Vintage vs. New Acoustic Guitars [which is best for you?]

[@garyshields4727]

I pulled out my 1972 Guild D25 Cherry during the lockdown, had the neck reset to correct high action, had a couple of additional tweaks done, and it sounds great! I bought it in 1972. Happy 48 years old to it. I also have a new low end C5 Cordoba classical guitar. I love playing both for different reasons.

[@stackedhippiechick]

If Trigger can still be played, I must say there is hope for vintage guitars.

[@sc12100]

Trigger has been dead for decades. Willie just doesnt know it.

[@daviddawson1718]

@@sc12100 Trigger is doing okay. Yes, it needs a refret, but when I picked it up and played a few chords it was awesome.

[@daviddawson1718]

Vintage guitars are in good hands with the vintage guitarist. (Pun intended)

[@thomasnowicki5844]

I wanted to give my own perspective on owning a vintage instrument. A few years ago I acquired a Manuel Galvez classical guitar which, after doing some research, I found out was made in El Salvador around 1950. It was scratched terribly all over and had numerous cracks on the back and sides, but it had an incredibly warm, rich, resonant tone. I had a luthier repair and cleat the cracks, dress the frets, and since the tone was so good I had a pickup installed so that I could gig with it, thinking it would be a welcome addition to some of our fingerpicking tunes. I soon realized that with the noisy venues we played in, I was having too many feedback problems to play gigs with it. There was also still an annoying rattle around the bridge area which couldn't be traced, even after taking it to two different luthiers. After taking it to a third one he recommended a bridge reset, which solved the rattle problem. I guess the moral of the story is that a vintage instrument can be a wonderful addition to your guitarsenal, but be aware that they present their own unique problems and challenges, which the owner should be understanding about and aware of. Incidentally, I now play the classical at our church services, where it's obviously much quieter and the awesome tone adds so much to the music.

[@pbarru2440]

Love this show Tony. I have been the proud owner of a 1920 Gibson A model mandolin for over 40 years that I would definitely call vintage. There are plenty of new mandolins around that both play and sound better but I wouldn't let this one go for anything. It is like participating in Americana musical heritage every time I pick it up. I also own a 1974 Martin D-28 that I purchased used in 1975. This is not really vintage but I also didn't buy it new. It is such a part of my life after 45 years I couldn't imagine not having it. Every time I play it feels like being with old and dear friend. I have owned over a dozen guitars over the years but don't remember ever buying one brand new. The only guitars in my history that we might now call vintage ( a 60's Martin D-18 and 60's Gibson J-50) I both bought and sold (big sigh!) long before they were out of the ordinary. But I still prefer Vintage over New. When I am looking for a modern instrument I always look for used because they play and sound as good or better than new but are a much better value. The only brand new guitars I am drawn to are the custom built instruments by one of the scores of incredible luthiers around. Someday.....

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Great content Tony... another killer show! Cant wait for the new Season too!!

[@jacsvihus]

Hey Tony, you hooked me into my first vintage: you demoed a 1920 Martin O18k for me back in the day and you made it sound so good I was hooked. Marcus Engstrom referbed it and it plays like a well done new guitar except it has a one of a kind unique sound. You may remember it? I have played one other similar and it was not the same. The sound that comes from old vintage outweighs the maintenance issues (which do exist but it is part of the fun) in my experience. I agree wholeheartedly about meeting the luthiers and building relationships.One of the best times I had with repairs was hangin in Marty Lanham's shop in Nashville and seeing all the stuff he was/is working on. Vintage fan big time. Hopeless Guitar Geek. I checked my files and I still have the Mov clip of your demo, priceless.

[@EarlyRiser--]

Great show Tony. Another reason for owning a vintage instrument might be the quality of the wood used. A few years ago, I was looking for a small-bodied guitar with a small neck. I was told that Martin used the same old growth mahogany for their 0-15, 0-17, and 0-18 guitars back in the day. I played a new 0-15 in a store and liked the fit. One music store was selling new 0-15's they commissioned Martin to make but I was told the wood was not equal to the vintage mahogany. Gryphon Guitars told me they rarely see the old 0 mahogany guitars come through. Then I found one on a Vintage Guitar site being sold for much less than the going price. The 0-15 still had all original parts, with the 11/16th neck, original chipboard case and was in excellent condition. The seller let me call his master Martin luthier who spent 45 minutes with me going over every detail of the guitar. He said he rarely sees an 0-15 in almost perfect condition with such amazing tone since they were used as beginner guitars. Being older it is such a pleasure to play a wonderful small-bodied vintage mahogany guitar. Yes, I baby it but since its 63 years old it deserves a little tenderness.

[@maht81]

Im full on vintage! Ive got my first brand new guitar ever this summer. Got a Norman St30 havana burst and I love it a lot. It was a gift from my bru. On the vintage side ive got my grandpa beater. Its full of imperfections but its also full of memories. Love your channel!!!

[@capohd28]

I bought an 1988 HD28 new, and then sold my boutique Koa guitar just after. Since then I got a 1936 King acoustic bass, a 70s Stelling banjo and early Flatiron Mandolin. Recently I bought a 1962 Martin 000-18 that I absolutely love and my HD 28 is getting neglected. Now I want an affordable D18, likely from 50s or 60s, or a 1944 I know of that was rebuilt after severe damage. So yeah, I like vintage, but not collectible vintage. I like well worn and played vintage, as long as it’s got good playability and structure is good. The 000 -18 I got is the most playable instrument I own. Neck feels like butter, action is perfect, and sounds great. I can’t put it down. This is the kind of vintage I like. I’m not afraid of Tbar necks. They are some of the best I’ve seen, including this one.

