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history

What comes across the bench, and what it tells us. Instruments, history, and the details that decide what something is worth.

13 entries · filtered

  • Vintage tube amps worth owning

    Tweed Fenders, blackface Fenders, plexi Marshalls, the AC30, and the names behind them — plus what we check before an amp earns floor space.

    4 min read

  • What OHSC, OSSC and the rest of the shorthand mean

    The case, era and condition shorthand used in Imperial Vintage Guitars listings, decoded with what each term means for a guitar's value.

    5 min read

  • How to tell an original finish from a refin

    A refinished guitar loses collector value but none of its playability — here is how we tell finishes apart, what you can check yourself, and how the listing language works.

    4 min read

  • What "Pre-CBS" really means

    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...

    4 min read

  • No Stairway! The Historical Gibson EDS-1275

    The Gibson EDS-1275 is one of the most iconic guitars in the history of rock music. Often referred to as the “Gibson Double Neck,” this unique instrument has captured the...

    4 min read

  • The History Of The Gretsch George Van Eps : The World’s First 7-String?

    7-string guitars, love ’em or hate ’em, bring something unique to the table that reaches beyond the traditional 6-string configuration. And while we generally associate the sound of a 7-string...

    4 min read

  • A Brief History Of The Fender Bassman

    The Fender Bassman stands as one of Fender’s biggest homeruns in their long history of amplifier production. It’s been an integral part of audio electronic history, with a legacy that...

    3 min read

  • A Journey Through Time: The History of Fingerboard Inlays

    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...

    2 min read

  • A Brief History of Guitar Pedals

    The history of guitar effects pedals is a rich tapestry that stretches back over six decades, tracing the evolution of technology and the creative exploration of musicians. These pedals have...

    3 min read

  • The History of Vintage Guitars: Exploring the Origins

    Vintage guitars have a special allure that captures the hearts of musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. These iconic instruments not only produce beautiful melodies but also carry the weight of...

    3 min read

  • A Vintage Moog Guitar? Looking Closer At The Gibson RD Series

    The Gibson RD Series is a perfect case study in what happens when a trusted guitar maker goes out on a limb and tries something new.

    3 min read