Authentic & Vintage

From genuine vintage instruments and prestigious Custom Shop models to artist-associated, limited-edition and discontinued designs, these are guitars musicians love to explore, admire and dream of owning. Most are individually available, and once one finds its next home, another of the same age, condition and history may never appear again.

Rare, Vintage & Collectable Guitars

The Fair Deal Music Authentic & Vintage collection brings together some of the most distinctive, desirable and inspiring instruments available in our entire range.

This is where exceptional craftsmanship, musical heritage and individual character meet. The collection can include genuine vintage guitars, premium pre-owned instruments, Custom Shop creations, rare basses, limited editions, signature models, discontinued designs and instruments with notable histories or artist connections.

Stock changes constantly and may feature highly regarded names such as Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Ibanez, Wal and other respected makers, boutique builders and specialist brands. Every arrival is different, making this a collection worth returning to regularly—even when you are simply browsing for inspiration.

More Than an Instrument

Some guitars are designed to meet a specification. Others become part of musical history.

A vintage or highly collectable guitar can carry the feel of another era, reflecting the materials, construction methods, design choices and playing culture of its time. Natural finish checking, honest wear, an established neck feel and decades of use can give an older instrument a personality that a new guitar cannot simply imitate.

Premium and limited-production instruments offer a different kind of appeal. They may feature carefully selected materials, specialist finishes, historically inspired details, hand-crafted elements or specifications created for a particular artist, anniversary or release.

Whether you are drawn to provenance, craftsmanship, rarity, tone, design or the pure excitement of owning something extraordinary, this collection celebrates instruments that stand apart.

What You May Discover

Vintage Electric Guitars

Explore electric guitars from influential periods of musical and manufacturing history. Stock may include classic solid-body designs, semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars, early reissues, unusual finishes and instruments that have developed their own distinctive appearance and playing feel over time.

For many musicians, a vintage electric guitar is not only about its age. It is the combination of construction, sound, response, heritage and individuality that makes the right instrument so compelling.

Premium & Custom Shop Guitars

Custom Shop and premium instruments are created for players who value exceptional detail, carefully considered specifications and a more individual ownership experience. This collection may feature prestigious models inspired by historic instruments, artist favourites or landmark periods in guitar design.

Rare, Limited-Edition & Discontinued Models

Limited production runs, unusual specifications and discontinued designs can become increasingly difficult to find. Some may appeal to collectors, while others offer experienced musicians a sound, feel or configuration that is no longer available within a manufacturer’s current range.

Signature & Artist-Associated Instruments

Signature guitars celebrate the instruments, sounds and playing styles of influential musicians. Occasionally, the collection may also feature instruments with a notable artist association or documented connection, creating an additional story beyond the specification itself.

Vintage & Collectable Acoustic Guitars

A well-preserved older acoustic guitar can possess a beautifully developed voice, individual response and unmistakable character. Explore premium and vintage acoustic instruments suited to collectors, recording musicians, songwriters and players who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.

Rare & Premium Bass Guitars

From iconic vintage bass designs to specialist, boutique and highly sought-after models, this collection can include instruments with distinctive construction, electronics, tonal character and musical heritage.

Who Is the Authentic & Vintage Collection For?

• Collectors searching for rare, unusual or historically significant instruments
• Experienced musicians looking for an exceptional playing and ownership experience
• Professional performers and recording artists seeking distinctive sounds
• Players searching for discontinued models or hard-to-find specifications
• Fans of influential guitarists, bassists and landmark instrument designs
• Musicians ready to acquire the guitar they have always dreamed of owning
• Anyone who simply loves discovering extraordinary musical instruments

You do not need to be ready to purchase today to enjoy this collection. It is designed to be explored, shared and revisited by anyone who appreciates the stories, craftsmanship and culture surrounding great instruments.

How to Choose a Rare or Vintage Guitar

Consider What Matters Most to You

Decide whether your priority is playability, sound, originality, age, rarity, condition, historical interest, artist association or a particular specification. The right instrument may combine several of these qualities, but understanding your main reason for buying will help guide your decision.

Review the Instrument’s Condition

Age-related wear, finish checking, marks, repairs, replaced parts and modifications can all form part of a vintage instrument’s story. Cosmetic wear does not automatically reduce its appeal, especially when it reflects genuine use, but it is important to understand the individual condition before purchasing.

Review the available photographs and product description carefully. Where relevant information is known, we aim to explain significant condition details, changes and included accessories within the individual listing.

Understand Originality and Modifications

Original components can be important to some collectors, while working musicians may place greater value on sound, reliability or playability. A professionally modified or restored guitar can still be an exceptional instrument, provided its history and current specification are represented clearly.

Think About the Playing Experience

A rare or valuable guitar should still inspire you to play. Consider the neck profile, scale length, fret condition, weight, balance, pickup configuration and overall feel, particularly when buying an instrument for regular performance or recording.

Ask for Specialist Guidance

Premium and vintage guitars deserve careful consideration. Our experienced team can help you understand an instrument’s specification, condition and suitability, allowing you to make a more informed decision before committing to a significant purchase.

Individual Instruments with Individual Stories

No two pre-owned or vintage guitars are exactly alike. Even instruments of the same model and year can differ in weight, feel, finish, condition, sound and ownership history.

Some instruments may arrive with original cases, certificates, documentation or accessories, while others may have acquired replacement parts or cases during their lifetime. Included items will vary and should be confirmed within the individual product listing.

Where an instrument has a documented artist connection, signature or notable history, the available details should be reviewed carefully. We avoid making assumptions about provenance and aim to present confirmed information responsibly.

Carefully Reviewed by Fair Deal Music

Every instrument within the Authentic & Vintage collection is individually reviewed by our experienced team before being offered for sale.

