neck. I had fun with it but eventually let it go, trading it for a car. I loved that Sunbeam more than the guitar so we were both happy. My guitars now are from 1996 to the present, 2 bought new, 2 bought or traded for used. I love playing them a lot more than that old Martin, even though the vintage guitar was way cooler. I don’t miss it.

[@PlayCountryBlues]

Any guitar, new or old, will only ever sound like you. Instruments can only reflect the player.

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

Bla bla bla...

[@jed1166]

Yes, but great guitars reflect this player much better than bad guitars do…

[@DaveDiprose]

I had a 1935 D18 for about 10 years and sold it in 1995 as it had lots of problems that repair guys didn't want to touch. It had great mojo (cigarette burns, repertoire scratched in the back) but playability was poor and eventually a problem - I cried when I sold it. Currently I have a 2012 Martin D18 Authentic 1937 that I bought 2nd hand 5 years ago. I've played the hell out of it and love it - it's the best guitar I've ever owned and it's on it's way to being a vintage. However, I can replace it at a pinch, they are around (maybe not exectly plentiful). I'm sure that Martin's Authentic Series will be highly collectable in 40 years or so (maybe less).

[@jimdoner3443]

I have an old Cromwell arch top, it was made by Gibson in the old Kalamazoo factory, it wont likely ever get a high monetary value to it, but she has a story and mojo, and I love her

[@colakeith1]

Being a lefty. Finding a "vintage" guitar is even more harrowing than searching for a new or a slightly used guitar in 1983 while in college I found a new "law suit" (Martin clone)Takamine that was wonderful. But it was a righty. The store I bought it from had a local luthier set it up for me and I am still playing it 40 years later. Sweeter than ever and it's own tone. I also own a 2011 50th Anniversary Martin D-16GTL. I bought it new as well. It is and was always a cannon. I was able to add a LR Baggs Lyric and changed the nut and saddle to bone. After 12 years the sound is opening and a warmth is wonderful. I play both while the D-16 really gets a workout now. Played on stage with both as well studio(D-16 in the studio this past weekend) What I want to say is that there is something to think about growing and developing you sound and finding your OWN vintage tone. I like both new and vintage. Both have their pros and cons.

[@ralphrounds709]

I have to agree about the Muddy Waters book. I played a lot of his songs for years without knowing his story. It’s epic!

[@robertnewell5057]

A great issue from you. Guitars - on the matter of playability/tweakability, this is not JUST a win for new guitars but any change you make to a vintage guitar will likely decrease its value also. The section on mojo was incomprehensible to me (although brilliantly done by you!) - everything you described was either a) tone or b) 'I like that this is old'. Finally on this, back with cost. You need a lot of money to get a vintage guitar that wins in terms of tone and playability over a new one. I did a load of Xmas songs to play out then was ill over the Yuletide. Riddy's song was great, and reminded me of Taylor's 'Christmases when you were mine', which you can also play anytime. Never heard of Pegleg, but I bet the Band did when they recorded 'Apple suckling tree!'. Thanks again

I ve played very old guitars but I prefer new guitars. The reason is price, great quality, and just awesome sounding!

[@LafayetteLeSaint]

Hey there, Tony as usual, I enjoyed your program, however one question I didn't hear mention was: when does a guitar become vintage? Are there any standards to meet before being branded branded? Is it possible for cheapo guitars becoming vintage. Because of religious beliefs I'm not gung-ho on christmas, even though most christmas songs are beautiful,. So, my favorite christmas song is Elvis' 'I'm Having a Blue Blue Christmas'.

[@cruelycruel1032]

folkstreams is literally the best thing on the internet imo iv watched born for hard luck uncountable times over the last 15 years since i found the channel, water from another time is also great and all the Lomax docs are on there to, Tony if you haven't watched the Paul Gerimia doc somethings gotta be arranged its a beautiful thing its on folkstreams, vintage for the magic new guitars for the practicality, enjoyed this episode cheers man 👊🙏

[@batman48195]

My cousin Paul is still playing goal at 62 years old in Lansing MI. 🥅

[@sbolfing]

I have a newer Martin (2018) and a vintage Martin (1969). They both sound great, but the tone from the 69 is surreal. It's a D12-20, and although there are newer 12 strings that are easier to play, there is just something about this one. I would love to own at least one good birth-year guitar, but that vintage is starting to get a little steep! Now, I also have a 12 year old guitar (another Martin) - it is well broken in and sounds awesome, has an adjustable truss rod, and did not cost a kidney. I think you can look at a guitar around 10~20 years old and get a great value for a great sounding guitar. Of course, there is always that special thrill of being the first owner...

