Does a pickup system devalue an acoustic?

Keowulf · #1 03-20-2023, 03:42 PM

I was curious what people’s thoughts are on pickup systems and if they devalue a guitar? I found a really good deal on a Taylor 814C (at least I thought it was a good deal) without the ES2 system installed and an LR Baggs Anthem SL was installed instead. Just curious if say 10 years down the road I decide to sell if it will still reasonably hold value comparatively to equal taken care of 814CE with the factory electronics? I know the install seems minimally invasive but was just curious on thoughts there.

dnf777 · #2 03-20-2023, 03:47 PM

The opinions of the ES2 system vary widely here on AGF, so I bet the replies here will also. Unless your dealing with Vintage value in a guitar, I don't think a properly installed, working system will degrade value, assuming a large hole hasn't been cut in the sides to accommodate a control panel.

DownUpDave · #3 03-20-2023, 03:48 PM

The Anthem SL is argued to be a better system (YMMV). If the person buying the guitar is up on all the trends in electronics they may think it is a better system to buy them a stock ES2 equipped Taylor

Goat Mick · #4 03-20-2023, 03:48 PM

There will always be someone that doesn't want a guitar because a pickup was installed. But for every one of those are 10 people who either want the pickup or really don't care that it has one. It's your guitar, equip it however you want to and just play the thing. These things are tools, not investments.

cliff_the_stiff · #5 03-20-2023, 03:51 PM

I only think it would if it was installed poorly, or if the jack hole was over drilled.
I wouldn’t buy it if it was a vintage model year dated before onboard pickups- I would look for original endpin and bridge if possible.
Also, I have a Vintage model Collings and a Banner Gibson based off of guitars that didn’t have one in 1930 or 1940, I wouldn’t buy them if someone added a pickup.
On contemporary guitars like the OPs Taylor I wouldn’t think twice.

jacot23 · #6 03-20-2023, 04:01 PM

It would probably hold more value to me without the electronics; but I'm the 1 out of 10 mentioned earlier a lot it seems...

Gordon Currie · #7 03-20-2023, 08:00 PM

Not a Taylor. Those will sell every day and twice on Sunday with a pickup.

You may have noticed that they charge more for an installed pickup. There's a clue.

Petty1818 · #8 03-20-2023, 08:03 PM

I would argue it will hold greater value without the ES2. Pickup technology changes a lot and in ten years Taylor probably won't even be using the ES2. Just look at the people who bought Taylor guitars twenty years ago with those barn door style preamps and Fishman undersaddle pickups. Whenever I see those as a potential buyer, I don't even consider purchasing the guitar. Even people with the first generation ES systems are probably kicking themselves for buying that system... myself included.

ljguitar · #9 03-20-2023, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keowulf

I was curious what people’s thoughts are on pickup systems and if they devalue a guitar? I found a really good deal on a Taylor 814C (at least I thought it was a good deal) without the ES2 system installed and an LR Baggs Anthem SL was installed instead. Just curious if say 10 years down the road I decide to sell if it will still reasonably hold value comparatively to equal taken care of 814CE with the factory electronics? I know the install seems minimally invasive but was just curious on thoughts there.

Hi K…
If you have a one-of-a-kind pre 1920s Martin old Gibson, maybe. Otherwise, no they don't devalue it.

Old mint condition guitars with very specific & rare pedigrees are very unusual…especially if you are playing it in public on gigs.

Buyers may try to bring it up to get sellers to reduce the price, but in the time's I've sold altered guitars over the past 60+ years I've played guitar, I have not altered my asking price because of a pickup.

AeroUSA · #10 03-21-2023, 06:59 AM

For me if glue is used or if it is a proprietary system and the parts are no longer available then yes.

Petty1818 · #11 03-21-2023, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroUSA

For me if glue is used or if it is a proprietary system and the parts are no longer available then yes.

Wouldn't it kind of depend on what's glued in? I mean a K&K, Dazzo etc can easily be removed with zero impact on the guitar. I know some have claimed that the superglue seeps into the wood and can impact other systems that rely on bridgeplate adhesion but not sure I buy that. The only ones I stay away from are pickups that have visible controls on the body of the guitar.

AeroUSA · #12 03-22-2023, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petty1818

Wouldn't it kind of depend on what's glued in? I mean a K&K, Dazzo etc can easily be removed with zero impact on the guitar. I know some have claimed that the superglue seeps into the wood and can impact other systems that rely on bridgeplate adhesion but not sure I buy that. The only ones I stay away from are pickups that have visible controls on the body of the guitar.

I guess I am a little over worried about the internal cosmetics but also I have heard that left over residue on the bridge plate can affect the installation of other systems.

CharlieBman · #13 03-25-2023, 11:53 AM

A pickup devalues an acoustic guitar to me, but not generally to a resale market. Always someone around looking for one.