Vintage, Used, The Net, And Other Kinda Useless Stuff
by Crysta
The difference between used and vintage seems to be a jagged and thin line over the internet. So many of the classifieds headers read VINTAGE STRAT, and in truth it is a standard production 1987 with everything replaced but the serial number plate. I wonder how this could be. Vintage instruments are indeed, in most cases, used. Not all used instruments are vintage. Just as all cars have wheels, not all things with wheels are cars. Everyone has there own classification of what makes an instrument vintage but some of the lines should be defined by all. An undetermined definition is one that we all face in this industry. I would be grateful to all that have a defined ideal of what vintage truly means. Vintage instruments by most collectors or players standards include quality, originality, and desirability. Usually a piece over 20 years of age that is original in all of it's parts and in good to mint condition is what most consider to be vintage. A instrument that is desired, for example, the Gibson Super 400, that is refinished and has replaced tuners and bullet holes, is still a Super 400, but can no longer be considered vintage. It is then a worn out instrument that was once great and is no longer. A Fender Stratocaster that was made in 1989 does not have the age to be vintage. (Just a note, there is a difference between a Fender Strat and a Stratocaster, beware of those who do not know the difference).
Beware of those who claim to have the holy grail, the instrument that was played by Hendrix at his last concert, Elvis' guitar that he only used in the studio, etc..... These claims with out documentation are just that, a claim. I, being a vintage broker, have found that most of those that I deal with to be very fair and reasonable via the net. There is always that one person though that can and will use the internet to hide their true identity. Speak via the phone with the person. If they are a little shy of giving you their phone number give them yours. Speaking directly with a person can create a lasting friendship, an important business partner in the future, or lay to rest some of your fears about being had by a scam. Most of all, trust your gut feeling. In most cases this is the right thing to do. Being uncomfortable in a transaction is not where you want to be. Just because the industry is filled with the attitudes of greatness does not mean that those same people are fair.
There are also other problems to be aware of when purchasing via the net, even from dealers. Beware of the "Lowest prices in the country", "Will not be undersold" dealers. I would rather spend and extra $25-$100 depending on the product, to know that the instrument has been carefully looked over and stored properly. Think of this scenario.Billy in Iowa decides he wants a brand new guitar from the GONDA company. Billy places an ad stating that fact on one or more of the internet sites. Every GONDA dealer in the web answers his ad. Each with a price of between $700-$800. This is a fair range considering how some stores mark their equipment and if they have one that is just in the store or if it is their "White Elephant" and they want it gone. Then along comes MR. MOJO'S MUSIC MONGOL with his reply. "I have the GONDA you've been looking for, we've never even opened the box that's how new it is. I can ship it to you for $600." I have a really strong concern about these types of reply's. Do you really want a guitar that has never been checked for shipping damage, or factory flaws? How do you know that it is the quality that you were looking for and not a factory second that was sent at a reduced price? I would like to see how many of the internet dealers are going to change their policies after reading this. I can see their web sites new banners, "Every instrument inspected by our experts before shipping to you!" This would be a nice thing to happen for all future sales via the net but what about those that have already happened. I have probably sent back more instruments to some companies than I have kept. Why? I would not buy a new instrument that has scratches or a bad spot in the paint, or the frets have to be leveled and dressed, why would I expect my customers too.
This is just a few things that have been on my mind that I have wanted to get off of my chest. I do want to answer your concerns about recording problems, band politics, instrument questions, serial numbering, how to get your band noticed, etc. Just drop me a line at crysta@inna.net and let me know what's on your mind. You may be surprised, I do not work for a corporation or for any firm, I just have the knowledge that comes from playing in the business, making enemies, and not caring that I did.
About Crysta
I am a 25 year old female in the industry--one of a few that has been allowed to enter the circle of men that consume the industry. I believe that I have only run into less than 3 women that run there own vintage brokerage. Many women work in this industry but have lacked the audacity to push through the stereotypes and forge their way through to being a force in the industry. I feel that my collectors and the others that come to me for assistance do so not because of my gender, but for my frankness. A mistake is just that, in any language, or however put. The key is not to dwell on it, but in fact to learn from it. I work in a retail environment in Eastern Virginia. The Company that I work is a large umbrella that covers several of the area's in which I hope to answer question about. We have a retail store for instruments, PA equipment etc., a Recording studio, a Record Store where you can buy, sell, or trade c.d.'s and the local bands use it as a place to sell their tape's, we do band promotion and bookings, a vintage instrument brokerage, etc. We are all "Music Junkie's". I have some years in the business. You see the ups and down's, the ins and out's and most of all, you feel the mistakes. E-mail me with any questions that you feel need to be addressed.
Fondest of Regards,
Crysta