Buying Signature models without Papers

[collin]

What does everybody think about purchasing collectible signature model Ricks that are missing their papers (or Certificate). JL, RM, PT, CW etc etc...?

Even if they are legitimate? Does that significantly decrease the value of the item as a whole?

Cheers,
-Collin

[Scastles]

Welcome, Collin. Not having the papers won't reduce the value of the guitar.

[Razor]

Personally I wouldn't purchase one without a certificate.

[tennis_nick]

Personally I wouldn't purchase one without a certificate.

I'm on the other side.

I want it for the guitar, not the paper telling me what guitar I have.

That said, I probably won't ever buy an artist sig to begin with...

[sloop_john_b]

There are people who are really insistent on having the cert. I'm not one of them.

However, if it were something like a Townshend model, which is easily faked, i'd want a certificate.

[ric330]

I didn't care when I bought my PT Rick,
But it sure seemed to be an issue when I went to sell it. Which I shouldn't have sold it in the first place...DUH...

If you do have to sell it later many will probably give you more because you have the certificate.
If it doesn't have the Cert - Buy it because you'll probably keep it and not sell it like I did.

[jwilli]

My gorgeous Carl Wilson 360/12 arrived w/o the certificate, Big whooppee! I wanted the guitar, not a piece of paper. BTW, RIC will authenticate the instrument if it is indeed real. Thats fine in my book.

[BobKat]

I think it does help somewhat with the value. But less and less these days. I'd say maybe a 10 percent hit. But guitars that can be faked may simply be harder to move.

[doctorwho]

I think it does help somewhat with the value. But less and less these days. I'd say maybe a 10 percent hit. ...

I agree, Bob.

My 1998PT, 370/12RM FG, 660/12TP JG, and Tuxedo, Blackstar, and Redneck basses all lack the certifiacte. Not an issue for me.

[JakeK]

Fortunately, my 660/12TP JG came safely with certificate. It is KINDA an issue to me, as I like to know that my instrument is real, but if the certificate is lost and destroyed, I wouldn't have a fit over it.

[BobKat]

Jake, you have a 660/12TP?

[collin]

Personally I wouldn't purchase one without a certificate.

Thanks Guys!

I fortunately live down the road from the Rickenbacker factory, so if they do offer validation on a high-value signature model, it's definitely (and easily) worth the trip.

Cheers,
-Collin


Ps..Tony! Is that your SX150 ? You involved in the scooter scene over there? I'm pretty heavily into it over here in CA..

[dswp]

From what I see, a Cert earns another $500.00 minimum when a LE guitar or bass is sold.

[Razor]

Ps..Tony! Is that your SX150 ? You involved in the scooter scene over there? I'm pretty heavily into it over here in CA..

Collin

Yes it is my Lambretta - Special X 175, it's a 1968 LI125 Special (SZ125 if you like) that I've put a Stage 4 175 kit on.

I posted a couple of pics here:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=379990

I get my enjoyment out of restoring Lambrettas and I'm not involved hugely in the scooter scene here in the UK, I'm in the Lambretta Club of Great Britain and that's about it. I have a few mates who are much more involved than I am, I find there's too much in-fighting and bickering for my liking...

[collin]

there's too much in-fighting and bickering for my liking...

haha. well..at least I know it's consistent world-round. I work at a shop, so I get to deal with it everyday, there is indeed too much bickering. Oh well..

The Lammy is looking good!

I'm more of a Vespa guy, I just got tired of wrenching on the LambrettasI used to have. That's my SS180in the avatar and here:

http://www.fullertonvintage.com/scooter ... lin001.jpg
http://www.fullertonvintage.com/scooter ... lin003.jpg

Cheers!
-Collin

ps...sorry for the off-topic tangent everyone!