Having a guitar autographed ?

[old_newbie]

Are there any guidelines for having a guitar autographed? For example, where on the guitar should one ask for an autograph to be signed? What style of guitar is best to have autographed i.e. given the choice between say a classical acoustic and a stratocaster? What kind of pen should be used, felt pen type probably? Is there any kind of unofficial ‘rule of thumb’ for this kind of thing among guitar lovers?

How do world-class guitarists feel about being asked to autograph, do you think they would mind?, would it violate some kind of marketing thingy for them?

My wife and I are going to see Al Di Meola at the end of the month at a dinner club:
http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=664
I was the first one to make reservations and they told me that if we got there right when they open that they would seat us next to the stage. I have never experienced anything like this so I don’t know if it’s even allowed, but I am thinking this may be a great opportunity for an autograph?

[tadejsusta]

well, I don't know exactly how it goes or which guitar you should give to be autographed, but if you're wondering which part of the guitar to get autographed, then you should pick an area on the guitar where you know it won't get off.

Like for an example: If you have it signed just below the pickups you could wipe it off if you'd be strumming. You get the picture?

[N E Y]

If you get to see Al , say hello for me... Enjoy
the show!


You can take any guitar you want. Use a PILOT gold marker , which is a paint marker you buy at craft supplies stores or art supplies stores., with metallic gold paint . You can get silver too. That is the international standard for autographs . I use the same to sign my DVDs. People use it for book signings as well. Get the thicker one . Not the fine point.

For small books and photos you can use a fine point one.

It is better than a sharpie which is also used- but not favored- and is what is used most of the time. A sharpie does not work on dark surfaces and looks too thin . Sometimes you see artists using sharpies too when the promoter or the fan does not have a PILOT.

Contrary to popular belief , artists and movie stars sign with whatever the fan gives them at the time . Media events , meet and greets and endorsements appearances. etc .. are PILOT events but it is up to you to provide the marker.

One time I even saw PLACIDO DOMINGO grilling his personal assistants who had brought sharpies instead of PiLOT gold paint markers for him to sign some photos.

What DON''T you find at -GP-

Ney

[old_newbie]

you should pick an area on the guitar where you know it won't get off. Like for an example: If you have it signed just below the pickups you could wipe it off if you'd be strumming. You get the picture?

Good point tadejsusta, thanks for bringing that up!
tom

If you get to see Al , say hello for me... Enjoy
the show! Ney

I will definately enjoy the show. Yes, i will say hello from Ney if there is the opportunity to actually meet or speak with Al between sets or something. Like i said i have never experienced anything like this so i don't know if there are meet and greet/autograph opportunities or not, i may be getting all excited over nothing. But it looks like a very intimate club and if we get a good table we would be virtually at arms length away from Al all evenning, i think i'd better be prepared for the opportunity of a lifetime just in case.
tom

You can take any guitar you want Use a PILOT gold marker That is the international standard for autographs it is up to you to provide the marker. What DON''T you find at -GP-
Ney

Thanks Ney!!! This is exactly what i needed to know!! Indeed, what DON'T you find here at GP! I may not know much, but i sure know where to go to find out!!! This is just fabulous information, i really appreciate it, thanks a million again Ney!
tom

[N E Y]

It may take 15 mins but AL always meets fans after the show you might have to ask where , if he does not come out to the floor, he will be meeting fans at the dressing room or wherever the club does that.

[megalodon]

Hi,

Are you sure you want an autograph on your instrument? I mean, no matter how great the guitar player is, I'd never allow that on my guitars. Especially when you have plans to be a decent musician yourself, you might want to ask yourself if you want to look as some 'wannabe'. At least that's how people with autographed guitars look to me. If that's OK to you then it's fine ofcourse, but again, if you want to create a musician's profile for yourself I don't think this would be a smart thing to do... And what if, after a few years, you rather listen to another another guitarist? You're gonna have another autograph?

[old_newbie]

Hi,

you might want to ask yourself if you want to look as some 'wannabe'. At least that's how people with autographed guitars look to me. what if, after a few years, you rather listen to another another guitarist? You're gonna have another autograph?

I just don’t see it that way,

Even beyond the sentimental and keepsake value, I don’t see how owning or playing a guitar with an autograph translates to wannabe in any negative sense. I would look at it more as honoring one of the greats, acknowledging what they have contributed.

In my view it would seem a rather lofty goal to wannabe like someone of that caliber. You can admire and respect someone for what they are without having to be them, or be exactly like them, but no disgrace in striving after their good qualities.

And yes, if the opportunity ever came up to have another guitar autographed by one of the greats, you betcha I would take it! A very rare and precious treasure indeed!

Thanks for your point of view megalodon, I would not have considered that angle.
tom

[Kenneth P]

This may help...

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier ... igsig.html


I don’t see it as a sign of a wannabe. If it is, then Willie Nelson is the biggest wannabe I’ve ever seen.

I think it’s more about mojo, and trying to leave a little bit of thiers on your guitar. More of a spriritual thing.

Just make sure it’s a guitar you can afford to keep forever (I’ve never owned one of those).

BTW – I have Jamie’s autograph sitting in my bookcase in the living room. Whenever I see it (every time I sit on the couch) it makes we want to get back up and practice.

[old_newbie]

This may help..http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier ... igsig.html

BTW – I have Jamie’s autograph sitting in my bookcase in the living room. Whenever I see it (every time I sit on the couch) it makes we want to get back up and practice.

Yes that does help, thanks Kenneth P !

I also have Jamie's autograph, on my "Deeper" book and on one of my "Principles" books. I am going to take your suggestion and place it somewhere i will always see it for inspiration.

Thanks again Kenneth P, have a good one.................
tom

[old_newbie]

Al Di Meola Autograph on Toms Gibson 1.31.2009.JPG (29.09 KiB) Viewed 3300 times