If you love the thrill of owning a vintage guitar, a birth year guitar, or even something quirky and unique, you’re in the right place. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Gardiner Houlgate near Bath, UK, where I encountered some of the most desirable guitars I’ve ever seen! From a golden year Stratocaster to a stunning vintage SG and an Ibanez prototype made for Jeff Beck, this adventure is one for the books. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s dive into this treasure trove of guitars!
Table of Contents
- Welcome to Gardiner Houlgate! 🏛️
- Vintage Gems: The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special 🌟
- Affordable Vintage Options: The SG Special 🎶
- Classic Vibe: The Squier Telecaster Custom 🎨
- A Touch of Rock History: The Guild Red Special 🎸
- James Hetfield’s Favorite: The ESP Explorer ⚡
- Fun-Sized: The Epiphone Zakk Wylde Mini 🎉
- Pedals and Accessories 🎛️
- Join the Auction Fun! 🛒
- FAQs About Guitar Auctions ❓
Welcome to Gardiner Houlgate! 🏛️
As we stepped into the auction house, excitement filled the air. Luke, my knowledgeable guide, welcomed me to the racks where all the magic happens. This behind-the-scenes look is not something many get to experience, as the guitars are still being prepped for auction.
“We’ve got a huge list of guitars to get through,” Luke said. “And it’s only going to get bigger as we explore the racks.”
Vintage Gems: The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special 🌟
First up was a classic: the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special in TV Yellow. It’s not a reissue; this beauty is the real deal! The light weight and comfortable neck immediately caught my attention.
“It smells like my granddad’s junket,” I joked as I picked it up. This guitar is not only original but also tells a story with its relicing and wear. It’s a piece of rock history, and Luke mentioned it’s currently listed as lot 171.
“For collectors, this is a dream,” Luke added, highlighting the significance of its original P90 pickups and the character it has gained over the years.
Affordable Vintage Options: The SG Special 🎶
Next to the Les Paul was an SG Special. “Because this guitar has been modified, it’s more affordable,” Luke explained. “While the Les Paul might fetch around ten thousand, the SG can be yours for about two thousand.”
This guitar has had its vibrato taken off and has been stripped down, but it still features the original pickups and sounds fantastic. Its unique characteristics make it an excellent entry point into the vintage market.
Classic Vibe: The Squier Telecaster Custom 🎨
We then shifted gears to something more budget-friendly: a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom. “This guitar could come up for a couple of hundred pounds at auction,” Luke said, emphasizing its quality and playability.
“For gigging musicians, this is a terrific option,” he added. “It plays just as well as many higher-priced models.”
A Touch of Rock History: The Guild Red Special 🎸
Next in line was a guitar that every Queen fan would recognize: the Guild Red Special, designed for Brian May. “This is one of the highest quality Red Special copies you can find,” Luke explained.
It’s an amazing instrument that captures the essence of Brian May’s sound. “It’s become very sought after, and prices are rising,” Luke warned, noting that it could cost you around three thousand pounds.
James Hetfield’s Favorite: The ESP Explorer ⚡
As a Metallica fan, I was particularly excited to see the grassroots ESP Explorer. “This is the model closely associated with James Hetfield,” Luke noted. “While not a signature model, it’s as close as you can get.”
With an estimated price of four to six hundred pounds, this guitar is a fantastic option for collectors and fans alike.
Fun-Sized: The Epiphone Zakk Wylde Mini 🎉
For a complete contrast, we checked out the Epiphone Zakk Wylde Mini, affectionately named “Peewee.” This tiny guitar is perfect for kids or as a quirky addition to any collection.
“It might sell for a couple of hundred pounds now,” Luke mentioned, highlighting its growing collectibility.
Pedals and Accessories 🎛️
Aside from guitars, Luke mentioned that Gardiner Houlgate also sells a variety of pedals and amps. “We usually have between one and two hundred pedals in an auction,” he explained, catering to all musicians.
“If you miss out on a guitar, there’s always a chance to grab a pedal to enhance your setup!”
Join the Auction Fun! 🛒
For anyone interested in participating in these exciting auctions, you can visit guitar auctions co uk. The full catalog goes live three weeks before each auction, so keep an eye out!
FAQs About Guitar Auctions ❓
What types of guitars can I find at auction?
You can find a wide range of guitars, from vintage classics to modern instruments, catering to various budgets.
How do I bid on a guitar?
To bid, simply register on the auction website, view the catalog, and place your bids as the auction progresses.
What if I want to sell my guitar?
Gardiner Houlgate also accepts consignments, making it easy for you to sell your vintage and collectible guitars.
How can I stay updated on upcoming auctions?
Follow Gardiner Houlgate on social media or subscribe to their newsletter for the latest updates and auction announcements.
With so many incredible instruments and stories to discover, the world of guitar auctions continues to captivate musicians and collectors alike. Happy bidding!