Guitars have their roots in the stringed instruments of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians as well as the ancient central Asian instruments that ranged from three to five strings. The four-course string guitar with four pairs of strings, or eight strings total, became popular in most of Europe by the Renaissance. The five-course string chitarra and the first music written for guitar appeared in Spain in the 1500s. Six courses of strings appeared on the guitarra battente of Italy in the 1600s, and this instrument was subsequently altered to use six single strings.

The modern classical guitar was developed by Spanish guitarmaker Antonio Torres around 1850. Guitar size and shape has not changed since Torres' innovations. The arch-top guitar was introduced by Orville Gibson in 1894. Steel strings for guitars became available to the public around 1900. The electric guitar was introduced in the '20s in response to the popularity of Hawaiian music. The solid-body electric guitar was developed in the late '30s and '40s.

The value of a vintage guitar is determined by several factors. Condition dictates value, with guitars in excellent condition commanding the highest prices. Value drops off steeply for guitars in good or fair condition. Rarity also factors into value, as does age. For some guitar models, however, the year they were made can reduce the value. Provenance also factors in to the value of vintage guitars. A guitar played by a famous musician or one that has historical importance will sell for a much higher price than a guitar of the same model without provenance.

Quick Facts

• Kent was an importer of guitars in the United States during the '60s. Collectors find Kent guitars to be an affordable way to acquire classic '60s instruments
• A man in Missouri currently owns a personal collection of over 3,000 guitars, banjos, ukuleles, zithers, and other similar instruments. The man's collection was featured on an episode of "Billy Connolly's Route 66"
• Guitars owned or played by famed guitar player Eric Clapton are highly desired by collectors. Clapton's Fender Stratocaster Blackie guitar is currently valued at $959,500