[@texhaines9957]

Oh yes, learn by hearing especially if one is blind and can't see the paper. That's why I like Tony 's TAC lessons because he gives the tab AND does a great job walking the student through the lesson, no eyes required (ps TrueFire has similar experience for blind folks). Yes repetition, playing for others 6 days a week, for an hour or more. Thanks Tony, Victoria and Jenn.

[@Jess_Jones]

Had a 79 Guild D-25 that I bought from a guitar center that closed shortly after. It needed some love, bridge pins- new nut and a few new frets. The guitar body itself was a tank, a few dents and a couple of light scratches. Sounded the best out of every guitar I’ve ever owned after I fixed it up. The one that got away ☹️ but I love new and old guitars alike.

[@Indianawhiskeyandbourbon]

I, myself, love new and vintage. Not the same way. An old staple guitar like a vintage Martin D-18 will have a personality. When you hold it and play it, you can feel it's importance. It already has a soul. My brand new Martin D-28, I bought last year, when I pick it up and play it, my playing style is what is loosening the wood up and giving it its own unique sound. My old guitars are pre-marinated while my new ones are still being seasoned.

[@sharontiano1348]

For a few years I was hoping to round out my collection with a birth year mahogany guitar. I wasn't obsessed with looking but I was keeping my eyes open. Last year at ALF, in Music Villa - I saw a previously enjoyed 2015 000-15 hog on consignment. There was something appealing and I decided to forgo the birth year requirement and get it. Two days later, a 1947 0-17 also arrived on consignment. The sound, the way she looked - all spoke to me. She had a hulu girl sticker on the headstock with someone made her even more endearing to me. She wasn't my birth year either so I was going to walk away. But one of my dearest friends though, whom we often joke is my twin, heard me talk about this guitar and when I said the year and model exclaimed that this is the same one her mother has that she now plays. Once again, we could twin. That settled it. I needed that guitar. And when we finally compared serial numbers, it turns out they are very close to each other so we believe they are from the same tree. I have a whole backstory in my head about the lady on the headstock and she helped a soldier get through some hard times. Her name is YOLO and I hope to enjoy her for many many years to come.

[@tbeau6663]

Something 10-20 years old is a good idea for many reasons

[@blankn1612]

I’m agnostic Tony. Just put a guitar in my hands. But I have a 46 j-45 bought at Carters Vintage years ago and a Santa Cruz OMPW that had a broken neck but I bought it after the local luthier repaired it to perfection. A good deal. So a similar story of repair.

[@mikeadams4605]

Had a milestone birthday a few months back and struggled between wanting a guitar made in my birth year or a new guitar. Looked at all the options and then finally decided on the new model. Martin has made this decision much harder with the Re-imagined Standard series....they really nailed the look and finish.

[@Indianawhiskeyandbourbon]

Completely agree! I bought a brand new Reimagined standard D-28 last year. Has the look of vintage and really is an amazing guitar. Definitely love the look of the toned top and aged cream binding, along with the beautiful two tone open back Grover tuners.

[@texhaines9957]

My preference? Who am I playing for and what am I playing? I like old Martin guitar sound for some (Dad likes Gibson) and Taylor's guitars for others. So yes

[@keithbernard1272]

I have a Harmony Hollywood with a De'Armond gold foil pickup it's incredible. I love the FULL RANGE OF TONE I get out of it especially the deep space and clear high-end. I just recently purchased a silver tone archtop for $40. And then 2 Days later. I bought a 1920's Martin " 2 - 17", NEAR MINT, In its original cellular fiber case. $ 35 00 😊 very little where had been stored away probably at least 50 to 60 years. I would love to install a pickup on it. I never experienced a guitar with such great overtones in hidden resonance within the complexity of its internal fidelity. I've been playing a 1915 King C Melody saxophone for years. Nothing modern compares to it!. In 1992 I restored a silvertone big star twin 12 combo amplifier. I modified it to Cascade the channels together and put a hidden master volume in the back. The best amp ever! ❤ For tone reverb authentic tremolo and sound. I've been playing music for 60 years now. I've owned many instruments. Have worked in vintage guitar stores have bought New and used guitars over the years. I always prefer to buy used, because they hold your investment value and if you know how to buy used you can also make money on them. I always play what feels right to me although I love some of those vintage instruments I use okay Harmony and you silvertones. Vintage guitars usually have better tone because the glue and would loosens up after they've been played for several years.. I also have recently purchased a real cheesy 70s Stratocaster it's actually an authentic 70 stratocaster. However it was made in China and its called a starcaster, just like the original 70 Stratocaster has an older body and spaghetti logo headstock large design. Somebody also reinstalled upgraded pickups and rewired them with the five position pole switch so that the center pickup is inverted polarity. However my favorite Stratocaster is a Olympic White (color was aging beautifully as it didn't have finished checks I was from Phoenix Arizona now I'm in Salem Oregon) 1991 STRAT PLUS DELUXE with locking Spurs rolls and a Wilkinson travel the three gold lace sensor pickups are indescribable for tone and quality anybody's ever played this guitar tried to buy it. 😢 However I have a storage shed broke into and they stole $ 25,000 worth of vintage gear. And that one is now gone.

