A Guide to Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage Guitars, 3rd edition

In the latest expanded third edition of "Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars," co-authored by George Gruhn and Walter Carter, you'll find an extensive compilation of serial numbers, model details, and histories of major American guitar builders. The 628-page book is a treasure trove for guitar enthusiasts. The book's richness in information is engrossing, inviting you to explore various aspects of vintage guitars, including lesser known brands made by Martin, such as Wurlitzer, Briggs, and Belltone.

During a 2011 Fretboard Journal interview with George Gruhn and Walter Carter, the authors discussed the updates in the third edition. They emphasized the inclusion of new models, noting that their expertise leaned toward older instruments, which made identifying newer models more challenging. However, their ongoing research ensures the book remains effective, with a focus on refining existing data.

The interview also touched on the redesign of the book's search section, shifting from an arrangement by builder style to alphabetical organization, enhancing ease of use. George Gruhn highlighted that their approach was unique, resembling identification keys in zoological and botanical guides.

When asked about adding newer guitar makers, the authors acknowledged that the book primarily caters to vintage guitar enthusiasts and noted that information on modern builders is often available on their websites, making extensive coverage unnecessary.

The interview also explored challenges in accurately dating instruments, particularly with manufacturers like Gibson, whose serial number system posed difficulties due to repeated numbers, unlike Martin’s system of numbering their instruments in consecutive order. Carter noted that the value of a guitar is often more heavily influenced by its era rather than it's precise year because often there were not significant changes in manufacturing specifications from one year to the next. 

Overall, the interview with the authors emphasizes the continuous evolution of their books to adapt to changes in the guitar industry, maintaining a focus on vintage instruments while acknowledging the wealth of knowledge they've gathered over the years. This book has become an indispensable resource for identifying vintage guitars, which is a key component of an accurate conclusion of value in a professional guitar appraisal.