[@margarethouse404]

Nowadays , 20-30 yo is a sweet spot . Coincides with tail end of mid priced guitars mfg in Japan or Korea , before virtually everything shifted to China .

[@jefferp]

New vs old. I have a 25 year old D 28 that looks almost unplayed. It sounds ok but it has no soul. My 3 year old daily player Taylor I purchased new shows play wear and a couple bonks that are all my own. I love that guitar.

[@jmc1186]

I'll try to keep this long story short lol I'm a strange breed and curious if there are more like me. So I have new acoustics. I have old acoustics. I have middle of the road acoustics (one of those being my #1 guitar ever, but has taken enough abuse to feel old). Some are big names, some are forgotten Italian and Japanese names. I tend to like the SOUND of newer acoustics better (think Taylor). I like restringing and setting up newer acoustics better. And like you.. I find buying a newer acoustic less painful lmao But when it comes to PLAYING them? I love the feel of a STAGE READY old acoustic. Give me broken binding around the edges, give me repaired cracks. Give me wood that's been worn away and finish missing. It can have new tuners and nut and bridge and frets. Whatever makes it STAGE WORTHY. But I don't like a polished guitar. I have them and they're my least played instruments. I honestly keep them around to hand to friends if they come over lol

[@haderhamdan3264]

what is the definition of a vintage guitar Is a 1995 martin guitar vintage or is a one year guitar new

[@festushaggen2563]

There's definitely something about a naturally aged guitar. My 1973 Yamaha FG-160 just turned 50 years old this year and it has a tone that cannot be found in a new guitar at any price. It's hard to describe but if you know it then you know it. Martin and Taylor has come and gone from my collection but the Yamaha is still here. It's irreplaceable.

[@ThonybeThony]

I too measure my practice time.. currently at a whopping 40 hours lol.

[@leesanders1619]

I’m 53 and creating my own vintage guitars. I still have my 1986 D18, 1999, D28, and my latest edition 2020 Taylor 814 CE. They will all go to my kids.

[@Mlee1877]

#smallwins I've completed my 12 weeks of the major scale and am now focusing on 12 weeks of Dorian next. I'm still staying focused on my goal of 10,000 hours and am closing in on 2600 hours of practice. I'm also working towards achieving being a homeowner with a move upcoming soon (within the month) so it'll be a minor setback, but to have a room dedicated to my guitar practice? That sounds like a guitarmory for my guitarsenal so it's gotta be worth it.

[@LifeSavingDefense]

Left handed or right handed? I got my first guitar in 1986 and was told by my instructor to get a right handed one which I still have… A low priced Alvarez 5002… Still low priced in perfect shape.. It sounds great to me and I’ve had others but there’s a part of me that still wants to play left handed but I’ve never tried or seen a left handed guitar. I stopped playing for a long time and I am restarting so learning again. Dent tip … if you want to pass on where that dent came from to your grand children keep written notes… My 1086 guitar only had one smaller than a dime dent and thanks to my military time I don’t remember how I got it….. The guitar itself has little value but the history does… just like if your first car was a 1977 Volare… I just picked up another cheap Japanese guitar Lyle C-650 1960-70s. It’s beautiful and has obvious history from someone… I decided to look inside and video it and when I played it back the audio changed from me to something growling when I put the phone inside the guitar … This was my 7 th attempt as the video kept stopping every time I put the phone in the sound hole…. I’ll post a clip later. It’s creepy and cool… Your thoughts….

[@robertsteinkamp8053]

I bought my Guild D-35 in 1976- Is this vintage or not? It is to me. It is kind of beat up but still sounds and plays great. Over the past 2 years I bought a Taylor 314CE and a Guild 240E. Both play and sound good but are a lot brighter sounding than the old Guild. The new Guild 240 has phenominal action and is the easiest to play of all 3 (even if it cost less than half of the Taylor price). I still love my 1976 Guild the best.

[@jeffreyfortney9180]

Educate me. What is a cigalow 17 guitar (I know butchered spelling).

[@margarethouse404]

" Single 0 " . In Tony's example a Martin 0-17 .

[@MrCervin221]

I got a 1990 D18 12 string!

[@halmillett5448]

I want 5 of each...

[@texhaines9957]

A great sounding new guitar will only get better with time and care. I'm trying to get guitars that I play and can pass on to my children and grandchildren that play. My only vintage guitar is my first guitar, a 1968.

