While many sellers simply “flip” gear, Joe is a trained expert in the mechanics and history of the instrument. His background combines academic discipline with hands-on tradecraft.
About Me
About Joe Dampt: Vintage Guitar Expert & Appraiser
Joe Dampt is the owner, lead appraiser, and head of preservation at Joe’s Vintage Guitars in Mesa, Arizona. A musician first and a dealer second, Joe has built one of the Southwest’s premier vintage instrument destinations through a commitment to history, technical expertise, and fair dealing.
With over 12 years of professional experience, Joe manages an annual inventory volume exceeding $2,000,000 and is a Top-Rated Seller on Reverb with over 2,000 5-Star reviews.
Expertise by the Numbers
- 10,000+ Vintage Instruments Appraised Personally
- $2,000,000+ Annual Volume in Vintage Gear Bought & Sold
- 1,000+ Instruments Repaired & Restored by Joe (Not outsourced)
- 20+ Countries Shipped to Globally
- 1500+ Hours Of live performance and studio session guitar work
Education
Bachelor's in Business Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University
National Experience
Former Traveling Expert Appraiser for Treasure Seekers Roadshow, touring the United States to evaluate rare antiques and instruments. Joe has purchased guitars from ALL 50 states and many foreign countries.
Specializations
Pre-War Martin Guitars (Herringbone/Scalloped Bracing eras), Golden Era Gibson Electrics and Archtops (1920s-1960s), and Vintage Fender Custom Color guitars.
Joe has handled some of the rarest instruments in the world. His expertise is trusted by collectors, and professional artists.
Largest Vintage Guitar Collection Acquisition
700+ guitars and amplifiers purchased in Tucson, Arizona.
Notable Clients
Has sourced instruments for over 10 Grammy-Award winning artists and touring members of their bands.
Historical Preservation
Successfully acquired and documented instruments from the estates of musicians who played with legends like Hank Williams, The Everly Brothers, Ferlin Husky, Hank Thompson and Loretta Lynn.
The Man Behind the Music
“I believe that guitars don’t do us any good if they just sit in a case. These beauties are meant to be played!”
Joe’s passion started young, listening to the bedrock of American music: 50s Rock & Roll, Classic Country, and Swing. Because he is a player, Joe understands what a musician needs because he is one.
- Performance History:
- Former Lead Guitarist for 2nd Hand Sam & His Country Gentlemen and currently playing with Woody Rambell & The Wrecks.
- Session Work:
- Recorded guitar, bass, mandolin and organ on many local studio albums.
- Influences:
- Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Oscar Moore, Hank Garland, and Scotty Moore.
- Personal Collection:
- Joe’s personal favorites aren’t always the most expensive. He treasures his 1956 Gretsch 6120, 1956 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster, and a humble Harmony Bobcat he bought for $100 years ago.
Media & Community
Joe is an active voice in the vintage guitar community, believing in transparency and education over secrecy.
Press:
Joe’s Vintage Guitars was featured by KJZZ 91.5 FM, Phoenix’s NPR affiliate, in an in-depth photo story showcasing the shop’s rare collection and the passion behind it. The feature highlights Joe’s lifelong love of vintage instruments and the unique buying-and-selling philosophy that keeps rare guitars in players’ hands. Read the full story here.
Joe’s Vintage Guitars was recently featured in VoyagePhoenix for an in-depth look at our mission to preserve guitar history in the Southwest. Read the full interview here.
YouTube:
Documents major buys (like a recent $100,000 buying trip in New Jersey) to show the reality of the business.
Forums:
Active contributor to the Gibson Brands Forums, helping users date and authenticate vintage finds.
Community:
Works closely with local music shops that don’t specialize in vintage instruments, helping them confidently evaluate and offer fair value for vintage gear.
Why Sell to Joe?
When you deal with Joe’s Vintage Guitars, you aren’t dealing with a call center or an untrained employee. You are dealing directly with Joe.
- Direct Access: Every appraisal is conducted or reviewed by Joe personally.
- Speed: Average turnaround for payment is the same day.
- Trust: Over 2,100 Verified Reviews on Reverb.com with a 5-Star Average as well as over 400 5-star reviews on Google.
About Joe Dampt
What Inspired You To Start Collecting Vintage Guitars?
The more vintage instruments I tried throughout my years of playing, the more I gained an appreciation for the variety and quality of these instruments. My passion for collecting stemmed from trying to find instruments that spoke to me and that truly inspired me to play.
Could You Share Some Of Your Most Memorable Experiences Or Moments Related To Your Vintage Guitar Collection?
The best memories I have related to my collection are definitely hearing the stories from people who played with the musicians that I idolize. Over the years I have purchased guitars from people who have played with some of my favorite country stars like Hank Williams, The Everly Brothers, Hank Thompson, Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ferlin Husky and many more!
What Led You To Specialize In Certain Types Of Vintage Guitars Or Specific Eras?
Over the years, I have gravitated towards focusing on instruments that I personally think are special. That being said, there is no accounting for taste and I try to see the value in every guitar that someone else might appreciate and play. Overall, while I do gravitate towards what I like, I try to get every instrument I can into the hands of a loving player who will cherish it for years to come.
What Tips Do You Have For New Vintage Guitar Collectors?
Always focus on the vintage guitars that you enjoy playing and collecting. You don't need to like what everybody else likes. The best guitars are the ones that inspire you to play them! Spend less time searching online for what specs you should like, and spend more time playing and figuring out what inspires you!
Can You Describe The Characteristics Of Your Ideal Vintage Guitar Find Or Acquisition?
My ideal guitar acquisition is one in which I get to hear tons of awesome history surrounding the guitar. Additionally, my ideal guitar acquisition includes photos of the original owner, accessories, music recordings and other interesting items that add historical significance to the guitar.
Our Clients’ Testimonials
5-Star Rated Vintage Guitar Buyer & Appraisal Expert Near You
Amy B.
★★★★★
Joe is a consummate professional! Encyclopedic knowledge of guitars, but also just a kind, generous, and helpful person. Highly recommend supporting Joe's Vintage Guitars!
Mateo Cavestany
★★★★★
Joe gave me an accurate and fair appraisal for my vintage Gibson. I love how passionate he is about his craft and the genuine care he puts into his business.
Adam Kirkpatrick
★★★★★
Joe is a true professional! I was very impressed with his knowledge and insights as it relates to vintage guitars. Joe is an expert of the highest order!
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Joe Today
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