Does a guitar's history contribute to price?

[RalphH]

I might pay more for a guitar from someone semi-famous IF I were a fan, simply for the personal enjoyment, not because it would be worth more.

Otherwise professional musician = professional level of usage. I'd rather by a guitar from an amateur that treated it like an expensive ornament and played it an hour a week.

[EZYPIKINS]

The difference in playability should be worth a few extra bucks. a pro's instrument would have had a professional set up. Likely one that could be easily played. You don't really think the players who amaze people with their uncanny ability, are doing it on an off the shelf guitar do you? They may be able to hold out on a shelf guitar for awhile. But to do it for hours on end and at days at a time requires an instrument that has been tweaked to that players preferences. But how much would that be worth? And vintage? Though I can appreciate a vintage instrument and what it may have been through. I can't see paying the prices they seem to bring.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by EZYPIKINS

The difference in playability should be worth a few extra bucks. a pro's instrument would have had a professional set up. Likely one that could be easily played. You don't really think the players who amaze people with their uncanny ability, are doing it on an off the shelf guitar do you? They may be able to hold out on a shelf guitar for awhile. But to do it for hours on end and at days at a time requires an instrument that has been tweaked to that players preferences. But how much would that be worth? And vintage? Though I can appreciate a vintage instrument and what it may have been through. I can't see paying the prices they seem to bring.

Be worth the cost of a good setup. (or a bit less -- why pay for a setup done to some else's preferences)

[dnf777]

Trigger? Yes. Most all others, no. I think that question blurs the line between celeb value and sentimental value. Two very different values, but obviously possible overlap.

[Dru Edwards]

Someone will pay a premium for that Doyle Dykes guitar.

[musicman1951]

Couldn't care less. It's the sound and feel.

[H165]

If you've actually seen this player preform very well on this particular guitar, it might be worth a little premium just having the knowledge that this guitar is not the problem if you miss a few licks.

Identifying the exact moment when a guitar gains value due only to past ownership is beyond my capabilities, so no added value for me.

[BoneDigger]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I checked this guitar over well and it's in immaculate shape, plus it's set up well. The cost addition isn't horrible. I'm just debating it.

[Dwight]

I sold a Rickenbacker to a faux Tom Petty for a run in Vegas. He didn't pay any more or less. But now that he's played it it may be worth more.

[captain_jack]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Since the question will be raised, the artist is Doyle Dykes, and he does come around this way occasionally, so I could probably get an autograph and picture with him and the guitar if that makes a difference. But, let's not focus on who it is or his playing, but only on whether the guitar is worth more due to that history? And they are not asking a ton more for it.

I disagree, I think you have to focus on who the artist owner was, as that is the entire reason for the uncharge. The bigger the name, the more you can charge for the guitar. But if it's not a well known person, the only buyer willing to pay a premium will be a fan of that artist.

You have to decide if it's worth it to you as a fan, but I would assume that there would be zero additional resale value in the future, so something to keep in mind if you don't plan on keeping it for the long haul.

[BoneDigger]

If I did buy it, would it make any difference to get the artist to sign it and take a pic?

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

If I did buy it, would it make any difference to get the artist to sign it and take a pic?

The pic of you, Doyle and the guitar will help with provenance which may help future resale value. I wouldn't have Doyle actually sign the guitar though.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

If I did buy it, would it make any difference to get the artist to sign it and take a pic?

Yes it would to a hard core DD fan...anyone else, not really.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Benjo]

There are some beat to **** guitars Leo Kottke owned that are selling for like $30k. Hahah, as if. Someone with more money than sense will buy one I guess.

[Br1ck]

I'd buy the guitar based on being a really good guitar, paying the celeb tax, but not because of the connection. What is the provenance? A known musician, known to have 200 guitars and selling them off for one reason or another, is something I'd not pay extra for. But if the seller thought it was worth more, I'd have to decide on the guitar based on just the guitar.

I bought a guitar on the very high side of the value scale just because I bonded with it.