subject: Tips on Collecting Hall of Fame Vintage Guitars [print this page] Martin D-45 Martin D-45
Inducted in 1998
Originally the fanciest of Martin's {innovative|forward-looking} dreadnought line. If you had one of the 96 made in the 1930s and early '40s, your net worth would be considerably higher than it is now.
Rickenbacker 360/12
Inducted in 1997
It was good enough for George Harrison and gave us the "jingle jangle" of Roger McGuinn. That's more than enough for the 360/12 to be the only 12-string in the VG HoF.
Gibson Flying V
Inducted in 1996
One of the most distinct guitar designs ever created, but it wasn't a hit when it came out in 1958. Rock and rollers {discovered|observed} it the late '60s and the V still makes a unique statement today.
Gretsch 6120
Inducted in 1996
If you play rockabilly, you better have one of these! Introduced as the Chet Atkins Hollowbody in '54, the 6120 soon shed the "G" brand and western inlays of the early versions, but never lost the Western Orange finish or the cool twang.
Fender Jazz Bass
Inducted in 1995
With its two specially designed pickups, offset waist, and slimmer, narrower neck, the Jazz Bass was intended to be the more tonally {diverse|versatile}, slicker-playing descendant of the Precision. The fact it was available in Fender custom colors (often with matching headstock) makes it all the more cool.
Gibson L-5
Inducted in 1994
Introduced in 1922 and with a design guided by the legendary Lloyd Loar, the L-5 was the first modern archtop guitar. Initially a non-cutaway acoustic, the L-5 went through many changes, ultimately becoming a single-cutaway with two humbuckers.
D'Angelico New Yorker
Inducted in 1993
George Gruhn said of it in the March 2000 issue of Vintage Guitar, "The New Yorker is significant due to its superb quality and aesthetic artistic appeal," and is "one of the finest guitars in the history of the instrument."
Gibson Super 400
Inducted in 1993
Introduced in 1934, with its 18" body and deluxe features, the Super 400 was the largest and most expensive guitar in the Gibson line. Its influence was soon apparent in the designs of many of the great archtops built by others. Whether the earlier non-cutaway acoustic version or the later double-pickup cutaway, it remains a true work of art.
Fender Precision Bass
Inducted in 1992
The first bass in the VG Hall, and why not, it only forever revolutionized how the bass was played. One of the most innovative ideas in modern music history.
Gibson ES-335
Inducted in 1992
Born during Gibson's "golden era," the semi-hollow body ES-335 wedded archtop looks with solidbody performance. Whether it has dot inlays or blocks, it remains one of the coolest designs in guitardom.
Martin D-28
Inducted in 1991
The first acoustic in the VG Hall, the D-28 launched Martin's line of incredible big and loud dreadnoughts in 1931. The D-28 has inspired many guitarists and builders, and remains one of Martin's most popular models.
Leo Fender's timeless classic is about as simple as an electric guitar can be, but still has the magic to appeal to guitarists playing just about any style of music. Every guitar player has a Telecaster (or should). Along with the Strat and Les Paul, the Tele is among the most popular designs around.
Fender Stratocaster
Inducted in 1990
The VG Hall of Fame was started in 1990 and we had little doubt the Strat would be among the first instruments selected for inclusion by our readers. Three single-coils, a vibrato (usually), and that great contoured, offset-double-cutaway body. Some 50 years after its introduction, it is still one of the most popular designs.
Gibson Les Paul Standard ('Burst)
Inducted in 1990
Also an easy first-year selection, LP Standard was introduced with a sunburst finish in 1958, and the '58 to'60 models are the most valuable vintage solidbody guitars. The Les Paul Standard is a classic no matter what finish it bears.
