Collecting Antique Instruments

Instruments and especially antique instruments often go unnoticed by most antique collectors and dealers. I think part of the reason is most of your average folks really just don't know anything about musical instruments. Yeah they have heard of the famous Stradivarius violins from the 16-1700's. but lets be real very few could ever afford one of those. I cant believe how many times I've been to a local estate auction and watched in amazement when they have had to almost give away vintage electric guitars, cellos, ukulele, banjos and many other instruments.


I think part of the reason is that many times these old dusty pieces of musical equipment are missing strings, have a few nicks and scratches and generally just don't look like they would ever be able to play again. You would be really surprised what a quality music store can do to restore an on banjo, drum set , violin or trumpet that has seen it's better days. Not only can these vintage instruments be used again but they make great band instruments for beginners.

If you have ever priced or bought new instruments for your child that was in the band then you know how expensive they can be. It might just be in your best intrest to take a second look at that antique clarinet, trumpet or guitar standing alone in the thrift shop. Collecting antiques doesn't mean you have to buy something and keep it in a show room often times the best part is restoring them and using them as they were originally intended. So go grab yourself an old vintage banjo and pick away out on the back porch.

1950s Gift Baskets For Christmas

I hope everyone has a good holiday season and gets time to spend with family and friend. I finally got all my Christmas shopping done and for the first time ever I won't be doing any last minute gift buying on Christmas eve. I know this blog is about antiques and collecting but I really had to tell someone about this great accomplishment. I'm terrible at buying gifts for those office exchanges and holiday parties with co workers and friends. I'm always having to scrounge around last minute to get things bought, wrapped and delivered on time. One thing I did this year to make things a bit easier was to create gift baskets with themes. Since I'm an avid antique collector and everyone knows it I decided to make baskets containing period type items like 1950 style ornaments, candy, and other small trinkets. I was orinally only going to make a couple gift baskets but once I got into it was so fun and easy I decided to make several. I got the idea after reading a website about 1950s candy and remembering how many of the old penny candies I used to buy are no longer available. You can customize each basket using not only 1950s and 60s candy but also throw in some old toys from the period as well. Nothing overly expensive but something from the 50s that would remind someone of their child hood even an old marx tin farm animal would do. I also threw in some 50's style dish towels, postcards and other odds and ends. Anyway you get the picture, just be creative and you can come up with unique and easy Christmas gift basket ideas as well.