[@texhaines9957]

@keithbernard1272 I've had issues trying to find good used guitars. Even if they are "like new " or lightly used, do they smell? If it's a moldy or smoke smelling case, get a new case. If it's the guitar, it's not going to work. I have an adult child that lived in a (hidden) moldy apartment where the sewer line upstairs was leaking into her walls and ceiling. It caused a lot of problems that are not gone after 7 years. Very sensitive to mold and smoke. I recently purchased a used guitar that I was told was "clean" and didn't smell. Mold, not so much, but reeks of nicotine. I can barely play it for a couple of tunes before choking. Trying to reduce the stink, but I think it's in the nitrocellulose lacquer finish or the raw inside of the guitar. It traveled 1700 miles. Yes, the guitar had been lightly used. It lived in a house with smokers, but that was not ever mentioned, even after I asked. Live and learn.

[@keithbernard1272]

@@texhaines9957 I never go looking for anything. I always take advantage of what is presently before me. I make those decisions at that time something is not up to my standard then I let it go. As far as mold is concerned use oregano oil you should research that. Valley fever which I was told is irreversible in Arizona is due to a mold and I lived in a motel room for a while that had black mold in it oregano oil kills all forms of mold yeast parasites yada yada yada yada. I used to chase after things. But now I learn to manifest them! It's a whole lot easier than projects or projections. It's my latest art form it's called creative arts and manifestations I've been manifesting money and items like this Martin guitar I told you about I don't have to look for things they come.

[@The6pruz]

Quick story: I am a teacher and usually once a year a student will say, "I've got a guitar at home." I always ask them to bring it in, and every time it is a Sears guitar from the 1970's, made of plywood, with two strings on it. Last year a student told me he found a guitar in his grandma's shed and she gave it to him. I told him to bring it in. It turned out to be a 1957 Martin D-18 in its original case and had all its original parts. It was filthy, and the strings had to be 40 or 50 years old (they were pitch black). I cleaned all the grime off the fingerboard and the body, polished the frets, and put new strings on it. It sounded great! The finish was completely checked and crazed--front, back, sides, and headstock. The was a one centimeter crack along the bottom of the pick guard--but that was the only crack. Great, great guitar. That student still has it and says he'll never sell it. As to vintage vs new, I do like to look for 20-year-old guitars with good frets, no cracks, and that are not all dinged up. Not vintage, not new. They are already played in and sound excellent. The major drawback is no warranty, but if it is in excellent shape when I buy it I can usually keep it in that condition and it will be a while before it needs an adjustment. Plus, you can usually get a very good guitar, like a Martin D-28 that does not cost as much as a new D-28.

[@NoUseForAName0626]

I've always favored New guitars.. I just love the look of a new guitar..ahhh and that "New Guitar Smell" lol!! My newest New guitar is a Martin D-35.. I guess the main reason I prefer a new guitar is I love the idea of being the first of that guitars life or history. All the play time on that guitar is from me. I love when you can notice the guitar starting to "Open Up" and you can just feel the guitar isn't as Tight as it once was. Bought my D-35 this past April and literally every time I play I can hear the top opening up more and more as it's becoming less Tight or Stiff..

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

Thank you Tony! I have a guitar that is somewhat of a vintage guitar. It was made in 2000 and it is the best one I own. Just like you said, that it allows the opportunity to forge a relationship with a luthier. In my case, I have forged a relationship with the original luthier. Every time I would visit San Antonio, TX, I would stop by and have lunch with him. He is about to build me a really nice classical as well with a spruce composite top and cocobolo back and sides.

[@goldmelons]

i have just purchased a Japan vintage MORRIS MD-507 on Dec 3rd 2024 in 90% prestine condition. I am mind-blown. it sounds like mahogany and sitka in between, its brighter and resonates way better. probably due to the wood has aged and fully dried out. will buy it a new set of light gauge elixirs and will be my greatest buy for the year. so happy with it. i dont mind if its vintage, i am more of the craftmanship and sound quality. It sounds remarkably good, and it is low action. very minimal signs of use and for the fraction of the price, IT IS HARD TO BEAT.

[@thomasgaida7174]

When I was looking for a guitar a shop owner showed me a heavily used Guild F 20 which he got from the family of a deceased person. It was full of scratches, looked ugly but it sounded much better than all the other new 000s and 00s they had. So, there must be something to it when people talk about guitars opening up with age. I did not buy it though because to me it felt like robbing a dead person`s body. I found a new guitar instead that also plays nicely.

[@Indianawhiskeyandbourbon]

When I pass away, if my children don't want my guitars, I can only hope that someone like you buys them. Someone with your mindset deserves them because you're not greedy.

[@jakeminor1967]

Tony, I prefer new and making it vintage, my way.

[@crystalgaynor9708]

I've never purchased a vintage guitar because I had no idea what to purchase. But since I've been a TAC member, I'm learning more about guitars, the woods, sounds and feel. So while I am on the side of NEW, I would definitely consider purchasing a vintage guitar in the future. Thanks for the eye opener!!!

[@stevekelley1536]

For me it comes down to one word...... MONEY.

