Well, scarcity doesn't necessarily lead to collectability - there are many Gretsches scarcer than 6120's for example that don't command nearly the price, but it's certainly a limiting factor. The other thing that drives collectability is social standing - do any of these models resonate with a particular group of folks? Who is the champion - a Hendrix or Cochran that others want to emulate? Frankly, I don't see one with enough mass appeal, and think Bud's conclusion is probably accurate at the moment. There are too many made, and no powerful icon associated with the brand. Of course, all this is subject to change

Hmmm... dunno, but I'd say any of the 'iimited runs' ? The G6122-1959 Hall Of Fame comes to mind...only 75 to be made.

That was my guess as well. I think any of the truly limited special runs be they from Terada or the U.S. Custom Shop will demand high prices in the future.

Whatever the Brian Setzer of 2040 will be playing.

I know the 5120 and 5122 are not in the original posters price range but now that they are being discontinued one in stock condition may increase in value over time. It only takes one hit song from a high profile player with a special tone to have people begin their search for one.

The thing is, any modern limited edition guitar can be made again - negating the rarity factor. That said, my vote goes for the first run power tenny. If The Living End ever come back to the US, maybe there will be interest in the Chris Cheney model which was Australia-only.

I'm going to say the 120th Anniversary 6118T with the bamboo yellow top, copper mist back and sides and TV Jones pickups. There weren't a whole lot produced and they are stunning. There seems to be a lot of folks who regret selling their 5126 silver sparkle Electromatics and they seem to be scarce as well. -Roy

If I was going for future investment value, I think I'd diversify and buy several inexpensive models in the hope the inexpensive ones would gain more as a percentage of cost and at least one would be a winner, versus putting all my eggs on a Penguin or a Falcon. Something like a Stumpomatic, a G Love, an Armstrong and a Bo Diddley might ring the register, especially if most of the ones out there are getting gigged. Pure speculation.

I think a Billy Zoom model would be an awesome investment, but there's no way I could not play a guitar like that.

thinking about it..

spruce tops

bamboo tops

and juniors...

you're already seeing a demand for, it can only get worst..

I just do not see any reborn models becoming collectable as original guitars are or were at one time. The USA custom shop runs have a much better chance at bringing more money than the MIJ guitars will thats just the way it is. As always Gibson and Martins will always be the top collectables. I myself money being a object or not, I would not spend over 3k for any guitar. Although I follow the vintage thing, I just never got caught up in it. If your buying a brand new guitar it should be for the sole purpose of the sound and playability. As of lately looking through a crystal ball can be somewhat disappointing on investments and guitars are no exception unless you bought them 30 years ago. Many factors come into play and I just don't see any polyester finished guitars ever making it into the collectable ball park.

Wait... something's fishy here... Tartan Phantom owns a Knotty Pine Roundup and a bamboo/copper mist PowerTron'd Annie.

Is this an Insider Trading Conspiracy of some sort?

Call in the SEC!!

I think all the Setzer model guitars will be collectable....we're talking 50 years from now. I don't how many current guitars will gain much value in 20 years...more likely to depreciate.

the one guitar that will Gain unreal value is the one you didnt buy when you had the chance !!!!

Who knows, and hard to tell.

I'll say the 6122-58. The most overlooked FMIC model out there IMO.

Who can tell?

I'll say the 6193 Clubs; the blonds that have Dynas and a spruce top.

The G6022CV (Rancher w/integrated bigsby) of course - everyone wants one of these and there aren't many about:

I thnk many of the pre-FMIC models that were discontinued in 2003 and never reintroduced like the Country Classic I.

My guess, the Americana series acoustics, with original box. Also the 5124, 5126, 5127 and 5128. It seems the 5125 and 5129 are a bit more common, but that could change over time. (Oh, and hopefully my 6120DSV-BLK. 20 were made.)

It could really be any of the 6-series instruments. Of any of the "name brands" of electric instruments, the production numbers are miniscule compared to Gibson, Fender and PRS, and the quality is as high as anything out there.

I wouldn't say any of them would skyrocket in value. But I think they'll always be considered high intrinsic value instruments that fall outside the fad category.

I'll go with things that were good but never sold. People figure out later how good they were. So, among modern Gretsches:

• New Jets
  
• 6120 N
• Several historic models
  
• Spectrasonics
  

And maybe the 125th Annie.

Agreed 125th Jag Ran Annie.

Would also add Black Phoenix, and Spectra Sonic.

Marlin

While y'all are at it, got any good stock tips?

You don't know how many people that I suggested they buy Apple at $18.00 and it wasn't that long ago.

The reason vintage guitars have increased in value is supply and demand. People didn't buy guitars as investments they bought them to play. Out off all the mass produced guitars from the '50's there isn't one that comes close to the increased value of a 1959 Les Paul. Today's mass produced guitars, you need to like the way they play and hope they retain their value.

Perhaps a 52´s Tele 35000 $ +/-

HEY ROY you got one ! hope your still loving it , have a great night , hope to some day meet you , sometime when your back in Ottawa !! what did you think of Class Axe ??

I would say Keith Scott signature and Knotty Pine Roundup. They are hard to find nowadays and in the future.

I'm with RBB, I hope my Black 6120 DSV will be worth something someday.Supposedly only 20 made? Who knows?

UD (Uncle Don))

I'd say the custom shop models would have the greatest chance of increasing in value. Other than that I have no idea.

Completely agree with Rockabilly about the Americana's. It's not in the $1500 plus range that the original post called for, but when the first major artist appears with one, watch the prices explode. Think jack white effect on Montgomery ward Airlines.