Hilltop Pawn Shop’s Expert Tips for Maintaining Your Vintage Guitar’s Value

Are you the proud owner of a vintage guitar? Right now, the idea of selling it might not even be on your mind. However, at some point or another, you may choose to sell it. Even if not, you probably want to keep it in optimal condition for as long as possible so you can protect your investment...and you may want to pass it down to the next generation at some point, or maybe you just want to be able to play your instrument for many years to come. Between this store and our flagship location, Greenbrier Pawn in Chesapeake, we have decades of experience with guitars, and we have definitely learned a few things over the years. These are a few tips to help you keep your vintage guitar in tip-top shape so you can maintain its value and enjoy it for years to come.

Store Your Vintage Guitars Properly to Prevent Damage

One thing you should keep in mind is storing your vintage guitar the proper way. Remember that overly dry conditions aren't good for your guitar -- if the humidity is too low, you have to worry about the wooden components of the guitar warping or cracking. Ideally, your guitar should be kept in conditions that are around 40-50 percent humidity.

Additionally, you should be aware that extreme heat and cold can damage your guitar, too. When exposing your guitar to major temperature changes, be careful -- for example, if you bring your guitar in from your hot car truck, leave it in the case for a little while before taking it out in the house so that it can better acclimate to the temperature change. Although simply exposing your guitar to extreme heat every now and then or having it in dry conditions here and there shouldn't cause major problems, in general, how you store your guitar will have an impact on its condition, especially over a number of years. Keeping it in a hard case when it's not in use is a good option -- it'll help protect your guitar from dents, dings, and other damage.

Clean Your Vintage Guitar Carefully & Regularly

To protect your guitar and make sure that it always looks its best, you should clean it regularly -- just make sure you're careful about how you do it. Use a clean microfiber cloth to carefully remove dirt, dust, and oils from your hands from the finish of your guitar, and clean your strings with a damp (not soaking) cloth, allowing the strings to dry completely before you play again. Cleaning your strings helps you keep tone, prevents corrosion and helps you avoid a dirty look. Avoid tired advice about using things like lighter fluid or WD-40 to polish your guitar -- this can damage the finish on your instrument. Instead, use a special polish that is designed for the finish of your guitar to make it shine without damaging it.

As you can see, there are a couple of simple tips you can follow to keep your vintage guitar in great shape for a long time to come. Follow these tips, and reap the benefits of keeping your guitar in its best possible condition. Interested in selling your vintage guitar? Bring it to Hilltop Pawn & Jewelry in Virginia Beach, where we will offer you top dollar on the spot!

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