Imperial Vintage Guitars
Vintage instruments, honestly represented
What comes across the bench, and what it tells us. Instruments, history, and the details that decide what something is worth.
30 entries · filtered
The Fender Esquire is the design that defined Fender’s legendary status in the world of electric guitars. Born in the early days of the company, this instrument is truly the one that started it all for Fender, and would captivate players and music fans with its...
Tweed Fenders, blackface Fenders, plexi Marshalls, the AC30, and the names behind them — plus what we check before an amp earns floor space.
What we tell first-time vintage buyers about budget, originality, and the questions to ask before money changes hands.
The case, era and condition shorthand used in Imperial Vintage Guitars listings, decoded with what each term means for a guitar's value.
Pre-CBS means a Fender built before CBS bought the company in January 1965 — here is what changed at the factory, what the premium pays for, and what the term...
The Gibson Flying V is one of those designs unlike anything else out there. It’s a guitar so iconic that you might even recognize it if you’re completely unfamiliar with...
In continuing our exploration into the vast world of pickups, we’ve only just scratched the surface. While it’s crucial to cover the basic and most common designs, some pickups were...
ToneMaster” Thompson Fender Artist Series guitars stand as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between artists and their instruments. These guitars, bearing the names of iconic musicians, are not just...
ToneMaster” Thompson Purchasing a used guitar isn’t just a practical choice; it’s a decision that resonates with wisdom, history, and the essence of musicality. While the allure of a shiny,...
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Fingerboard inlays, those ornate markers adorning the necks of guitars and other stringed instruments, have a rich history that spans centuries. These intricate designs serve both...
ToneMaster” Thompson The 1980s marked a seismic shift in the music industry, not only in terms of fashion and culture but also in the realm of musical technology. One of...
ToneMaster” Thompson The 1950s was a transformative period for the world of music, and within that dynamic decade, Gretsch Guitars carved out its own unique and iconic space. With its...
