New but old pawn shop guitar treasures
OK, we love this essay by Jol Dantzig at PremierGuitar.com, but nowhere does he tell what the prices of these “pawn shop treasures” have gotten to. Just that they are up.
Music to our ears.
The times are certainly a-changin’, with inexpensive department store guitars of the ’60s (like this vintage Danelectro) becoming highly collectible.
The headline is:
Esoterica Electrica: Pawnshop Plywood Chic Comes of Age
It’s all about the collectibility — and even musical desirability — of cheap guitars from Sears and similar places. Dantzig says:
Additionally, economics have been shifting the landscape around us. The handmade, classic instruments made from old-growth woods have been steadily climbing in price since the 1970s, and modern recreations aren’t inexpensive either. It’s difficult to find a 1950s or ’60s instrument for a working musician’s wage unless you turn to student guitars from the likes of Silvertone, Harmony, and Kay. But wait, you say they’re making those guitars again? The “mystery wood” warriors of yesteryear have increased in value to the point where new production is viable.
Well, we learn something new everyday. Until reading this, our pawnbrokers would not have considered a ’60s-era Silvertone electric, but now we know better. If you have one, we’ll make an offer and try to find it a good home with some impecunious bluesman or -woman.
#maui #maui music