[@capohd28]

Smart money would buy vintage if at all possible. A vintage instrument will usually be worth the same or more if you need to sell, so you get to play free or even gain as an investment. Very few new instruments will do that unless you keep them for a very long time

[@daviddawson1718]

You sound like a hell of an artist

[@TraditionalToolworks]

This is quite late, but you posted this video on my Birthday, what year is not important. I used to own a vintage guitar store in Hollywood which has changed quite a bit since, but it took me to Japan for 5 years where I traded vintage guitars for music products. I have sold dozens of Martins as well as possibly a couple dozen Gibsons, a number of Washburns, etc...when I was in college I played a Martin 028-k for a few years, but those older single Os were not really designed to play modern steel strings. I played wound silk strings. It sounded great. However I never saved a Martin for myself, being primarily a bass player. The price does continue to go up, and maintenance on a Martin will always be something needed. With all that said, a friend kind of convinced me to look at modern boutique acoustics which I did. Last year I was taking an old Guild Mk. II (nylon string) in for repairs and there was a Bougeois OMC Custom, bear claw italian, fiddleback mahogany...and I casually strummed it as I walked by. I had looked at a couple Santa Cruz guitars, but more than I wanted to spend. I left the Guild and left. I hadn't pulled it from the wall to play it, intentionally as I was afraid of buying it...I went home and found it on their website, it's just a beautiful guitar. I always pictured myself on the porch, overlooking a lake, playing an old '50s D-18 with a 30-30 leaning against the house....not sure if that will be or not, as I pulled the trigger on the OMC Custom. What an amazing guitar, I can tune it and play it and leave it in the case for a week and it will still be in tune. It was strung with D'Addario phosphor bronze lights (12-53), I played 2 sets of those in the past year. I just put a set of custom lights on (11-52). Wow, they feel amazing, they sound great, I'm so happy with this guitar. It's not a Martin as I had been dreaming about, but Bourgeois makes an amazing guitar. I own #5701. Lastly, you mentioned Sept. 18th you were expecting. Not only is Sept. 8th my Birthday, but Sept. 18th is my daughters. Not sure when your son was born, you said that was the day you were expecting. That's the day Jimi Hendrix died, Sept. 18th 1970. My daughter was born on the same day 25 years later.

[@Constantstate]

Had an1959 Gibson J-50, it had such an amazing personality, and tone. Unfortunately had to sell it, still ad about it, I'll never replace it.

[@keithbernard1272]

I bought a 1920's Martin " 2 - 17", NEAR MINT, In its original cellular fiber case. $ 35 00 a couple weeks ago,😊 very little where had been stored away probably at least 50 to 60 years. I would love to install a pickup on it. I never experienced a guitar with such great overtones in hidden resonance within the complexity of its internal fidelity. I've been playing a 1915 King C Melody saxophone for years. Nothing modern compares to it!. In 1992 I restored a silvertone big star twin 12 combo amplifier. I modified it to Cascade the channels together and put a hidden master volume in the back. The best amp ever! ❤ For tone reverb authentic tremolo and sound. I've been playing music for 60 years now. I've owned many instruments. Have worked in vintage guitar stores have bought New and used guitars over the years. I always prefer to buy used, because they hold your investment value and if you know how to buy used you can also make money on them. I always play what feels right to me although I love some of those vintage instruments I use okay Harmony and you silvertones. Vintage guitars usually have better tone because the glue and would loosens up after they've been played for several years..

[@sbolfing]

Great topic! I honestly love both - and actually have my "Wish List" of both new and vintage guitars (including a couple of birth year guitars from 1956). Diversify your guitar-folio! Steve from Brazoria, TX

[@daltontaylor113]

New for this guy. I like to keep my action pretty low, regular adjustments and upkeep def favor new. For someone looking to get the most bang for their buck tonally, new/(used but modern) is the obvious choice. I actually like the cut the new guitars have before opening up. I play a 19' D18 and Collings D2H GSB. With all that said , I believe my end all would be 38' J-35. Till then its all about that TREBLE.

[@johnviolette5511]

Wait! How much money are you talking about when you say vintage? Is the vintage just an old guitar or is it something that you can no longer get and has substantial value over a new one? But, back to average Joe me, money and talent are hard to come by. So, new or used that fits my budget.

[@capohd28]

To me, vintage is an instrument that is old enough and valuable enough if that it stops losing value over time.

[@johnviolette5511]

JohnV in Raleigh. New vs Vintage. Remember the series with Matt? He is on the new side as am I. And yes, the first child is typically late. However my daughter arrived on the exact due date.

[@LuckyJack]

I love vintage guitars. However, I own a Martin D28 Marquis from 2013 which I purchased new in 2014. It is just lovely to be responsible for this wonderful instrument from day one: To get to witness the sound developing into maturity over the years, to watch the frets wearing down in areas where I play most of the time... Another good thing about the new Martin guitars: the feature an adjustable trussrod. The vintage ones don't. Depending on the area / climate you live in, this can make a huge difference. I'd still love to get a chance to own a vintage Martin, though. As T.P. stated: the history behind an old instrument...

[@sporter323]

I play Martin 0T-18s from the 60s and 50s. I also play a Gibson tenor and have two Harmony tenor guitars. I am drawn to vintage for the stories of their life and to push them forward to another life beyond me. My first Harmony is being restored with a neck reset, fingerboard replacement, and now binding. When I met this instrument it was so pitiful that I could not walk away from it. Sort of like looking at a dog in a kennel who needs to be adopted. I have put more money in it that I paid for it, but already it has a sweet voice. My first Martin tenor came from a man who accompanied at the Weiser (ID) Fiddle competitions and it shows. I am having it restored starting this week. It plays beautifully but the pickguard is lifting up and has not yet caused the "Martin crack". I love that it has belt buckle marks on the back. I am just sure it has seen many happy times. I am drawn to vintage typewriters and sewing machines for all the reasons of honoring heritage and wondering about the lives they led before I entered their picture! Loved your video.

