The BEST hard shell case for Gibson LG-1, LG-2, LG-3, LG-0, & B-25!

The BEST hard shell case for Gibson LG-1, LG-2, LG-3, LG-0, & B-25!

I get this question a lot: What is the best replacement hard shell case for my vintage Gibson LG-2, B-25, LG-1, LG-3, or LG-0? There are a lot of good replacement hard shell cases out there but my favorite for small body Gibson guitars is the Silver Creek Classical size case. While it may say "classical", it seems to be taylor made for the Gibson LG body and neck shape. It has a great fit, offers excellent neck support, and is light weight. I don't even feel the need to add extra padding…Read more
“Should I buy a tweed Fender Champ if I already have a blackface Champ?”

“Should I buy a tweed Fender Champ if I already have a blackface Champ?”

I recently received this question from a friend: "Hey John, As my most trusted source on music equipment, can you help me understand if I should purchase a tweed fender champ?  I already have a 1965 blackface champ.  Am I incorrect in thinking the tones will be worlds apart? --Friend" I'm flattered! I've narrowed my focus for vintage amps largely on clean examples from Fender recently because of the intersection of their prevalence here in the US and desirability. Champs are some of the most fun because they are simple, affordable, and can…Read more
The 2018 Vintage Guitar Price Guide

The 2018 Vintage Guitar Price Guide

We've just received Vintage Guitar Magazine's Price Guide for 2018 and have been pouring over the data. We've used the Price Guide for the past 6 years or so to add another data point to our pricing calculation when we're preparing a listing for any vintage guitar. Do you have one? Maybe one from a few years back? It's time to update your guide: Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2018 on Amazon. If you buy through that link then you'll pay Amazon's lowest price and I'll get a little kickback for directing you there.…Read more
True Vintage Guitar on The Fire Escape Podcast!

True Vintage Guitar on The Fire Escape Podcast!

Want to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at True Vintage Guitar? Check out the latest episode from The Fire Escape podcast wherein we discuss early mistakes like getting shocked by unserviced two prong amplifiers in my dorm room in college but also recent triumphs like booking a one way ticket to Reno, NV to buy a rare 1959 Fender Twin (painted brown of course) from a sweet songwriter lady in the middle of the desert. You can find more information on The Fire Escape at fireescapepod.com! https://soundcloud.com/fireescapepod/13-john-shults-true-vintage-guitarRead more
The Fender Telecaster: 1969

The Fender Telecaster: 1969

By 1969, the Telecaster model had been relegated to fifth place on the price list for standard solid body electric guitars. The top of the line Jaguar was offered at $429.50 but a standard Telecaster with Rosewood fretboard could be purchased for almost half that at $269.50. It's possible that the Jaguar and Jazzmaster's high prices helped kill their popularity in the 1970s while the Telecaster shined as one of Fender's flagship designs and helped keep the company afloat. As the Telecaster's popularity surged in the late 1960s, Fender started developing unique variations…Read more
Gibson’s ES-335 from 1958 to 1968

Gibson’s ES-335 from 1958 to 1968

The folks at Gibson didn't think very highly of Leo Fender's Esquire solid body electric guitar introduced at the 1950 National Association of Music Merchants show. It looked rather crude compared to the nicely appointed archtop electric guitars made by Gibson and Epiphone that were popular with the Jazz and Big Band guitar players of the time. The almost instant commercial success of the guitar changed Gibson's mind and enter the market for solid body electric guitars with the Les Paul Model in 1952. The 1950s saw many innovations in the Les Paul…Read more
Fender’s Thinline Telecaster

Fender’s Thinline Telecaster

The recently purchased Fender company was noticing some complaints about one of their most popular models in 1967: the Telecaster was gaining weight. High quality (read: light weight) Ash to make guitar bodies was becoming scarce while the heavier stuff was readily available. Legendary German guitar designer Roger Rossmeisel was then employed at Fender and set out to design a guitar that could utilize the more abundant (heavy) Ash and yet not break the player's back. Rossmeisel's first design was to route away body material underneath the pickguard. The modification was completely hidden…Read more
Gibson’s ES-330 from 1959 to 1969

Gibson’s ES-330 from 1959 to 1969

The 1950s ushered in an entirely new music scene in the United States - the war was over, production was growing, and prosperity followed suit. The big bands of the 1940s gave way to smaller three or four piece outfits whose amplifier technology allowed them to fill dance halls that new sound - rock and roll. Gibson took notice of Fender's growing success with the 1950 Broadcaster then Telecaster guitar debuted their own solid body in 1952. But Gibson was the king of arch top guitars after winning the battle and eventually buying…Read more
Gibson Firebird III non-Reverse in rare Frost Blue!

Gibson Firebird III non-Reverse in rare Frost Blue!

Gibson's Firebird range of guitars consisted of four trim levels and one major body style change in 1965. The trim levels mirrored that of the Les Paul line where the I = Junior, II = Special, V = Standard, and VII = Custom. The initial Firebird run utilized a revolutionary neck through body design but the entire line was updated in 1965 to an easier to manufacture standard neck joint similar to the joint on an SG. The body shape was also changed to what was essentially the mirror image of the original.…Read more
1966 Fender Jaguar – Lake Placid Blue!

1966 Fender Jaguar – Lake Placid Blue!

This was a really special guitar that came through the shop last year: an early 1966 Fender Jaguar in custom color Lake Placid Blue. Although it was missing the original case, it was in spectacular condition with all original finish and parts. It showed no evidence of prior repair and required only light cleaning and set up. Fender's Jaguar model debuted in 1962 at the top of the electric guitar line, only four years after the Jazzmaster's introduction. It featured an offset body shape slightly modified from the Jazzmaster, 24" scale neck, two…Read more