1960s Instruments

Collecting Instruments from the 1960s

The Beatles' international success helped fuel the 1960s boom in guitar groups, encouraging young people across the UK and beyond to form bands. Many guitars, basses, drums and keyboards from that period survive, and some now come up for sale.

Be clear about what you mean by a 1960s instrument. Some collectors want instruments made during the decade. Others want instruments owned by musicians who became famous then, even if the instrument was made later. Prices vary widely. An ordinary guitar from the period may be affordable, while one with a strong link to a major artist can command a substantial premium.

High-profile celebrity instruments often attract attention at auction, but specialist dealers and private sales are also important parts of the market.

Deciding What to Collect

Decide whether you are buying for enjoyment or hoping to sell later. That choice will shape your budget and where you look.

Instruments linked to the biggest names attract intense interest and high prices. Publicised record sales are not a guide to the whole market, though, and returns are never guaranteed. Buyer's premiums, selling commission, insurance and maintenance can turn an apparent rise in price into a loss.

Less-publicised artists, less sought-after models and instruments without celebrity provenance may offer lower entry prices, although rarity and originality can still make them expensive. Organs and drum kits also need plenty of space.

Guitars and basses are prominent in the vintage-instrument market, but demand varies considerably by maker, model, rarity, condition and provenance. Particular organs, synthesisers and drum kits have strong specialist followings.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Checking Provenance and Condition

Provenance is the documented history of an item. Without solid evidence of a celebrity connection, a guitar will usually be valued as an ordinary example of its make and year. Good provenance is not the whole story, however. Value also depends on whose instrument it was, how it was used and how much remains original.

Look for a credible chain of ownership backed by corroborating evidence, such as:

• Letters or certificates from the musician, their management or their estate, which need authenticating themselves
• Photographs or film showing the instrument in use
• Original receipts, cases or shipping records
• Serial numbers consistent with known records, bearing in mind these can be copied, altered or fitted to an instrument assembled from different parts

Be precise about the claim. An instrument the artist owned, played, used on a recording, used on tour or simply signed are different things, each with a different potential premium. Signatures alone prove little and can be faked.

Wear from genuine use can add interest to a celebrity instrument, but ordinary wear will not necessarily raise the price of any other. Refinishing, heavy repairs or replaced parts may reduce value. An independent specialist with experience of the relevant maker and period can assess originality, repairs and possible alterations, though some questions may stay unresolved. Get advice before restoring anything, and keep any original parts you remove.

Buying, Owning and Selling

Major auction houses and specialist music auctioneers sometimes offer vintage and artist-associated instruments. Check current sale calendars and the expertise of the department handling the item. Add up the full cost before bidding, including buyer's premium, VAT where applicable, online bidding charges, shipping, insurance and currency conversion. Your rights differ depending on whether you buy from a trader, a private seller or at auction, so read the terms.

Some guitars from this period contain Brazilian rosewood, which is controlled under CITES. Commercial sales within the UK, not just shipments abroad, may need an Article 10 certificate. A 1960s instrument does not qualify for the exemption for worked items acquired before 3 March 1947. Check the Animal and Plant Health Agency's current requirements on GOV.UK before advertising, buying or shipping, and check overseas routes individually, including those involving the EU or Northern Ireland. A musical instrument certificate for travel does not cover a sale.

Have vintage amplifiers and mains-powered organs inspected by a qualified person before use. Apparent working order is not proof of safety.

Store instruments at a stable temperature and humidity, away from sunlight and heaters, on suitable stands or in cases, and inspect them regularly. A case alone will not keep out damp.

Home insurance may not be enough. Ask about agreed value, accidental damage, transit, gigging and overseas use, and keep an up-to-date valuation with your provenance documents.

Tax depends on the instrument, the sale proceeds and whether you are selling a personal possession or trading. For personal possessions, HMRC's £6,000 rule applies to disposal proceeds, not profit, and separate rules cover sets and wasting assets. Check HMRC guidance or take tax advice.

Whatever your reason for collecting, authenticate before you buy and count every cost of buying, keeping and selling.