[@sharontiano1348]

I will have to try that technique for learning songs

[@slpc30]

Awesome as always tony!!

[@petercoen]

'Old instruments are borrowed' as said by the people of 'German Vintage Guitar', could agree more. a lot of instruments come from wood that is harvested 100 years ago and dried slowly. It certainly isn't made of clearcut wood. I own a Framus Sorella 1962, a German jazzbox fixed by a luthier. Although I thinking of buying a new one too

[@MrJoeydano]

I bought the Furch And it’s as good as the Taylor Koa so easy to play with such beautiful wood . Now I will eventually buy a vintage guitar once I sell a few of my average guitars. So I would say I Love both Vintage and New but I’m not yet a guitarist and I’m old so retirement is close and I plan on trying till my Fingers Bleed !!!

[@neilcondon684]

Hope all goes well with your family baby I've got 7 best time ever Neil🤣

[@NEUROTICENIGMA]

Awesome shirt brother where did you get it?

[@seanheath5349]

#smallwin. Okay MASSIVE Win. Got accepted onto a bachelors degree for my songwriting!! Getting ever closer to me and my fiance living the dream and moving to Alberta! I love vintage guitars so much, but, I am always too nervous to play it live, thats why I had to reluctantly sell my 1953 D18

[@family4742]

1945 harmony sovereign h1203, x braced, truss rod fitted, new pin bridge, new tuners, neck reprofiled and finished, neck reset. beautiful guitar. Adirondack spruce top with honduras mahogany back and side and a solid piece neck

[@kbuncan8819]

Tony keep up the good work cant play for 3 months had sholder Sergey

[@BuckWicker]

Hey Tony, Great show, loved it. My thought is what you taught me, "What Guitar inspires you?". I honestly think that is a wise thought. The first "good" guitar I ever purchased I still have and I think qualifies as vintage, a Guild D25M which I bought in about 1975. It definitely not as vintage as its' owner as I am 68 years old. In 2004 it was dropped and broke the head stock. I took it to a Luthier and had it repaired. I still plays wonderfully as I get it out occasionally. I currently play an Alverez RD8C regularly. I am looking forward to a new Guitar a Martin D-35 Sunburst which is supposed to ship on Sept 26th and boy am I excited! So again what inspires you rather than the age of the guitar is what I think is important.

[@Indianawhiskeyandbourbon]

Man!!!! You've got an amazing guitar coming! You're going to love it, congratulations!

[@BuckWicker]

@@Indianawhiskeyandbourbon Thanks I've waited a long time. For a guy at my time of life a D35 is a Guitar of a lifetime.

[@matthewmcclure3181]

I know this is an older video but on the chance that you see this comment, did working in a music store have some impact on your previous aversion? I'm only guessing but I assume there would be an emphasis placed on selling newer guitars. On top of that you've probably seen a lot of vintage guitars come in for repairs and seen first hand just how few of them are in great shape with all original parts. I can understand why that 0-17 helped change your mind. I've got a 1929 0-17 and my guitar collection is roughly 50/50 modern vs. vintage. I rarely take the vintage ones out for gigs but I use them often for recording.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i've had a 66 J45 since the 70's, i've always wanted a slope shouldered J45 since i first heard people like mctell, renbourne, donovan and james taylor, et al, so i had to have one. i've always had a preference for pre 80's cars, guitars, and knick knacks in general. on the other hand i have a 2014 martin OOOX1 and a 2014 gibson J35 that sound every bit as good (actually the martin is the best guitar i ever owned or played, and i've had over fifty in the last few years). so, it comes down to personal preference, nothing wrong with old (in fact preserving old guitars is noble) and nothing wrong with new (it'll age whether you like it or not!!). 8:50 talking of pieces, i bought a 60's LG1 as soon as i got divorced (!) and although it had two really badly cleated cracks up the front it was the first guitar i had that i composed some half baked tunes on. i had dreams of opening a guitar shop so i was trading at the time and sold it on, at a nice profit, but regretted selling it immediately and told the buyer that i'd happily buy it back if he ever got bored with it. it came up on ebay about a year later, i bid was didn't win and apparently it got smashed to pieces on the way to it's new owner - i offered to buy the pieces but the guy thought i was kidding. the moral of the tale, if you love a guitar, hold onto it"!. as an aside, i've had quite a few guitars, like the LG1, that i got for a really good price and sold on, but now, five years later prices are getting to be about what they should be, rather than rock bottom bargains, i can think of at least six guitars i bought really, really cheap and sold at a small profit, that profit being eaten up by costs, but the same guitars are now worth thousands....

[@robinormond8129]

Vintage ( I own several from a 1890's washburn to a couple mid 30's Gibson F holes, to a mid 50's Gibson hog, to a bunch of Gurians (LOVE MY GURIANS!!!!), to a couple of Froggy Bottoms, to others in the 800's-2000 range. Love hand built instruments - especially my Gurians.... and the Washburn, of course. :)

[@MichaelMcBride58]

It’s vintage for me. It’s the stories they tell, the hands that have held them, the songs they’ve sung.

