Joe Bonamassa, a respected guitarist and collector, recently shared his advice on purchasing guitars, especially vintage models. In a recent interview with Guitarist, Bonamassa urged guitarists not to follow trends or buy instruments simply for their potential future value.
Bonamassa, who owns a vast collection of vintage guitars housed in his “Nerdville” guitar museum, has a wealth of experience when it comes to gear shopping. He believes the key to buying a guitar is personal connection, not investment potential.
During the interview, Bonamassa said guitar players should avoid the temptation to follow the crowd when making purchases. While some instruments are more popular or trendy than others, chasing these trends can lead to disappointment in the long run. He explained:
“In almost 50 years of being around guitars, I’ve learned that keeping up with the Joneses isn’t the right approach. At some point, you’ll realize you don’t like what everyone else is doing.”
He continued by advising guitarists to buy instruments that resonate with them personally, rather than focusing on what might impress others. Bonamassa emphasized that if a guitar inspires you to play, it doesn’t matter what it’s worth or what brand is stamped on the headstock.
He explained the ideal experience of owning a guitar:
“You pick up the guitar, and it inspires you to play. You lose yourself in the music for hours. That’s the guitar you want.”
Bonamassa stressed that players should focus on the sound and feel of an instrument, not the opinions of others. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional musician, he suggested finding gear that suits your own musical style and enhances your playing.
Vintage Guitars: Trust Your Gut, Not the Price Tag
When it comes to shopping for vintage guitars, Bonamassa advises that knowledge is essential. However, he also emphasized the importance of trusting your instincts. He suggested asking knowledgeable people for advice and taking your time when shopping for rare instruments.
“The more you know and the more questions you ask, the better. But also trust your gut. Your instincts are your best friend,” Bonamassa shared.
Although some vintage guitars have skyrocketed in value, Bonamassa cautioned against viewing them solely as investments. He noted that guitars can lose value over time, and warned guitarists not to focus too much on resale price.
“Never think of a vintage guitar as an investment. Don’t brag about its potential value. There may come a time when these guitars are worth nothing. When that happens, you’ll have to ask yourself: ‘Am I still happy with it?’ If the answer is yes, then you’ve bought the right guitar.”
Bonamassa’s message was clear: buy the guitar that speaks to you, not the one that will impress others or make a quick profit.
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