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Guitars

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

Recommended Items at Auction

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Black Martin DCPA5 Acoustic Electric Guitar
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Black Martin DCPA5 Acoustic Electric Guitar
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$16012 Bids
Ktaxon Black Flame Design Electric Bass Guitar
Jun 21, 10:00 AM MST
Ktaxon Black Flame Design Electric Bass Guitar
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$557 Bids
A cased 1950's Isana Sunburst acoustic guitar in hard case (L:104cm)
Jun 26, 1:00 PM AEST
A cased 1950's Isana Sunburst acoustic guitar in hard case (L:104cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD500- AUD1,000
AUD2406 Bids
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Tokai Acoustic Guitar
Jun 25, 5:00 PM EDT
Tokai Acoustic Guitar
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$45 Bids
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Vintage Sears Wing Ding Big Sound Guitar
Jun 21, 9:00 AM CDT
Vintage Sears Wing Ding Big Sound Guitar
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$152 Bids
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Rogue Electric Acoustic Guitar
Jun 25, 5:00 PM EDT
Rogue Electric Acoustic Guitar
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$42 Bids
Vintage Ventura Dove Lawsuit V-23S Acoustic Guitar, Japan Matsomoku, 1970s
Jun 23, 7:00 PM EDT
Vintage Ventura Dove Lawsuit V-23S Acoustic Guitar, Japan Matsomoku, 1970s
by Kensington Estate Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$1102 Bids
Dave & Busters Strat Style 6-String Electric Guitar
Jun 21, 10:00 AM MST
Dave & Busters Strat Style 6-String Electric Guitar
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$202 Bids
Yamaha FG-200 Acoustic Guitar
Jul 05, 9:30 AM EDT
Yamaha FG-200 Acoustic Guitar
by Rafael Osona Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1001 Bid
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1960s Harmony Acoustic Guitar
Jun 26, 10:00 AM EDT
1960s Harmony Acoustic Guitar
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$11 Bid
Willem Model WE30 Child's Guitar
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Willem Model WE30 Child's Guitar
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Vintage Gagliano West Germany 680 6-String Guitar
Jun 26, 12:00 PM EDT
Vintage Gagliano West Germany 680 6-String Guitar
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $500- $1,000
$500 Bids
Vogga 6-String Acoustic Student Guitar
Jun 26, 12:00 PM EDT
Vogga 6-String Acoustic Student Guitar
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $200- $300
$500 Bids
Strunel Half Size 6-String Guitar Model No. 5453
Jun 26, 12:00 PM EDT
Strunel Half Size 6-String Guitar Model No. 5453
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $200- $300
$500 Bids
Korean Made Acoustic 6-String Guitar
Jun 26, 12:00 PM EDT
Korean Made Acoustic 6-String Guitar
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $200- $300
$500 Bids
Classic Acoustic Guitar
Jun 26, 12:00 PM EDT
Classic Acoustic Guitar
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
An Encore Electric Guitar with a Kustom Small Amp - 28 x 25cm.
Jun 24, 10:00 AM BST
An Encore Electric Guitar with a Kustom Small Amp - 28 x 25cm.
by Cadmore Auctions
Est: £50- £100
£500 Bids
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Sumatran Hasapi two string guitar
Jun 29, 12:00 PM AEST
Sumatran Hasapi two string guitar
by Lugosi Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD90- AUD120
AUD900 Bids
Flea Red Hot Chili Peppers Signed Autograph Electric Guitar RHCP Beckett COA
Jun 23, 2:00 PM EDT
Flea Red Hot Chili Peppers Signed Autograph Electric Guitar RHCP Beckett COA
by The Written Word Autographs
Est: $2,500- $3,000
$1,0000 Bids
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Samick 6 string acoustic guitar
Jun 21, 3:00 PM EDT
Samick 6 string acoustic guitar
by Heritage Antiques & Auction
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids
Andy Tielman Owned Custom-Built PreVal Cherryburst Telecaster Style Electric Guitar with Case
Jun 28, 11:00 AM CEST
Andy Tielman Owned Custom-Built PreVal Cherryburst Telecaster Style Electric Guitar with Case
by Dutch Auction Company
Est: €1,000- €1,500
€5000 Bids
Andy Tielman Stage Used 2008 "The Shadows" Burns Apache Black Guitar with Hard Case & 2 Photo Prints
Jun 28, 11:00 AM CEST
Andy Tielman Stage Used 2008 "The Shadows" Burns Apache Black Guitar with Hard Case & 2 Photo Prints
by Dutch Auction Company
Est: €4,000- €6,000
€2,0000 Bids
VINTAGE GENE AUTRY GUITAR FROM EMENEE MUSICAL TOYS
Jun 28, 7:00 PM EDT
VINTAGE GENE AUTRY GUITAR FROM EMENEE MUSICAL TOYS
by Chamberlain Auction Gallery
Est: $300- $400
$700 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Guitars


Greenwich Auction

Greenwich Auction

Dutch Auction Company

Dutch Auction Company

William Smith Auctions

William Smith Auctions

Apple Tree Auction Center

Apple Tree Auction Center