[@chrismurray2978]

For heaven's sake, it IS about the cost.In New Zealand we are lucky to see a vintage instrument at all.A brand new American strat(ordinary standard one) costs something like NZ$3000.In 1991 I was looking for an acoustic and came across a Guild D40 second hand for $1200. I played it for a while and when I looked up 1,1/2 hours had passed. I made some enquiries and a friend at the shop managed to get it for me for$800. I then had to spend$400 replacing the bridge plate etc. The guitar has literally fallen apart and I have been unable to get the neck reduced or the frets redone or the soundboard refinished due to lack of funds and have been playing a $400 second hand Takameni G series I bought as a spare.My second hand 57 reissue strat needs new bridge saddles and only my PRS bolt on classic electric and my Takameni are playable.A late 60's Marshall superlead I had for 15 years was stolen from me for a second time in the mid eighties and I was stupid enough to trade a perfectly good les Paul deluxe in a swap for a JCM 800 Marshall 100 in the 90's (which I ended up selling for only $700. I love acoustics and electrics but can't afford to own anything of that high quality probably ever again. I don't even own a car or house or even earn good money with three kids to feed, but I cringe inside when people blithely um and ahh about the relative merits of guitars in a league to which I can never aspire.Even Asian made instruments are pricey here; a good PRS SE still goes for around NZ$2000, so I sympathise with folks who can't decide between a US$3000 guitar or a more expensive vintage one( but I don't lose much sleep over it! No hard feelings, I still enjoy watching your videos and others.

[@KcSwinson]

I would love to get into vintage guitars. I think it will be something I get into in a few years, I’m just trying to get batter as a musician...I have a lot to learn

[@donmaclellan1479]

Tony were the original bridge pins on the martin 0-17 slotted or unslotted that he gave you?

[@jimdoner3443]

I love guitars, old,new, perfect specimens, fixer uppers. But I only like certain brands, Taylor,Martin, Gibson, Guild, Gretch, Peavy, Fender, Jackson, PRS, Takemine, Yamaha, Epiphone, Furch, Santa Cruz, The Heritage, Ainesis, Silvertone, Kay, Seagul, Harmony, Crestwood, kramer, Collings, B.C.Rich, Cordoba, Madeira, Cromwell, Dean, Johnson, Mule, National, Bourgois, Emerald, Dillion, My Tom and Jerry guitar from 1964 (talk about vintage man did I love that thing, I was 3.), Breedlove, Larivee, Horner, Washburn, Ovation, Orville, Crimson, Faith, etc.

[@Chricão-05]

I prefer the sound of vintage guitars, but I have a question, what makes a guitar sound better the time it was played or the time it was manufactured?

[@a1969rocker2]

I have both types and like both. It depends on what sound I am looking for and what is available in my budget.

[@stevezelik9535]

Love the videos Tony! Keep'em coming!

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

Hey cowboy

[@stevezelik9535]

@@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward Hey Junk, how goes it?

[@anonymohipp9097]

Thank you! Love the videos!

[@Mike-hr6jz]

I have both ,the tone of vintage guitars is something you cannot get without the age .but some of the new guitars ,the action the feel ,the tone is definitely superior because of the techniques in building newer instruments has gotten way more fine tuned .so though I like both from a practical and having more bells and whistle‘s .new is just a little better But if you are a Tone head .And you have to have a specific tone for a song .you may only be able to get it with vintage. This was a very good enlightening video thank you

[@petergoddard1960]

I have a vintage American Stratocaster that i've owned since new. Best of both worlds. I still have my first (classical) guitar that I've owned since 1971. I also have a vintage Dan Armstrong London all mahogany that i've owned since 1975. Oh, I guess that means I'm vintage too.

[@dannyclark1223]

I like both. New snd vintage

[@warrenkrivoniak7374]

Tony is that your Spiderman suit down there in the box? Congrats on the New Arrival. Pancakes for everyone. I owned a 1950 Gibson J-45. Awesome tone and vibe. Had to sell to pay the mortgage. Sad. 😎🍨

[@septimiusseverus165]

Hey Tone! Could you help us find the key to a song? Or is it part of an already existing course?

[@alexkirtley6105]

Vintage all the way, my main guitar is a late '67 or early '68 Gibson J-50, bought it original though a bit beaten up, put a pickup in it, and converted it to a fixed saddle and it's no stranger to a gig now, also got a '60 Gibson LG-0 with a Dearmond soundhole pickup which apparently jammed with Norah Jones in a New York City basement club once, and my main (only) electric is a '62 Gretsch single anniversary, a few others but those are the main trio

[@EBLOCK1995]

I much prefer vintage. I have a 1971 Gibson J40 and it is wonderful

[@tylerdixon6009]

There is a harmony h165 mahogany guitar I’m thinking of buying but idk if it’s a good buy

[@ron1ndon]

I’m a new guitar person but I won’t turn down a vintage guitar if the timing is right. I’ve got a couple used guitars, the older one being from 1985, not sure if that qualifies as vintage 😅, but the rest were bought new.

[@elizabethholloway3244]

Vintage for me has such depth and resonance

[@Revansstuntdouble]

I am a new used guitsr lover. I like buying used guitars, but own only one vintage. I buy used because you can find amazing deals and save a ton of money. "He who buys first is he who cries first." -not sure who said that.

