Guitar enthusiasts often find themselves grappling with a common dilemma: how many guitars are too many? For some, one trusty instrument is all they need, while others can’t resist the allure of expanding their collection. If you’re in the latter group, you know the struggle of justifying yet another addition to your guitar family.

Are you tired of dodging the disapproving glares of your significant other every time you bring home a new guitar? Fear not, fellow guitar enthusiasts, for I bring you a list of 10 great reasons to own multiple guitars —perfect ammunition to quell the wrath of your raging partner who just can’t fathom why you need another six-stringed companion.

So, gather ’round, fellow guitar aficionados, as we embark on a journey through the delightful justifications that might just save your next guitar purchase from ending in a household argument.

From left to right: Ibanez RS1500, Jerry Garcia Wolf Guitar, Fender Custom Shop Telecaster George Harrison 2007, Aria Urchin U100

Here are 10 Great Reasons To Own Multiple Guitars

1. Versatility in Sound

Each guitar possesses its own unique tonal qualities, influenced by factors such as body shape and construction (whether solidbody, hollowbody, or chambered), wood type, and pickups. By owning multiple guitars, you can access a diverse range of sounds, from the twangy brightness of a Stratocaster to the warm resonance of a mahogany-bodied acoustic. This versatility allows for greater experimentation and expression in your music.

Furthermore, this diversity isn’t limited to just one type of guitar. Electric guitars alone come in various styles, including single-coil wonders like the Fender Telecaster, humbucker-powered beasts like the Gibson Les Paul, and everything in between. Each electric guitar offers its own sonic palette, allowing you to explore different genres and playing styles with ease.

On the acoustic side, owning multiple guitars opens up even more possibilities. From the crisp articulation of a steel-string dreadnought to the delicate fingerpicking tones of a nylon-string classical guitar, each acoustic instrument brings its own character and charm to your music. Whether you’re strumming chords around a campfire or recording intricate fingerstyle arrangements in the studio, having multiple acoustic guitars at your disposal ensures that you always have the perfect tool for the job.

In essence, by expanding your collection to include multiple electric and acoustic guitars, you not only broaden your sonic horizons but also enhance your ability to express yourself musically across a wide range of genres and playing scenarios.

Acoustic Guitars Collection: Takamine, Ovation, Suzuki, Alvarez, Rokkomann, Kasuga, Hopf Guitars — Acoustic guitar collection, from nylon guitars with Cedar tops to folk guitars with Spruce tops

2. Play In Other Tunings

Different guitars can be dedicated to different tunings, allowing you to easily switch between tunings without constantly re-tuning your main instrument. Whether you need a guitar for standard tuning, open tunings, or alternate tunings, owning multiple guitars ensures that you’re always ready to play any song in its intended tuning without hassle.”

This point highlights the practicality and convenience of having guitars set up for different tunings, adding another layer of versatility to your musical arsenal.

Andy McKee playing Rylynn in 2020 — The amazing Andy McKee playing ‘Rylynn’ with DADGAD tuning, Altered Tuning is a big part of his sound. You can watch this clip here

3. Backup for Live Performances

For gigging musicians, reliability is paramount. Having multiple guitars ensures that you always have a backup in case of technical issues or breakages during performances. This preparedness can be a lifesaver on stage, allowing you to continue the show without missing a beat.

Buddy Guy at the 2010’s Crossroads Festival — Buddy Guy swaps guitars mid-performance at the 2010 Crossroads Festival after breaking a string. Watch here

4. Inspiration and Creativity

New guitars have a knack for inspiring creativity. The distinct feel and sound of each instrument can spark fresh ideas and musical directions that you might not have explored otherwise. Owning multiple guitars encourages you to think outside the box and approach songwriting from different angles, keeping your creativity flowing.

Guthrie Govan with his Charvel Guitar — Guthrie Govan with his Charvel guitar – One of the most creative guitar players ever.

5. Collecting Pieces of Rock and Roll History

Guitars are more than just musical instruments; they are symbols of rock and roll culture and history. From the iconic shapes of the Gibson Les Paul to the revolutionary designs of Fender Stratocasters, each guitar embodies the spirit of legendary musicians and pivotal moments in music history.

