The price of fame

[Dave W]

I was in St. Paul this afternoon near Willie's American Guitars so I stopped in. On the wall in the bass area, they had a cherry '65 EB-2 in EX condition for $1895. Fair enough price. Then on a separate stand near the front, they had a walnut finish '68 EB-2 in VG+ to EX- condition, nylon saddle two-point bridge, and it was $2500. 

Reason? the '68 is on consignment from Sheryl Crow and has been used on tour and on at least one of her recordings.

No thanks. If I were in the market, I'd buy the '65, no question. If I bought hers, I'd have to have it disinfected on the off-chance it had been touched or played by Kid Rock. 

[westen44]

I'd rather have a bass that has been less played.  A bass played by a celebrity is still a used bass.  I don't know if I could possibly have a more apathetic attitude about instruments played by famous people. 

Edit:

It doesn't mean I wouldn't ever ask for an autograph.  I would have definitely asked for Jack Bruce's autograph if given the opportunity.  But as for other stuff, I just don't much care about that. 

[Pilgrim]

Hey, when a well-know musician has owned an instrument, the price usually goes up.

Some like the musician, some don't. Fair enough - market value still goes up.

[mc2NY]

I was in St. Paul this afternoon near Willie's American Guitars so I stopped in. On the wall in the bass area, they had a cherry '65 EB-2 in EX condition for $1895. Fair enough price. Then on a separate stand near the front, they had a walnut finish '68 EB-2 in VG+ to EX- condition, nylon saddle two-point bridge, and it was $2500. 

Reason? the '68 is on consignment from Sheryl Crow and has been used on tour and on at least one of her recordings.

No thanks. If I were in the market, I'd buy the '65, no question. If I bought hers, I'd have to have it disinfected on the off-chance it had been touched or played by Kid Rock. 

SEXIST!! 

Actually, I own a number of former celeb instruments. The reason is not because of who owned them. I could really care less. The real reason to buy celeb instruments is because the maker usually puts more care and attention to detail in its celeb builds, unless that brand blows doggie dick and the celeb is only doing it for cash.

Also, in many true made-for-celeb axes, there are features that mere mortals may never be able to order.

So, generally speaking, you should have a better and more unique instrument when you have a former celeb piece.

Sort of the same general reason for buying NAMM/trade show booth/exhibit builds.

[westen44]

Hey, when a well-know musician has owned an instrument, the price usually goes up.

Some like the musician, some don't. Fair enough - market value still goes up.

I think one thing that has always bothered me the most about it is that famous musicians tend to put an instrument through more use than might be considered typical.  If it's one of their favorite instruments, it has been through a lot.  Some of these people are on the road almost the whole year.  I'd prefer a new musical instrument or one that has barely been played. 

[Dave W]

SEXIST!! 

Actually, I own a number of former celeb instruments. The reason is not because of who owned them. I could really care less. The real reason to buy celeb instruments is because the maker usually puts more care and attention to detail in its celeb builds, unless that brand blows doggie dick and the celeb is only doing it for cash.

Also, in many true made-for-celeb axes, there are features that mere mortals may never be able to order.

So, generally speaking, you should have a better and more unique instrument when you have a former celeb piece.

Sort of the same general reason for buying NAMM/trade show booth/exhibit builds.

I'm sexist because I hate Kid Rock?    If I wanted to hear yowling and howling, I'd rather listen to neighborhood cats than to him.

You're probably right about made-for-celeb axes. Sheryl's EB-2 was straight stock though. Same with the Epi Embassy she had consigned there. Good condition but not worth more to me.

OTOH there are a handful of performers whose guitar or bass would mean something more to me.

[Highlander]

I could possibly imagine you coveting a Martin that may have been used by Hank Williams... I'd certainly be honoured to own such a beastie...

[Grog]

Nate must have the market cornered on used Sheryl Crow gear...............

[westen44]

I could possibly imagine you coveting a Martin that may have been used by Hank Williams... I'd certainly be honoured to own such a beastie...

Few would fall into that category, though, of being legendary artists who were larger than life.  He just happens to be one of a small number, IMO.   

[westen44]

Nate must have the market cornered on used Sheryl Crow gear...............

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad. 

[Highlander]

Michael...!

[westen44]

 

[Dave W]

Michael...!

Sheryl don't bring him anything but down. 

[westen44]

Sheryl don't bring him anything but down. 

She might be my favorite mistake. 

[godofthunder]

  I really don't see Sheryl Crow once having owned/played it adding any value. Names llike Bruce, Entwistle, Jaco sure. My Hiwatt DR201 belonged to Dave Hill I don't think that adds to the value one dime.......................might even hurt it's value.