[@cherylwindsor283]

I have a Acoustic Carlos Guitar. I’m wanting to redo the Case to my Personality. What do you recommend for padding, glue/adhesive (for the fabric lining, and most of all the fabric?

[@steventrautman7839]

Love vintage...what do you have for sale martin,gibson ect...? Thank you

[@michelle-psl4441]

I really don't know what "vintage" means. I used to buy and well antiques, and, depending your training, it might mean at least 75 years old, or at least 100 years old. Vintage is kind of a fuzzy word. But to answer the question, I currently prefer a new guitar, even though I love antiques and might actually enjoy playing a restored vintage guitar. Just have not had the opportunity.

[@charlesbolton8471]

“Vintage” as used in regards to guitars is a little different than other items and definitely “a fuzzy word” as you say. I started playing guitar in the late 80s as “vintage” guitars were gaining in popularity and highly desirable ones were starting to reaching astronomical prices. In the late 80s/early 90s, guitar dealers considered vintage guitars to be ones that were at least 25 years old. So, in 1990 a 25 year old guitar would be from 1965 which for Fender was early in the CBS era and for Gibson it was a period that the iconic Les Paul was no longer in production having been replaced by the SG. People buying vintage guitars were more interested in the electric guitars from the 50s. Most guitar players and dealers in the late 80s/early 90s felt that the 25 years or older to be considered vintage was a rolling 25 years (ie. 1970 guitars would vintage in 1995, 1975 in 2000, 1980 in 2005, etc.). Prices on older guitars and desirability of older guitars has increased with people following that formula. However, I think that the increase in price and desirability post 1965 is simply because people who couldn’t afford the high prices of 50s/early 60s Fenders and Gibsons started buying late 60s models which drove up demand and prices then when prices got too high for average people they moved on to 70s, 80s, etc. Now following the 25 year old rule that would now put vintage at 1995 and older. There is very little that is special about mass produced guitars from the 90s. The 90s were definitely a successful period for the guitar industry. In support of my opinion, I have seen recent videos that George Gruhn has made where even he backs away from the 25 year old is vintage concept. He points out that each major guitar company has its own “Golden Age”: Fender-pre CBS, Gibson-1950/early 60s for electrics and 1920s/30s for acoustic guitars (and mandolins, etc.), Martin-pre WWII. He also says that we are currently in another “Golden Age” for the entire stringed instrument industry because of new technology that makes the process of instrument building more consistent across the board, and allows for high quality instruments to produced any where in the world and made available at a price for every budget. I definitely trust his opinion.

[@kjgas6945]

Good show thank you Tony

[@BLAKEISHart]

for me im seriously looking for the one i enjoy playing the most.

[@doukdouk2550]

You will find it soon!

[@fernandoayala2477]

For live gigs I enjoy new guitars 2019 Gibson Sg . Best song written at home or studio 1966 telecastor Vintage!!

[@kenevans457]

I have a 1952 Gibson L2 love it... but, it needs some love.... I don't have a problem with finding a good tech to get it back up to snuff... but... it is the $ to get it there.... as I could buy a new one for the same cost...

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

I would love to own a vintage guitar! It would be cool if it were a smaller body guitar. A Guild M-20 or Martin 0 or 00-17 would be cool. I know it would get played so much! But, right now I’m happy for new guitar day! I have a box sitting across from me in the kitchen right now. It’s my birthday guitar I bought for myself. It’s a Recording King Series 11 RDS-FE3 TBR Brown burst. I have some Santa Cruz Medium tension strings that I can’t wait to hear on it!! 🙂😊🙃🤟🏽

[@acadianflatpicker]

Would love a vintage or even relic guitars like the PreWar Company. Might not ever happen but pretty happy with my D35, J45, GS Mini, 2 Nashville Teles and my Gretch double cut Jet. :P

[@ragingfloridagrass172]

100% vintage here. Just got my grandfathers harmony h 106 b playing and it blows me away every time I hear the tone. It was given to him by a family friend brand new in the 70s. Seen plenty of smoky bars and whiskey jars. Not many of it's kind. Looks just like Johnny cases black martin. Played a 6grand martin at my luithers shop and it didn't have anything on my grandpa's at the time 70$. Gift guitar.

[@keithbernard1272]

I have a Harmony Hollywood with a dearman gold foil pickup it's incredible. I love the full range of tone I get out of it especially the deep space and clear high-end. I just recently purchased a silver tone archtop for $40. And then 2 Days later. I bought a 1920's Martin " 2 - 17", NEAR MINT, In its original cellular fiber case. $ 35 00 😊 very little where had been stored away probably at least 50 to 60 years. I would love to install a pickup on it. I never experienced a guitar with such great overtones in hidden resonance within the complexity of its internal fidelity. I've been playing a 1915 King C Melody saxophone for years. Nothing modern compares to it!. In 1992 I restored a silvertone big star twin 12 combo amplifier. I modified it to Cascade the channels together and put a hidden master volume in the back. The best amp ever! ❤ For tone reverb authentic tremolo and sound. I've been playing music for 60 years now. I've owned many instruments. Have worked in vintage guitar stores have bought New and used guitars over the years. I always prefer to buy used, because they hold your investment value and if you know how to buy used you can also make money on them. I always play what feels right to me although I love some of those vintage instruments I use okay Harmony and you silvertones. Vintage guitars usually have better tone because the glue and would loosens up after they've been played for several years..

