Our Favorite Guitars
Our Favorite Vintage Guitars: A Collector’s Dream and Musician’s Muse
At Garrett Park Guitars, we’ve spent over 30 years working with some of the most iconic vintage guitars and basses in the world. From seasoned vintage guitar collectors and professional musicians to enthusiasts thinking about selling classic guitars or amps, our passion is helping you discover the history, value, and tone behind your instrument.
If you’re interested in vintage guitar appraisal, selling your guitar, or simply want to learn more about a classic model, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find some of our all-time favorite vintage guitars—each with a rich heritage and unique sound that helped shape modern music.
Fender: Pioneers of Electric Guitar Innovation
From the early Broadcaster (and rare Nocaster), which set the foundation for the modern electric guitar, to the game-changing Telecaster and Stratocaster, Fender guitars have been mainstays on stages worldwide.
1951 Fender "Nocaster," so-called because it lacked a model name on the headstock
Don’t forget the smooth-playing Jazzmaster and stylish Jaguar, models beloved by surf rockers and alternative players alike. With their offset bodies and mellow tone, these guitars have found a second life in indie rock, post-punk, and lo-fi genres — and are becoming increasingly collectible, especially early-1960s models in custom colors.
Gibson: Legendary Rock and Acoustic Guitars
Gibson’s legacy is unmatched, especially for players seeking classic electric and acoustic guitars.
The iconic Les Paul family—including Standard, Custom, Junior, and Special models—remains a top choice for rock and blues guitarists. The Les Paul Junior and Special, with their stripped-down single or dual P-90 setups, are particularly loved for their raw tone and affordability — making them highly desirable among collectors and players alike.
The bold and edgy SG series (introduced in 1961 as a lighter, sleeker alternative to the Les Paul) offers powerful midrange punch and excellent playability. Early SG Standards and Customs with “small guard” configurations or sideways Vibrolas are especially sought after.
1962 Gibson SG
Gibson’s semi-hollowbody lineup — including the ever-versatile ES-335 and its slimmer, single-cut sibling, the ES-330 — blends electric clarity with acoustic resonance. ES-330s, in particular, are prized for their fully hollow construction and warm, open tone, ideal for blues, jazz, and soulful rock.
On the acoustic side, Gibson masterpieces like the L-00, J-45, J-50, Southern Jumbo (SJ), SJ-200, and Hummingbird continue to enchant folk and country musicians. The SJ-200, Gibson’s “King of the Flat-Tops,” stands out with its ornate styling and booming, piano-like tone — a favorite of artists like Elvis and Emmylou Harris.
Martin: Masters of Vintage Acoustic Excellence
Martin guitars are renowned worldwide for their craftsmanship, tone, and consistency in serial numbering—making vintage Martin guitars easy to date and authenticate.
From the compact and bluesy 0-17, 0-18, and 00-18, to the celebrated D-18 and D-28, Martin’s legacy spans generations of players and collectors alike.
1942 Martin 00-18
The smaller-bodied 0-17 and 0-18, often made entirely of mahogany or with spruce tops, offer clear, focused tone — ideal for blues fingerpickers and folk traditionalists. Their pre-war examples, especially those with 12-fret necks and slotted headstocks, are coveted for their warm, woody sound and vintage character.
The D-45, Martin’s top-of-the-line dreadnought, stands in a class of its own. Introduced in the 1930s with pearl appointments and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, original D-45s are among the rarest and most valuable acoustic guitars ever made. Even modern vintage-style reissues are in high demand.
Thinking of Selling Your Vintage Guitar?
If you own any of these vintage treasures — or other classic Fender, Gibson, or Martin guitars — and would like to explore their history, market value, or selling options, Garrett Park Guitars is here to guide you.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a working musician, or a first-time seller, we offer expert vintage guitar appraisals, fair purchase offers, and personalized service that respects the instrument and its story.
Interested in an appraisal? Learn more about the process here.