Inspired in part by Michelle Obama’s gift earlier this year of a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar to Carla Bruni-Sarkozi, the New York Times has an article today suggesting classic guitars as a good item to buy or give as a gift this holiday season (we should all have friends or family like this).  While the first lady gave Bruni-Sarkozy a new model Hummingbird, the article suggests that an original model from the 1960’s might have been a better choice.

According to a guitar-maker quoted in the story, “A Hummingbird from the 1960s would cost in the region of $6,000, about twice as much as the new model.  They are both great guitars, but for the extra money you get a level of craftsmanship in the vintage version that has been lost.”  Then, the author turns his attention to the guitar that continues to be far and away the most sought after vintage guitar.

Yes, the most sought after guitar continues to be the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.  According to the article:

Collectors say the most sought-after guitar is the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, the first solid body electric guitar made by Gibson. Solid body guitars have no acoustic sound-box, using an electric sensor system to pick up sound directly from the strings.

Affectionately known as a Burst, it was based on a design by the late American jazz guitarist Les Paul and was originally sold for $250. Only about 1,000 were made over three years from 1958 to 1960, when it was discontinued because of poor sales.

The guitar might have faded into obscurity. Instead, it was adopted by a handful of blues players like Eric Clapton and Mike Bloomfield, and later by rock icons, including the Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards. Bursts now trade, albeit infrequently, for $200,000 to $300,000.

If Eric Clapton and Keith Richards are playing your guitar, you must be doing something right.

A number of other guitars are also recommended in the article including the Fender Jazzmaster and Fender Jaguar, the Gibson SG Standard and Gibson SG Special models along with guitars by Gretsch and Rickenbacker.

All in all it is a very good read.

Classic Guitars Become Prizes to Collect or Give (NY Times)