Can you remove felt pen autographs?

Darryl Hattenhauer · Post by **Darryl Hattenhauer** » 15 Jun 2008 7:51 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/1969-Guild-D-55-D55 ... dZViewItem

Although this is a dreadnaught, the problem comes up with steels and resos. So I hope I've posted this in the right place.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Jun 2008 1:42 pm

Often, they can't be completely removed. It depends on how long they've been on there, what kind of marker was used, and what shape (how old) the finish was in at the time of the marking. Removing only 90% of the marking would probably make it look worse than it does now, and it would unquestionably devalue the instrument.

Not being smart-alecky, but if you want one without marking all over it, it's best to buy one without marking al over it.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 16 Jun 2008 1:59 pm

Did you notice that autographs Willie Nelson?

If that were my guitar, I'd preserve those autographs, not try to erase them.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 16 Jun 2008 2:31 pm

I never understood the urge to deface a nice instrument by having people scrawl their signatures on it. OK, maybe on the underside of a steel guitar but other than that, I just don't get it. If you want to be an autograph collector, get them to sign a concert program or something like that. Then, if they're really worth something, you can sell them off one at a time for food. Oh well... different strokes...

Darryl Hattenhauer · Post by **Darryl Hattenhauer** » 16 Jun 2008 3:36 pm

I agree with all three of you.

If you can't erase it perfectly, don't mess with it.

It might even be a good thing to have it as is.

But don't do it in the first place.

Wally Taylor · Post by **Wally Taylor** » 16 Jun 2008 3:56 pm

I agree with you guys on never defacing a musical instrument. I had a friend that wanted me to take my pocket knife and scribe my name on his beautiful accoustic. I couldn't do it.
I think signing on the undreneath of a steel is acceptable though.

Wally

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 16 Jun 2008 4:43 pm

Dunno why it was done, but I knew as soon as I saw this that I knew the "Bart". Local guy around my old home town (much younger than me - used to see him when I was back in town), he moved to Austin years ago, after meeting Willie Nelson (I think that was the first autograph on the axe). I also like the "Willie P. Bennet" autograph - Willie P was a legendary Canadian singer/songwriter/character who just passed away. Anyway, dunno why Bart allowed anyone to sign his axe, or why he is selling it, though my brother has now been in touch with him about that.