[@jamiescott1080]

How do you define vintage?

[@danceswithcritters]

For a 14 year old it's anything made before2003. For me, it's 1975.

[@margarethouse404]

Pre WWII definitely is . Subjectively , something older than you are . Of course this varies with age if you are a teenager vs retired , etc . Objectively , there are multiple factors . Changes in design , materials , manufacturing process , etc happened at different points for different guitars .

[@danceswithcritters]

@@margarethouse404 My best wood is gone.

[@eddorvinen8193]

I don't think the vintage much matters. I have been amazed at what came out of my low end guitar in the hands of someone I considered a "master"

[@jacksmusiccollection]

So I think even more value buying an almost new, say 5 yr old, guitar. If there are no issues with a guitar after 5 years there is not going to be a manufacturer defect. You can easily save 1/3 or more over new. Check out a 2014 or older Taylor 714 or a Martin HD 28 on Reverb. Easily save 1,000.00

[@homebass1103]

“Player grade” vintage is the best to me. And probably wins most of the categories!

[@wb35mm]

I am not sure if the `resale´ category goes to vintage. Yes, the price of the vintage guitar will increase, but the money you saved with buying a new guitar could work for you too.

[@scottbrower9052]

Be it for acoustics or electrics, "vintage" is waaaaaay overrated.

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

If you blind folded me I’d have no idea which guitar was vintage or new. I think that’s true of most people. There’s definitely a cool factor to vintage guitars and I get the allure.

[@leftwrite]

If you buy vintage you are definitely signing up for costs that go beyond the initial purchase. It goes with the territory. But to your point, the mojo of a vintage guitar is undeniable. The stories it can tell...the life it has led. Side story, my good friend Greg Whitfield wrote a song about a pre-war Martin. I think it gets to the heart of why vintage guitars are so special - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZDXhaOmj5KMncU

[@denningtonja]

Condolences concerning you loss of Bobby Hull.

[@jackiet4575]

Vintage or new? You should do what makes you happy! There is no right or wrong. Everyone’s taste is different. Just remember to have fun and enjoy playing!

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

The best new guitar is the one that looks and sounds like a vintage guitar.

[@raymondstebbins5904]

A new guitar in a month becomes a used guitar buy it used let your budget dictate a new guitar that compairs with vintage is going to cost a lot anyway yah you ruffle some feathers but injoyed watching

[@ramz_tro_gaming9409]

Hi

[@steviegenoski9977]

A diamond on every finger. LoL

[@ThonybeThony]

I feel like “Tone” is worth extra points lol

[@jeffreyfortney9180]

New for me. One I can't afford vintage and two I want the guitar to age with me that I can give to another generation.

[@trollstjerne]

Should you get vintage or new acoustic guitars? Yes!! Get both! 😊

[@1231trainfan]

Vintage vs. New ....will always be subjective

[@mvp019]

When does a guitar become "vintage"?

[@stephanguitar9778]

Right now, or for the last 12 years or so the amount of money that has been printed into existence has been on an unprecedented scale, most of this money has gone into the pockets of the already well off. With the lack of worthwhile investments that yield a decent return, investors have taken to speculative investments including collectibles and guitars quite obviously fit that category. if this pyramid of money stops growing and actually ends up where it should, ie driving the economy then the money for collectable guitars might well dry up or at least stagnate. Hence, very quickly that $100k guitar might all of a sudden be a $20k guitar, Also as many of these investors are not guitarists, tastes in collectables might well change.

[@nathanbarnette1162]

If you have to ask if you should get a vintage guitar…. You should get a new one.

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

When you talk vintage you’re talking to players with money…lots of us would like a vintage, but like stated $$ that being said if you’re after great sound we’re talking money again…a good build -plenty covered by you Tony- requires $$ again…most play what they can afford and hopefully within their skill level

[@wayneshufelt3393]

The first question to ask might be, "What can I afford?"

[@Dub1281]

Give me a new one pretending to be a vintage.

[@dawsonhouse641]

brother your commercials are click bait

[@wushu3162]

First❤🎉😂

[@jeffsguitars3976]

New or vintage? Play what you can afford, at least you will be playing.

[@jasper_north]

It’s all about the nut width…. Pre-war are 1 11/16”… Get the newer 1 ¾” or be in pain playing fingerstyle… tight. Let me know in the comments MoJo.

[@jasper_north]

Thanks