Autographed Guitars...Opinions Please.

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Author Message Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 6:27 pm:    What do you guys think about artist-signed guitars? Would it make an otherwise average instrument more desireable or simply turn you off as crass hype? After a Larry Carlton concert last year, I saw a bunch of guys lugging their axes to him for him to sign...even after being told he would not do that. Jeez! The same thing happened at a Johnny A. concert. He too refused. Worse yet, you KNOW all they wanted to do is put a signed piece up for sale on Ebay if they could get it!! Personally, I buy 'em to play 'em. However, I would not refuse an autograph if I respected the artist...just don't write on my damn guitar! Your thoughts? Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 8:43 pm:    Tim, BB King will sign a pickguard for anyone who asks. Its an easy way to appreciate one of your "guitar ledgends" without damaging a Vintage instrument. Unfortunately you hit the nail on the head, its all about money. Ever notice that the guitars that are selling on EBay are el-cheapo guitars (usually Squire or Epiphone) that way the autograph hound gets to sell a $250 guitar for $500 just because he bothered a player at a concert. Its big business-not unlike the player signed balls, bats and other "collectables" Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 8:54 pm:    On a trip to Las Vegas, one shop had a bunch of celebrity autographs on various Squires, Epiphones or worse. The prices were outrageous! I just found an interesting 'autographed' Ibanez, however, that has a fairly decent price tag. Go freakin' figure!! Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 12:24 pm:    I'm gonna have Joe Bonamassa sign one of my Roadstar IIs this spring. He's about the only guy in the world I'd want to sign one of my guitars - not for some resale value hype, but because he's captured everything I've always tried to put into my playing and done it better than me. Hats off to the winner. He will be signing the BACK of the guitar, though. I personally don't think signatures improve the appearence of guitars. Anyone have any tips on prepping a finish for signing, followed by some clear coats? I'm hoping a good rub down with Naptha will suffice. Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 1:11 pm:    There is only one I would want and that is to have Paul McCartney's autograph on my Hofner violin bass. I'll keep that forever and will it to my favorite person when I die. Ace Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 1:45 pm:    Good question. I'm glad to hear Carlton won't sign guitars. I had Larry sign my Sapphire Blue CD when I saw him at Jazz Alley. I had him write it to me and my wife. Anyway, as for signed guitars, I don't like them personally. I think the autograph is only valuable to the person who received it. As for the resale value, I know Steve Vai will not sign stacks of pickguards, just for the reason they'll end up on some POS import guitar and on eBay. Funny though, the autograph doesn't really increase the value of the guitar. If I did have one of my guitars signed, I'd probably do it on the inside of the trem cavity cover (or somewhere hidden). Just because I wouldn't want it to wear off. Or, in the case of a guitar that didn't have a trem cavity, maybe behind the headstock? Probably one of the most collectable Ibanez autographed guitars is the Ibanez JEM in Lochness Green. Which were signed and numbered by the man himself. For preserving a signature, I think a clear coat is the way to go. Like I said, I'd probably go for a signature that wasn't subject to wear (or visibility). Seems like a very personal anointment for a guitar. Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 2:47 pm:    "Probably one of the most collectable Ibanez autographed guitars is the Ibanez JEM in Lochness Green. Which were signed and numbered by the man himself." Interestingly, Steve Vai signed the 6 and 7 string models on the BACK of each guitar's bodies. One lucky 7 string owner has multiple signatures from Vai, Satriani, Petrucci and Sheenan. Savvy owners clear coated them to preserve them. Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 10:58 pm:    Well, here's a signed '95 PS10. Starting at $899. Let's see how much it goes for. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380832385 Jeffsailor Username: Jeffsailor Registered: 01-2004 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 1:07 am:    Here's an AM50 signed by Scofield on GBase. http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=857705 Jeffsailor Username: Jeffsailor Registered: 01-2004 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 1:29 am:    In paging back through the thread I noticed the AM50 I posted from GBase is the same guitar that Guitartim mentioned earlier. The price of $395 is reasonable. js Mrryte Username: Mrryte Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 3:34 pm:    It's a shame that there are people out there that would try to make some quick $$ like that......personally, I always wanted Lee Ritenour to sign my AS120TR, but after reading this thread, I'd only do it if he offers. Besides; whether he signs it or not, it's not like it'll make me a better guitarist or anything.....

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