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Current bursts for sale...

F-Hole

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 2, 2015
Messages
2,174
Montrose Burst for sale again

https://shop.guitarpoint.de/de/vintage-gibson-/1958-gibson-les-paul-standard-ronnie-montrose-burst


Gibson58Burst86787_2q1.jpg

One of the best sounding 'bursts (at least to my ears) on tape......I took a stab at this one a couple of years ago, but it had been "sold" (or, "parked", to be more accurate). I'd take another stab at it, but the seller leaves me absolutely cold.
 

Rich R

In the Zone/Backstage Pass
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
4,999

The first one is the Geddy Lee burst they tried to sell at the last Mecum guitar auction. It had a reserve of $175K which it did not meet. Personally, regardless of the provenance, I think it's a cool plaintop. However, with a reserve of ~$220K w charges, plus tax, etc. I don't think it'll work this time, either...

The second one is one that CME has/had, and is discussed in detail in another thread. Actually, CME has video on their site if you want to hear how it sounds.

Mecum's last guitar auction was not pretty. Reserves were SKY high, way out in Deep Space! :spabout I think the reason most guitar auctions don't work very well is that the auction houses have a fundamental misunderstanding of how the vintage guitar market is structured and operates. It's weird, because they all have one or more "experts" (some of whom actually know what they're talking about) advising them. Maybe they're not listening...
 

sglp63

Active member
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
529

The second one is Scarface, also still listed at CME.

For Internet bidding, the auction house requires a 50% advance deposit of the maximum bid by cheque or wire transfer - not particularly user friendly, especially for non US$ buyers...
 

Patek

Active member
Joined
Dec 4, 2015
Messages
420
One of the best sounding 'bursts (at least to my ears) on tape......I took a stab at this one a couple of years ago, but it had been "sold" (or, "parked", to be more accurate). I'd take another stab at it, but the seller leaves me absolutely cold.

GuitarPoint?

tried to deal with guitarpoint before but wouldn’t budge on ridiculous price on a destroyed 54
 

Rev.WillieVK

Active member
Joined
Jul 26, 2002
Messages
9,268
Mecum's last guitar auction was not pretty. Reserves were SKY high, way out in Deep Space! :spabout I think the reason most guitar auctions don't work very well is that the auction houses have a fundamental misunderstanding of how the vintage guitar market is structured and operates. It's weird, because they all have one or more "experts" (some of whom actually know what they're talking about) advising them. Maybe they're not listening...

Also: "Sellers only remember the highest price they've heard, buyers only remember the lowest price they've heard"

:salude
 

sws1

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,849
I saw reference to that Geddy Burst selling, including a screen shot of the price above the reserve. But I'm not sure what happened.
 

F-Hole

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Joined
Sep 2, 2015
Messages
2,174
GuitarPoint?

tried to deal with guitarpoint before but wouldn’t budge on ridiculous price on a destroyed 54

Yes, same guy who gave a glowing authentication to a fake Explorer with the wrong tuners and wrong case.......and issues shop receipts for fake Marshalls he "didn't sell".

From memory, the STP guitar also appears to have put on tens of thousands of Euros since it didn't sell last time.
 

sws1

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,849
^^^^
2013: 185k Euro (US$250k at the time)
2020: 295k Euro (US$325k at the time)
 

JPP-1

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Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
1,336
I’m kicking myself for not buying that “Jefferson Starship” Burst at Rumble Seat. After it got reduced I decided to check with someone I know who deals with title issues for insurance companies and by the time I got an answer it was sold. afaic $240k for that was a bargain!

Frankly I wouldn’t touch some of these mongrel “story” Bursts that are currently for sale and 300k+ for a mediocre top. Not in this lifetime, at least not from me.
 
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Rich R

In the Zone/Backstage Pass
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
4,999
I’m kicking myself for not buying that “Jefferson Starship” Burst at Rumble Seat. After it got reduced I decided to check with someone I know who deals with title issues for insurance companies and by the time I got an answer it was sold. afaic $240k for that was a bargain!

Frankly I wouldn’t touch some of these mongrel “story” Bursts that are currently for sale and 300k+ for a mediocre top. Not in this lifetime, and least not from me.

I completely agree with you about sticking with straight, non-boogered, guitars. The problem with Bursts with "issues" is that they turn into a dreamland where both buyer and seller can project whatever biases they have, there are no standards, it all becomes wishful thinking, etc. Worst of all, after money changes hands, the buyer owns it for eternity, unless they can find a greater fool--not easy in a minuscule market.

As to 9 2180, Cody's guitar is indeed a great example, and the title was cleared and assigned in court. All good--except for the "bad juju" that sticks to it from that truly ugly ownership fight. Silly superstition? Probably--but everyone has to find their individual comfort level. Re the first point above, if a "no issues" Burst like that takes years to find a buyer, think about what happens to the also-rans...
 

BoomGuru

Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2016
Messages
104
I completely agree with you about sticking with straight, non-boogered, guitars. The problem with Bursts with "issues" is that they turn into a dreamland where both buyer and seller can project whatever biases they have, there are no standards, it all becomes wishful thinking, etc. Worst of all, after money changes hands, the buyer owns it for eternity, unless they can find a greater fool--not easy in a minuscule market.

As to 9 2180, Cody's guitar is indeed a great example, and the title was cleared and assigned in court. All good--except for the "bad juju" that sticks to it from that truly ugly ownership fight. Silly superstition? Probably--but everyone has to find their individual comfort level. Re the first point above, if a "no issues" Burst like that takes years to find a buyer, think about what happens to the also-rans...

The new owner of the “Jefferson Starship” burst seems to enjoy it and his instagram ha some purdy pictures of the amazing top.

Bursts with issues are ok in my book... as long as the seller discloses all issues, the price depicts the issues and the buyer knows what they’re buying... lately though, hearing more and more stories of dishonest sellers...
 

Rich R

In the Zone/Backstage Pass
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Jun 4, 2002
Messages
4,999
Yep, great top--I just wish that guitar was not on its third finish. I'm not being snarky, I just don't see how 2 refinishes have not distorted contours, etc. I'd be very happy to be wrong on that assumption. Charlie's a straight shooter, so maybe I'll give him a call.
 

OKGuitar

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Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
938
I think referring to a twice refinished burst as a "Frankenstein" is a little harsh. Doesn't that term assume changed parts? I can't prove that any parts that are removable are original on any guitar unless it's still in the hands of its original owner (and even that can be suspect). Bursts included. I'm told the parts on the one we are referring to are original. It doesn't matter to me as long as they are correct. When I take on a consignment, I ask the seller what he would like to get for it. If it's too high, I suggest a lower price but, ultimately, it's the sellers call just as it's the buyer's call as to what he or she wants to pay. One of the common denominators I find among vintage buyers (and particularly, wannabes) is that they will go to great lengths to tell you what's wrong with the guitar you're selling and then make you an offer. My usual response? "If it's so loaded with issues, why do you even want it?"
 

VamboRool

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Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
I don't think using "Frankenstein" to describe that top is a negative comment, it is a monster!
 
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