They are also works of art crafted by skilled artisans. Building a collection allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind each instrument. Whether it’s a vintage gem or a custom-made masterpiece, each guitar tells its own story and adds character to your collection.

70s Gibson Byrdland vintage guitar — A gorgeous early 70s Gibson Byrdland

6. Investment Potential

While guitars are primarily meant for playing, they can also be valuable investments. Certain models, especially vintage or limited-edition guitars, tend to appreciate in value over time.

In fact, many popular models, especially popular brands like Fender, Gibson and Martin guitars, have significantly increased in value over the last few decades. Some have even doubled or tripled in price, making them lucrative assets for collectors and investors alike. For instance, vintage Gibson Les Pauls from the 1950s have soared in value, with some models fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.

Even guitars from renowned brands like Fender, which faced quality issues during the late 70s and early 80s, have seen their values rise over time.

Japanese-made guitars such as Aria Pro, El Maya, Orville, Tokai, Vantage, Daion, and others, have seen a remarkable increase in value over the last decade. These instruments, once considered bargains, have now become sought-after collector’s items, with their prices appreciating significantly.

Building a diverse collection of guitars not only enriches your musical journey but can also serve as a smart financial investment for the future.

Made in Japan Guitars: Eagle Jet, Kasuga Scorpion SC-800, Vantage VA900, Epiphone Scroll SC-550, Westone Thunder III, Kawai KS10XL — Vintage MIJ Guitar Collection:
Left to Right: Eagle Jet, Kasuga Scorpion SC-800, Vantage VA900, Epiphone Scroll SC-550, Kasuga Scorpion SC-800 #2, Westone Thunder III, Kawai KS10XL

7. Extended Instrument Lifespan

Owning multiple guitars means that each instrument will receive less wear and tear over time. By rotating through your collection, you can extend the lifespan of your guitars, particularly the neck and frets, ensuring that they remain in top condition for years to come.

8. Customization and Modification

While it’s true that you can modify and customize one guitar, owning multiple guitars amplifies the possibilities for personalization. Each guitar can serve as a blank canvas for your creativity, allowing you to experiment with different modifications and setups without compromising the original integrity of your main instrument.

Whether you’re exploring new pickup configurations, adjusting the action for specific playing styles, or experimenting with unique finishes, having multiple guitars at your disposal grants you the freedom to fully explore and express your individuality as a guitarist. Additionally, owning multiple guitars ensures that you always have a backup option available while you undertake modifications or repairs on one of your instruments.”

A beautiful Westone Thunder III Bass modded with Benedetti Pickups

9. Visual Appeal and Decoration

Guitars aren’t just meant to be played; they also serve as stunning decorative pieces. Displaying your collection prominently in your home or studio adds a touch of rock and roll flair to any space. Whether it’s the sleek curves of an electric guitar or the elegant design of an acoustic, guitars are visually gorgeous works of art that elevate the aesthetic of your surroundings.

A Maton MS500 50th Anniversary Guitar with a very beautiful and atypical design

10. Stage Presence and Showmanship

Owning multiple guitars not only enhances your musical versatility but also elevates your stage presence. Just look to iconic guitarists like Slash, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Steve Vai, who seamlessly integrate a variety of guitars into their live performances, captivating audiences with each instrument’s unique sound and aesthetic.

Whether it’s Slash effortlessly transitioning from his Gibson Les Paul to his signature double-necked guitar during a Guns N’ Roses concert or Eric Clapton serenading the crowd with a soulful blues riff on his vintage Stratocaster, the sight of these legendary musicians wielding different guitars adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to their shows.

Embracing a diverse array of guitars not only showcases your dedication to your craft but also amplifies the energy and excitement of your live performances. So, take a cue from these guitar greats and let your collection shine on stage, leaving a lasting impression on every audience member.

Steve Vai with his triple neck Ibanez JEM Guitar. Watch this live performance here.

Conclusion

While owning multiple guitars may seem excessive to some, for many enthusiasts, it’s a passion worth pursuing. From the practical benefits of versatility and reliability to the sheer enjoyment of collecting and displaying these visually stunning instruments, there are numerous reasons to expand your guitar collection.

So go ahead, indulge in your love for guitars, and let them enrich your musical journey and surroundings with their beauty and history.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: How many guitars do you own, and for what reasons? Did I forget a reason in my list? Let me know in the comments below!