Because these are unique pre-owned instruments, their condition, originality, setup, history and included accessories can vary considerably. We aim to present each guitar honestly through clear photographs, detailed descriptions and relevant condition information.

Our goal is to help serious buyers understand exactly what makes an instrument special while also providing a realistic picture of its age and condition.

Why Rare Instruments Can Sell Quickly

Most instruments in this collection are individually available. Once sold, we may never receive another example with the same year, finish, specification, history and condition.

Some guitars may attract interest from musicians and collectors across the UK and beyond, particularly when the model is rare, discontinued or connected to an influential artist or period of music history.

If an instrument genuinely feels right for you, contact our team before travelling or delaying your decision so its current availability can be confirmed.

Sell, Trade In or Part Exchange a Premium Instrument

Fair Deal Music buys and part exchanges quality guitars, basses and other musical equipment. If you own a vintage, rare, premium or collectable instrument, our team can consider it for a direct purchase or as part of your next upgrade.

• Sell your instrument: Receive an assessment for equipment you are ready to move on.
• Trade in: Use the value of an existing guitar or bass towards another purchase.
• Part exchange: Reduce the amount needed to acquire your next instrument.
• Trade up: Move from your current equipment into something rarer, more prestigious or better suited to your ambitions.

Any valuation will depend on factors including the instrument’s make, model, age, condition, originality, documentation, included accessories and current demand. Clear photographs and accurate background information will help our team provide an initial assessment.

Finance Options

Finance may be available on selected qualifying instruments, subject to eligibility, status and applicable terms. This may provide a practical way to spread the cost of a premium guitar or bass rather than paying the full amount at once.

Please check the individual product page or speak with our team to confirm the payment options currently available for your chosen instrument.

Delivery or Collection

Selected instruments can be purchased online for delivery, with available options confirmed during checkout. Packaging, delivery availability, charges and timescales may vary according to the value, size and destination of the instrument.

Collection may also be available, giving you the opportunity to visit Fair Deal Music in Birmingham and receive your instrument directly from our team. Please contact us before travelling to confirm the instrument’s location and availability.

Why Thousands of Musicians Choose Fair Deal Music

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you’re choosing one of the UK’s most established independent family-run music retailers, proudly helping musicians since 1987.

• Decades of experience selling new, used, premium and vintage instruments
• Knowledgeable staff who understand guitars, musicians and specialist equipment
• Individually presented instruments with clear photographs and condition information
• Opportunities to buy, sell, trade in, part exchange and trade up
• Friendly support when considering a rare or significant purchase
• A Birmingham music retailer trusted by thousands of musicians

We understand that choosing a premium or vintage instrument can be both an emotional and significant decision. Our team is here to help you explore the details, understand the guitar and buy with greater confidence.

Authentic & Vintage FAQs

What types of instruments are included in this collection?

The collection can include vintage, rare, premium, Custom Shop, limited-edition, discontinued, signature and artist-associated electric guitars, acoustic guitars and basses. The exact selection changes as individual instruments are purchased and sold.

What makes a guitar vintage?

There is no single age that automatically makes every guitar vintage. The description usually reflects a combination of age, period, design, construction, rarity, desirability and musical significance. The individual product listing should confirm the known year or approximate period of the instrument.

Are all older guitars valuable or collectable?

No. Age alone does not determine desirability or value. Brand, model, originality, condition, rarity, provenance, demand and musical importance can all influence how an older instrument is regarded.

Are the guitars checked before sale?

Each instrument is individually reviewed by our experienced team before being offered for sale. As condition and history vary, you should also review the photographs and description for the specific instrument you are considering.

Will a vintage guitar show signs of use?

Many vintage instruments display age-related wear, marks, finish checking, repairs or replaced parts. These details can be part of the instrument’s character, but the individual condition should always be considered before purchase.

Are all parts guaranteed to be original?

Originality varies between instruments. Where relevant information about replaced parts, modifications or restoration is known, we aim to include it within the product description. Contact our team when originality is particularly important to your decision.

Do the instruments come with certificates or proof of provenance?

Documentation varies. Some instruments may include certificates, receipts, photographs, original paperwork or other supporting material, while others may not. Only documentation specifically stated in the product listing should be considered included.

Can I try an instrument before buying?

Many instruments can be viewed by visiting Fair Deal Music in Birmingham. Please contact the team before travelling so the instrument’s availability and location can be confirmed.

Can I part exchange another guitar against one of these instruments?

Yes, Fair Deal Music can consider suitable guitars, basses and other musical equipment for trade in or part exchange. The value will depend on the item’s make, model, age, condition, originality and current demand.

Can I sell a rare or vintage guitar to Fair Deal Music?

Yes. Our team can consider premium, vintage and collectable instruments for a direct purchase. Providing clear photographs, the serial number, condition details, known history and information about any modifications will help with the initial assessment.

Is finance available?

Finance may be available on selected qualifying instruments, subject to eligibility, status and applicable terms. Current options should be confirmed on the individual product page or with our team.

What happens if the instrument I want is sold?

Most products in the Authentic & Vintage collection are individually available. Once sold, the exact year, finish, condition and specification may not return, although other exceptional instruments are added as they become available.

How often is the collection updated?

The collection changes whenever rare, vintage and premium instruments arrive or are sold. Returning regularly is the best way to discover the latest additions.

Discover an Instrument Worth Remembering

Some guitars are tools. Some are works of craftsmanship. Others carry a story, a sound and a presence that make them unforgettable.

Explore the current Fair Deal Music Authentic & Vintage collection and discover rare electric guitars, acoustic guitars and basses created for musicians, collectors and dreamers alike.

Most instruments are one of a kind within our stock. When the right one appears, it may be your only opportunity to make it part of your own musical story.