What Makes a Vintage Bass Vintage?

If you are unfamiliar with the eclectic history of the bass guitar, or a guitar hobbyist who has heard a musician-friend speak of them with longing and awe, you are probably wondering what qualifies a bass guitar as vintage. Perhaps you want to buy one but don't really know what to look for. What makes a vintage bass vintage? Keep reading right here to find out.

The age factor

It is natural to assume that if a bass guitar is old, it is vintage. However, this is not always the case. When it comes to guitars, the manufacture date does play an important role in determining whether a bass is vintage, but other factors also come into play. An old bass guitar is not necessarily a vintage one.

1920s to 1970: the years of the vintage guitar

According to advanced collectors and music historians, vintage bass guitars are from the span of time between the 1920s and the 1970s. Guitars from any time prior to the 1920s are considered too primitive to produce quality music. Guitars that are from the 1970s and after are often made from sub-standard materials, due to the economic conditions and mass-production of the time.

Quality and craftsmanship

The hallmarks of vintage bass guitars are superior quality and exceptional craftsmanship. Collectors salivate over the pre-1970s guitars made by American manufacturers like Fender, Gretsch and Gibson. Another notable company that is credited with making some of the finest guitars in history is the Martin Guitar Company.

A vintage guitar today is considered a collector's item and is often difficult and expensive to locate. Now that you know what makes a vintage bass vintage, you can confidently look for one. Flea markets, pawn shops and the internet are all great places to start. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!