Do Ibanez guitars not accrue vintage value?

[mike570]

The player vs collector comment applies here, IMO. Fenders and Gibsons seem to be more a collectors market. Don't get me wrong; both companies make FINE instruments. I think Ibanez owners lean more towards the "player" guitars; thus reducing value. I don't like playing my RFR 20th because it's collectible, but it's also such a damned nice instrument that I'd hate myself even more for keeping it in a case and NOT playing it!
Fender and Gibson also have lots more history behind them in terms of the US. Lots of Boomers who either still play or look back fondly on an era where Fender and Gibson ruled.
A mint RG from the late 80's or early 90's would fetch a fair price, but IMO the market isn't there like it is for Fender and Gibson. And good luck finding a "mint" RG from back in the day! I think there are also more GIbson and Fender case queens out there than ye oled RG, or even Jems.

[P. Aaron]

You have to also remember that Fender & Gibson went through eras that defined their quality (or lack thereof) and that put a demand and price on certain eras. In a way, that rising tide lifted all of their boats...some perhaps undeservedly so.

With Ibanez, we can argue the nuances of earlier or recent models, or the tremolo debate between the Lo-pro and Edge (of which I am a novice) but overall, the line has stayed very fine or improved for as long as they have been built. Without an adverse affect on quality, there's been no buying panic from the 'collecting' public at large, exceptions being some of the JEM/JS custom finishes and the lawsuit models.

If Ibanez got bought out by noob-rich Americans or some such...that tone you'd be hearing would be the sound of appreciation accruing.

[David McCarroll]

Originally Posted by mike570

Lots of Boomers who either still play or look back fondly on an era where Fender and Gibson ruled.

The standard running joke here in Sydney is that Gibson stopped making guitars for players a long time ago - Henry wants to make guitars for lawyers and money market dudes - after all - they have a ton more money than musicians, and that's Henry's background in any case!

Something like 50 - 60% of the new Gibsons which arrive in Australia have to be sent to our one PLEK workshop to make them playable before any shop will attempt to sell them - go figure - instrument or wall art?