You've got a few strikes against you, unless you've got some money to burn.
First off, early 70's and late 60's models are getting pricey.
If you're a player, really think about going this route. Gibson had some seriously fluctuating quality control issues in the 70's, finish issues in the 60's (as in Gold Top reissues turning green).
70's models... okay, sure, they'll be pretty collectible sooner or later... but I don't any serious players who actually want to play one... The mid-70's saw Gibson producing multi-piece bodies and necks... even releasing (not destroying) "Factory Seconds."
Now, as a player/collector, I'd suggest tracking down one of these. They play just as well as a "Factory First," and were often stamped as "Seconds" simply because of grain issues. And when it comes to playing, seriously, who really cares about the grain? They'll appreciate just as well as a regular issue... but collectors have shied away from them simply because they're "factory seconds." So, right now, they're cheaper.
Say you're looking to dump something like $1500-2000 on an investment piece. If you're looking for a REAL player's investment and not just some quick turn-around, Gibson's custom shop has done some really interesting things through the last ten years, and those guitars are not even close to starting to appreciate. On average, it takes about 20-30 years for a guitar to begin to appreciate... Nab a CS model from the mid-90's, sit on it for the next 15 years. You'll see a decent return. Seen it happen. Hell, seeing it happen right now! haha... (Of course, you'll see the same or better return on CDs or saving bonds... hahaha...)Statistics: Posted by Michael Ambrose — Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:57 pm
]]>