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Wednesday March 13th, 2002
Is It Safe? Rick Nielsen and the Gibson Collectors Vault
By Paul Van Name for Gibson Strings & Original Equipment
Rick Nielsen walked into the Gibson booth at Winter NAMM 2002 looking for some action. After all, his love for Gibson guitars is known worldwide, and with 360 degrees of beautiful Korina, flamed maple and custom finishes adorning the walls, he seemed like a man on a mission.
Nielsen picked out six new Gibsons to add to his collection before he had even completed the loop. Then he spotted the Gibson Collectors Vault. It stopped the Cheap Trickster dead in his tracks.
What is that? he said as he approached the shiny black monolith bearing the gold leaf Gibson Custom Shop logo. After turning the tumblers and cracking open the fireproof vintage axe vault, he was obviously impressed by its plush, red velvet interior. An embroidered, prewar Gibson logo adorned the inside door panel. Nestled within were several familiar Gibson guitar shapes. And can I buy one today?
The Nielsen collection presently spans over 250 instruments. These are only the keepers. Over 2000 rare and unusual guitars have passed through his hands over the years. At some point, however, more guitars becomejust more guitars. But a 900 pound vault with fireproof protection up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, with recessed lighting and a pull out drawer for securing PAF pickups, vintage catalogs and rare parts? That boasts a whole new level of mojo. This was special.
Nielsen later confessed, It was love at first sight when he encountered his latest obsession, based on the sheer, artistic beauty of the vault. Its like Fort Knox on a human scale. Its also the best guitar case Ive ever had.
Designed with form-fit, adjustable dividers, the interior has room for either seven solidbody guitars or five acoustics. This is to deliver the ultimate security and peace of mind for any collectors cream of the crop.
Now I feel better about bringing some of my collection home, Nielsen said. Before, I had to move guitars in and out of storage (the Nielsen collection is kept secure in an off-site warehouse). That can really take the fun out of being inspired sometimes.
Check the credits on any Cheap Trick CD and youll find that Rick Nielsen is the groups principal songwriter. Now worry free, he can do some serious couch time and conceive Tricks next hit single while playing his favorite guitar of the week. One difference between him and us mere mortals is that we probably dont have a 58 Gibson Korina Explorer sitting in our laps to elicit such sweet inspiration (Nielsen actually has two!). But as Nielsen is quick to point out, The vault isnt exclusively for $100,000 guitars, either. The way that vintage guitar prices are rising, its going to make a lot of sense to everyday collectors, too.
A few special instruments, even from grassroots, regular guy collections, add up quickly; so the Gibson Collectors Vaults $5,500 price tag is hardly prohibitive. It can be special-ordered through any authorized Gibson dealer, who can then have it shipped directly to the customers place of residence.
Collectors arent the only ones who need a fireproof guitar vault. Several Gibson dealers have ordered them to present high-end pieces to their customers. The vault makes a formidable statement on a shop floor and is an instant conversation piece. Dealers also feel secure about locking key instruments away safely for the night.
Flash Forward: Gibson delivers Nielsens new vault to his home. Moments later the safe has found its rightful spot in the expansive, contemporary French house. Rick Nielsen is happy. Now only he has the secret combination to the vaults internal locking system. He disappears, and then returns with a stash of his personal guitars. Cracking open the safe, he loads them into their new home. A photo session ensues, and now the collector is doing his best Rick Nielsen impression for the camera. In between frames, he offers a wink to the film crew. Only problem isnow I'm going to need fifty more safes!"
For more information about the Gibson Collectors Vault call 1-800-544-2766.
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