Paul Brett – Collecting Vintage Acoustic Guitars
The guitar is probably the worlds best known musical instrument. Or maybe a drum should hold that particular accolade. There is probably not a single adult in the world who doesn’t know what a guitar is.
One thing that makes guitars so appealing is their accessibility. Unlike a Piano, or a drum kit, a guitar is portable and almost anyone can pick one up. But creating a tune on a guitar can be a struggle.
I’ve met some exceptionally talented people who, within weeks of picking up a guitar, were good enough to start a band and begin to gig. But many guitarists are like me, they’ve played for many years but they’re still learning.
But these are the reasons why people get so enthusiastic about guitars. There is always something new to learn, new instruments to try and new gizmos to play with. Learning to play the guitar is a massively rewarding hobby but be warned, it can take over your life.
In recent years I’ve become something of a guitar collector. I am a lover of vintage resonator guitars. These are a form of acoustic guitar that uses a resonator cone made of spun allumnium to give the guitar extra volume. The design originates from the early part of the 20th century before electronic amplification became commonplace. The resonator guitar sound is very much the sound of early blues.
If you’re already a guitarist or if you know any guitarists you will understand how obsessive they can be. Playing guitar, collecting guitars, listening to guitar music and going to gigs to see guitarists play can often take over their lives. And if you are unfortunate enough to have a guitar playing wife, husband, boyfriend or girlfriend you may find yourself feeling that you are less important than their obsession with guitars.
