• From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Topic: Signed Guitars

Hey everyone,

I was thinking it might be nice to have a thread where we could post photos of signed guitars.
Perhaps a bit self-serving, as I'm going to the Nov 15 show in Kitchener and hoping Joe will be kind enough to sign my guitar.
I keep flip-flopping on where it should be signed, so a few photos may (or may not) help.

Will post mine if and when I get it signed.

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
2010 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2015 Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard with Bigsby (Signed)
  • Registered: 2012-09-07
  • Posts: 49

Re: Signed Guitars

Does a signed les paul pickguard signed by Les Paul count? smile

Electrics: 85 Les Paul Custom, 01 335, 03 Les Paul Special

Crybaby>Shanon Phaser> Supa-Trem> OCD> Homebrew distorion>Homebrew Miniboost > Boss Dimension C> Carbon Copy> TU3 Tuner : Amp- WoodCross head or combo or Hot Rod Deluxe

JDPS150's Website

  • From: Brackley, UK
  • Registered: 2012-08-09
  • Posts: 58

Re: Signed Guitars

I have one of the aged goldtops I bought used.  Previous owner had it signed on the pick-guard and to be honest I wish it wasn't there.  Been trying to get a replacement but none of the ones you can buy don't fit.  Even Gibson couldn't tell me what part no to order, so unless I get a custom one made, I am stuck with it

Cheers

John
http://www.thepiecesofmind.com/

johnreardon's Website

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Signed Guitars

My Goldtop is signed on the back of the head, the only place I would even consider for a signature.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP

5 Reply by ZeyerGTR (edited by ZeyerGTR 2016-10-27 05:45:19)

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Signed Guitars

I used to have a Les Paul whose pickguard was signed by Steve Vai, but I traded the guitar away earlier in the year.  Pickguard autograph was nice because it was easy to put a layer of clear coat over it to protect it, and it's replaceable if I ever wanted to do that.

My music & music blog: https://vincedickinson.home.blog/
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  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Signed Guitars

Rather than Joe signing the guitar, I had a spare pickguard signed instead which now lives in the case. Seemed the easiest and best way. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: New Zealand
  • Registered: 2016-07-15
  • Posts: 76

Re: Signed Guitars

Rusty wrote:

My Goldtop is signed on the back of the head, the only place I would even consider for a signature.

That's actually a really good place. Thanks for that suggestion, could come in handy at some point!

  • From: Brackley, UK
  • Registered: 2012-08-09
  • Posts: 58

Re: Signed Guitars

jimsty wrote:
Rusty wrote:

My Goldtop is signed on the back of the head, the only place I would even consider for a signature.

That's actually a really good place. Thanks for that suggestion, could come in handy at some point!

Signatures on any parts of the body of a guitar may reduce any resale value, so if people have to do it, then on a removable pick-guard is a better option

Cheers

John
http://www.thepiecesofmind.com/

johnreardon's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Signed Guitars

johnreardon wrote:
jimsty wrote:
Rusty wrote:

My Goldtop is signed on the back of the head, the only place I would even consider for a signature.

That's actually a really good place. Thanks for that suggestion, could come in handy at some point!

Signatures on any parts of the body of a guitar may reduce any resale value, so if people have to do it, then on a removable pick-guard is a better option

I am with Rusty back of headstock. I disagree it decreases the value if on back of headstock. The opposite I believe to be true. One could say you had Joe sign the pick guard then put it on guitar.
My two cents
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Re: Signed Guitars

Thanks for the suggestions all. Right now I'm kind of siding with Rusty and thinking the back of the headstock might be best.

For the record, I have no interest in re-sale value. I plan on keeping this guitar and having Joe's signature will just make me treasure it even more.

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
2010 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2015 Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard with Bigsby (Signed)
  • Registered: 2012-05-30
  • Posts: 485

Re: Signed Guitars

I think it depends on who signs it. A Les Paul with the signature of a player so associated with Les Pauls as Joe is on the back of the headstock shouldn't lose any value.

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet
  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,700

Re: Signed Guitars

Hey Jem77
Are you on the Meet'n'Greet list for Kitchener?

That's probably the only way you'll access Joe for a signature.

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Brackley, UK
  • Registered: 2012-08-09
  • Posts: 58

Re: Signed Guitars

cindyron wrote:
johnreardon wrote:
jimsty wrote:

That's actually a really good place. Thanks for that suggestion, could come in handy at some point!

Signatures on any parts of the body of a guitar may reduce any resale value, so if people have to do it, then on a removable pick-guard is a better option

I am with Rusty back of headstock. I disagree it decreases the value if on back of headstock. The opposite I believe to be true. One could say you had Joe sign the pick guard then put it on guitar.
My two cents
Cheers Ron

A signature on a pick guard can usually be changed, although I have had trouble in getting a new one for mine.  There are plenty of people who do not like signed guitars and also, believe it or not, plenty who have never heard of Joe.

