Vintage and Rare Gibson's: Aged or Near Mint Condition?

Like the SG post you may be wondering about other Gibson's that are vintage and rare.

1958 Gibson Flying V in mint condition

For example that 1958 Flying V up there. That is in mint condition, but what if it was aged? how much would it be? Would it be less? Should i restore it?

1958 Gibson Explorer w/ Bigsby Trem. in mint condition

It's the same situation as the Flying V with this explorer. Well it depends what kind of age there is. If there is minimal wearing down on places where a person's arm is, it's OK. The value of the guitar is still pretty high. If the finish is completely chipped off or close to it a restoration might be in order and lower the value of the guitar.

Original 1952 Gibson Les Paul

Well what about a 1952 Les Paul? What if the finish is really worn, there are nicks every where, the thing looks like a mess. The value of it will still be pretty high. I once read an article about a man who bought a 1952 Les Paul in like 1956 at a pawn shop. It was in OK condition and the guy never picked it up, he left it under his bed for 40 or 50 years. He brought it at a auction for an appraisal and said it was valued to be $20,000-$30,000. The reason why the appraisal was so high was because it was the ORIGINAL finish on and it wasn't restored at all.

1959 Gibson EMS 1235

One of the rarest Gibson's of all time the Gibson EMS 1235. Since this guitar/mandolin has such a limited quantity, it is rare to find this guitar in any way aged except for maybe the white one in the middle of the picture, showing the white finish darkened into a creme.
I hope this informed you just alittle bit more in showing you about gettting mint or aged vintage and rare guitars.

leave a comment or a question