After The Gold Rush
Guitarist|January 2019

We join Dan Orkin of Reverb.com to find out more about the current state of the vintage-guitar market and hear his expert tips on how to get a great deal on your next second-hand or vintage guitar – and avoid expensive mistakes…

Jamie Dickson
After The Gold Rush
As content director for online marketplace Reverb.com, Dan Orkin has his finger on the pulse of the vintage market. Here, he explains how to get a good deal on a fine old guitar – without getting burnt.

How is the vintage guitar market at the moment? Is it a good time to buy vintage?

“Generally speaking, the vintage market has been relatively flat for the past few years. There are always going to be flare-ups in particular areas of interest, or trends that come and go. But, as far as opportunities for a general buyer go, it’s not a bad time to be looking. It’s not like things are overpriced, as they have been at certain periods in the past. There are a lot of good opportunities out there. That would be my first high-level observation.”

What’s the best approach if you’re interested in buying online?

“The general things that apply to buying anything used, especially online but in person too, are obviously applicable to guitar-buying. Reading every bit of description, looking at every picture, getting the sense of what you’re getting into when considering a vintage purchase – that’s square one.

“With Reverb, for example, we make it easy to communicate with the seller and open up a dialogue before making a bid. Ask questions, ask for clarification, try to engage the seller in an open relationship there. What we find is that the people who are into vintage guitars generally love talking about it, and they’re usually very passionate about it – and they’ve bought that guitar for a reason.

Esta historia es de la edición January 2019 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición January 2019 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GUITARISTVer todo
Sonic Shaper
Guitarist

Sonic Shaper

Electro-Harmonix revisits the effect that launched the company with the LPB-3 Linear Power Booster and EQ

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
Platinum Blonde
Guitarist

Platinum Blonde

PRS has updated its Texas-voiced David Grissom signature amp with more features, lower wattage and a more approachable price tag

time-read
5 minutos  |
October 2024
TAN LINES
Guitarist

TAN LINES

Many of us regard straps as a bit of an afterthought, but to find one that matches the quality of a custom or vintage guitar, Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather can help

time-read
7 minutos  |
October 2024
ELECTRIC STRINGS
Guitarist

ELECTRIC STRINGS

Your tone starts with your strings - strike a balance between sound, tuning and durability with six of our favourites

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
DIFFERENT WINDS
Guitarist

DIFFERENT WINDS

While there's no end to repros of all the classic pickup styles, more and more pickup makers are mixing things up to move forward - Cream T is a good example

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
Long termers
Guitarist

Long termers

A few months' gigging, recording and everything that goes with it - welcome to Guitarist's longterm test report

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
Top Guns
Guitarist

Top Guns

Chapman's new factory move coincides with a bit of a rethink. We track down the key players all around the world

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
the Wishlist
Guitarist

the Wishlist

Dream gear to beg, borrow and steal for...

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
Reach For The Star
Guitarist

Reach For The Star

Earlier this year Guild reorganised its 70s-era Polara range. We spent some time with this mid-range 2024 model: a modern pawn-shop prize or a copy too far?

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
HIGH FLYER
Guitarist

HIGH FLYER

Adrian Thorpe of ThorpyFX remembers the flight path - and turbulence behind Chris Buck's Electric Lightning overdrive/boost, named after a fighter jet and packing a bona fide valve

time-read
6 minutos  |
October 2024