In the numerous decades I have been buying, selling and playing, the broad rule of thumb I encountered was that while signatures may increase the value of cheap guitars, they always decrease the value of expensive guitars.

Still, it's whatever people want to do.  Personally, give me an unsigned guitar any day.  If you have to have an autograph from your favourite artist, then ask them to sign something like a ticket stub or CD.

Cheers

John
http://www.thepiecesofmind.com/

johnreardon's Website

14 Reply by Jem 777 (edited by Jem 777 2016-10-28 05:27:20)

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Re: Signed Guitars

DougH wrote:

Hey Jem77
Are you on the Meet'n'Greet list for Kitchener?

That's probably the only way you'll access Joe for a signature.

Hey Doug,

Yes, my wife & I are on the meet & greet list for that show.
It's our first m&g, so not sure really how it works. I envision you line up, shake hands, snap a photo and move along smile
Looking forward to it though.

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
2010 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2015 Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard with Bigsby (Signed)

15 Reply by Rusty (edited by Rusty 2016-10-29 07:13:05)

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Signed Guitars

johnreardon wrote:
jimsty wrote:
Rusty wrote:

My Goldtop is signed on the back of the head, the only place I would even consider for a signature.

That's actually a really good place. Thanks for that suggestion, could come in handy at some point!

Signatures on any parts of the body of a guitar may reduce any resale value, so if people have to do it, then on a removable pick-guard is a better option

Signatures MAY reduce the value, but where the signature is will make a big difference. The back of the headstock is a perfect place. A signed pickguard is just that, a signed pickguard. Joe signed my JB LP Goldtop on the back of the head, I'm certain I lost absolutely zero value. Location, location, location...

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • Registered: 2012-09-07
  • Posts: 49

Re: Signed Guitars

that's why I had Les sign a spare pickguard I had (I swapped my LP Custom to white plastic in the late 80s & have long since gone back to black).
One of my prized possessions

Electrics: 85 Les Paul Custom, 01 335, 03 Les Paul Special

Crybaby>Shanon Phaser> Supa-Trem> OCD> Homebrew distorion>Homebrew Miniboost > Boss Dimension C> Carbon Copy> TU3 Tuner : Amp- WoodCross head or combo or Hot Rod Deluxe

JDPS150's Website

17 Reply by cindyron (edited by cindyron 2016-10-29 20:28:27)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Signed Guitars

johnreardon wrote:
cindyron wrote:
johnreardon wrote:

Signatures on any parts of the body of a guitar may reduce any resale value, so if people have to do it, then on a removable pick-guard is a better option

I am with Rusty back of headstock. I disagree it decreases the value if on back of headstock. The opposite I believe to be true. One could say you had Joe sign the pick guard then put it on guitar.
My two cents
Cheers Ron

A signature on a pick guard can usually be changed, although I have had trouble in getting a new one for mine.  There are plenty of people who do not like signed guitars and also, believe it or not, plenty who have never heard of Joe.

In the numerous decades I have been buying, selling and playing, the broad rule of thumb I encountered was that while signatures may increase the value of cheap guitars, they always decrease the value of expensive guitars.

Still, it's whatever people want to do.  Personally, give me an unsigned guitar any day.  If you have to have an autograph from your favourite artist, then ask them to sign something like a ticket stub or CD.

we agree we disagree. Example the skinners that are signed and numbered by Joe are worth more then not signed.
its all a matter of taste. Would you prefer a Clapton Strat of a Strat that clapton signed?
cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Brackley, UK
  • Registered: 2012-08-09
  • Posts: 58

Re: Signed Guitars

cindyron wrote:
johnreardon wrote:
cindyron wrote:

I am with Rusty back of headstock. I disagree it decreases the value if on back of headstock. The opposite I believe to be true. One could say you had Joe sign the pick guard then put it on guitar.
My two cents
Cheers Ron

A signature on a pick guard can usually be changed, although I have had trouble in getting a new one for mine.  There are plenty of people who do not like signed guitars and also, believe it or not, plenty who have never heard of Joe.

In the numerous decades I have been buying, selling and playing, the broad rule of thumb I encountered was that while signatures may increase the value of cheap guitars, they always decrease the value of expensive guitars.

Still, it's whatever people want to do.  Personally, give me an unsigned guitar any day.  If you have to have an autograph from your favourite artist, then ask them to sign something like a ticket stub or CD.

we agree we disagree. Example the skinners that are signed and numbered by Joe are worth more then not signed.
its all a matter of taste. Would you prefer a Clapton Strat of a Strat that clapton signed?
cheers Ron

A Clapton Strat

Cheers

John
http://www.thepiecesofmind.com/

johnreardon's Website