Norman Harris, renowned vintage guitar dealer and owner of Norman’s Rare Guitars, recently shared his thoughts on the appeal of modern instruments and the high value placed on vintage guitars. As one of the key figures in preserving the legacy of the guitar, Harris provided insight into why old guitars remain so desirable and why guitar companies often reissue classic models.
According to Harris, there’s a fine line between viewing vintage guitars as an investment and truly appreciating their historical significance. Despite the often polarizing opinions surrounding this topic, Harris acknowledges that everyone can agree on the historical value these instruments carry. With his experience in dealing with vintage guitars and working with big names in the industry, Harris has played a crucial role in shaping how we view and preserve these iconic instruments.
In a recent conversation with Guitar World, Harris discussed how the current crop of modern guitars compares to the legendary models of the ’50s and ’60s. When asked if vintage guitars have a modern equivalent, Harris said, “They’re now making some of the best guitars they’ve made in 50 or 60 years.” However, despite the advancements in modern instruments, Harris emphasized the enduring appeal of older guitars, noting that companies often reissue vintage models because “they really nailed it the first time out.”
He elaborated, explaining that companies started noticing the rising prices of vintage guitars. “They were selling guitars for $2,000 and people were paying more than $5,000 for the old ones,” Harris said. This sparked a realization among manufacturers that they were onto something special. “A light bulb went off,” he continued, “and the companies realized they must have been doing something good and thought, ‘What can we do to kind of compete with ourselves?’”
From this perspective, it’s clear that modern reissues are simply iterations of the designs that were perfected decades ago. Harris pointed out that many contemporary models from established brands are essentially variations of vintage instruments.
Reflecting on his own journey, Harris was also asked about the success of his store, especially as the vintage guitar market gained popularity. He revealed that the boom in interest helped fuel his business, but he also acknowledged how crucial information exchange was during the early days of his career. The advent of the internet, he noted, changed everything.
Harris explained that during the early years, the prices of vintage instruments were relatively low and more affordable for collectors. At the time, there was not as much information available, which led Harris to contribute to books about vintage guitars. “Back then, the only way you could find something out was by asking questions, seeing original guitars, and using them as a template,” he said.
Over time, Harris became a trusted source for information, alongside other experts like George Gruhn, who helped shape the understanding of vintage guitars. Today, the knowledge Harris and others shared is widely available on the internet, making it easier for enthusiasts to appreciate and value these iconic instruments.
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