[@reddogdude]

I like the IDEA of vintage but don’t know a luthier that I would trust to help me repair/maintain the vintage. For me right now, it’s gotta be new.

[@charlescluck4054]

I certainly appreciate the vintage guitars, but I elected to buy a new guitar, that will, I expect, be a vintage classic in time ... a limited edition Billy Strings dreadnought by Preston Thompson Guitars. First owner in the history that will be built around this instrument, one that will be played a hundred years from now - that appeals to me !

[@texhaines9957]

#? Tony, did you get a Calton Case for this vintage guitar?

[@willtopper]

Does my 1968 Framus Texan 12 String Count as a Vintage ? Got her used when she was a 1 year old infant in 1969, She has lots of stories . She sounds best when married to Ernie Ball ;)

[@dallasblues74]

Vintage for me. Specifically my ‘31 National Style O! I do like new guitars too though.

[@Daddonite]

I have only ever played my 1970ish Ventura V-10 bought for my father by my late mother before I was born. He never learned to play. Like-new vintage.

[@guidodezwaan]

Hehe my guitar i bought in 2015, which was built in 2012, will get vintage eventually.

[@MarkSD]

Building a relationship with a luthier sounds expensive.

[@brunolalanne9106]

A good luthier should put client's interest first. If not, find another one.

[@zolotones1046]

None of my guitars are older than 1970 but I much prefer guitars with adjustable truss rods (in Martin's case post-1985) to avoid an expensive neck reset for longer than the with vintage.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Another Fine Acoustic Life T Tony and Kind Thanks! I did make a comment on you're,ail about vintage vs new. Plus I was thinking just today, I wonder if Whitney and you might consider changing Emerson's name to, Martin Taylor Gibson Polecastro? Just a thought of course but talk about a geeky name, eh? Congratulations to Whitney and You on your son's soon entrance into a Fine and Loving Family! Love, Light, Peace and Music! DaveyJO in Pa. ps What will be the first music little Emerson shall Hear? Will it be Daddy?

[@EduGuimaraes84]

Please, do a review of the martin 000jr-10e

[@jankinz4206]

Absolutely the instrument I want

[@pameladiez4933]

I love both.depends how the artist feels.vintage,and new.different shapes and sizes,and colors.love your sunburst.very beautiful.if I was on an island, definitely German beer.🤪🤑🥳😁😂👍🥨🍺

[@BLAKEISHart]

would you rather have 1 guitar sized uke, or 100 uke sized guitars?

[@luise8701]

Considering how much are Yamaha Guitaleles worth, I’d get the hundred guitaleles and sell them all.

[@briang768]

Since I am struggling financially, I have neither. I buy used. Guitars are like new cars they depreciate the moment one buys it. Also I am old enough to understand that the vintage marketplace arose during the Dark Ages when the traditional manufacturers weren't producing their best instruments. Today, we are in the Golden Age of guitars. The one advantage of vintage guitars is that they probably had superior sources of tone woods than current new guitars. My advice is play whatever one wants. P.S. Tony, are you a fan of Son of Svengoolie?

[@charlesbolton8471]

You are definitely right about the vintage industry forming in the the Dark Ages of the major brands. I also agree that now is a new Golden Age of guitars. We can buy consistently well made guitars in every price range, but I do wonder what today’s new guitars will sound and feel like 30+ years from now.

[@samnooney]

I just picked up a 1950s era Harmony acoustic about a week ago. I have been playing new guitars and this is my first vintage guitar and I love it so much more than anything new I have played.

[@rayrodriguez8447]

I've never played a vintage guitar. I'd love to, though. So at this time I don't have a preference.

[@davewinstead5871]

I only have new guitars, of course they are all Gibsons as you may remember but I've always wanted a vintage Martin, at least after I met you. The price is a bit prohibitive though. Sheriff Dave.

[@paullanier8280]

Hi Sheriff Dave, save up. You'll thank me later.

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

A solid wood guitar has to be broken in and seasoned with lots of playing in order for the wood to sound good so vintage is better IF it has been played a lot. A vintage guitar that was only laying in the attic for decades is not special. However at my budget level I can only dream of having a nice playable guitar vintage or not. That"s truly a motivational problem when you know that at the end of the day its simply money what you need. Good instruments are SO expensive and in my humble opinion way overpriced as companies know rich professional musicians don't look at the price tag. Lucky if your parents are musicians and pass theirs unto you. A have a 30+ yrs old Yamaha and an Ibanez. Don't like them a bit but have no choice to continue to play with them. Martin? Taylor? Dream.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Man, the low-end Martins and Taylor aren't very good, but for 500 to $700 you can get a killer guitar these days. Solid wood, the whole bit. Yamaha LS6, (or LL), Guild Westerly OM-120, Epiphone Masterbilt, Breedlove has some really nice acoustics in that price range...Good Luck on your hunt!

[@bryanburdick2508]

Well be honest how much was it $ broken and how much did you pay?

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

New, making my own history

[@genew1567]

Thats really great if you can afford one, not for me

[@tinman8518]

Hey Tony, my birthday is September 23, I'd be honored if your wife could wait five days. LOL

[@ANIND123]

comming from the violin world i prefer vintage, my violin is over 100 years old and all the cracks, imperfections [i caused some :(] add to the sound and make it lovely