George Benson's own guitar for sale

[Jimmy blue note]

It's not mine and not my thing. Just watching to see how quickly it'll go.
https://ebay.us/m/2cDkbx

I hope nobody along the way cleaned it. If you can collect the DNA and clone George, create an ACTUAL George Benson and then sell THAT package on Ebay, then you're talking some serious scratch.
Otherwise, I think I'd be better off having a solid wood tap tuned guitar clone built for me from China; something that might be very cool to play on and looks like the real thing. I'll bet they can make me a D'Aquisto clone that is way closer to an original Jimmy D' and I'll bet they can make me my own Certificate of Authencity to throw in the case too. All for way less than this guitar.
Heyyyy... Can I create a company that makes forged Certificates of Authenticity?
Can AI make me a "Newly discovered Early Mozart sonata" that I can "discover" in a library in Vienna?

Collectors' mindset.
Time to practice. ' collect some good ideas I can actual make into music.

[Lance1966]

I own this, and to be fair without the certificate it's worth 2k at best. Though it's the best setup I've ever seen. I'm a benson fan and thought it might be nice to own for a while without it losing money. I didn't take into consideration the uk import duties.. So to get my money back, Id have to sell at 6.5k.. I have other guitars that are better as we know he does. I contacted his manager to gather a little more insight into its use and as I suspected he had around the house with many others he would pick up from time to time. I would like to know how jabberwocky or whatever you call yourself know's this for a fact ;"This Aria D'Aq New Yorker is one that he got free and stuck in the back of his closet, forgotten about until GB did house-cleaning about three to five years ago"
Anyway I'm glad it created a small amount of interest for a short while, if anyone is genuinely interested, I have it up again at a lower price, but would except 6.5k. I also have a 1969 ES175 for sale at 4.5k.

Ok thanks.

P.s Jads57, I'm not a particularly wealthy person (so no Mega Wealth), when I do find my self with extra cash I buy a nice guitar for fun but knowing that they are not really investments. I'm from a working class family in the north of England, I've been a record producer and recording engineer for 43 years and in that time I feel I have given a lot, free time, cheap jobs for those musicians who were on their arse. I can only afford the odd nice guitar because I happened to be lucky with some property I renovated. The music industry in the UK is f*cked so I'm selling some guitars, hope that's ok with you.

[Cunamara]

The music industry in the US is effed as well.

[jads57]

So I probably have said this before. But after owning so many of the coveted vintage guitars and now unobtainable things like Dumble amps and say ‘1958 Les Pauls,etc. Remember when I was younger these were expensive,but not like in recent years,and I never owned more that 2 guitars or amps at any one time.
I also bought these as tools to use to make a living with, if you can call t that,Lol!

Given that experience,and nowadays wonderful instruments at more affordable prices. I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.
And that’s fine because it employs luthiers,etc. But it really is akin to owning a Ferrari to drive to and from work. Why?

Obviously to show others your status in society imo. We have lost the the true star of the show,which is the Musician and Music that we should support and focus on rather than the tools made to make it.
Remember Wes,Jaco,Joe Pass, etc used very good instruments, but they were not over priced or unobtainable to most musicians.

[Lance1966]

So I probably have said this before. But after owning so many of the coveted vintage guitars and now unobtainable things like Dumble amps and say ‘1958 Les Pauls,etc. Remember when I was younger these were expensive,but not like in recent years,and I never owned more that 2 guitars or amps at any one time.
I also bought these as tools to use to make a living with, if you can call t that,Lol!

Given that experience,and nowadays wonderful instruments at more affordable prices. I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.
And that’s fine because it employs luthiers,etc. But it really is akin to owning a Ferrari to drive to and from work. Why?

Obviously to show others your status in society imo. We have lost the the true star of the show,which is the Musician and Music that we should support and focus on rather than the tools made to make it.
Remember Wes,Jaco,Joe Pass, etc used very good instruments, but they were not over priced or unobtainable to most musicians.

Is this still a dig at me? I thought I'd put enough info in there to explain. I'm on the other end of the scale from corporate psychopath.. I am a musician..and my job is developing other musicians. Again, is that OK?

[FourOnSix]

[QUOTE=jads57;1439327]I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.[/QUOTE

I can only surmise that, if you had the means to buy incredibly expensive instruments, you would purchase them to show off your acquisitions. As to why others buy them, all you can do is surmise. Good luck with that.

[garybaldy]

So I probably have said this before. But after owning so many of the coveted vintage guitars and now unobtainable things like Dumble amps and say ‘1958 Les Pauls,etc. Remember when I was younger these were expensive,but not like in recent years,and I never owned more that 2 guitars or amps at any one time.
I also bought these as tools to use to make a living with, if you can call t that,Lol!

Given that experience,and nowadays wonderful instruments at more affordable prices. I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.
And that’s fine because it employs luthiers,etc. But it really is akin to owning a Ferrari to drive to and from work. Why?

Obviously to show others your status in society imo. We have lost the the true star of the show,which is the Musician and Music that we should support and focus on rather than the tools made to make it.
Remember Wes,Jaco,Joe Pass, etc used very good instruments, but they were not over priced or unobtainable to most musicians.

What is incredibly expensive?

[Jimmy Mack]

If I had the $$$$, I would buy great instruments, and expensive ones, for the personal enjoyment of playing them, hearing their beautiful voices, and to make music with them. I have also bought inexpensive instruments, for their musicality when they exhibited qualities I desired.
There is nothing wrong with buying either of these.

[FourOnSix]

If I had the $$$$, I would buy great instruments, and expensive ones, for the personal enjoyment of playing them, hearing their beautiful voices, and to make music with them. I have also bought inexpensive instruments, for their musicality when they exhibited qualities I desired.
There is nothing wrong with buying either of these.

Exactly. In addition, the LAST THING I WOULD DO is to use them as fodder for bragging rights by widely advertising that I own them. Even better protection than insuring them.

[jads57]

My statements are only a personal opinion of my life’s experiences as both a professional musician and owner of many instruments for over 50 years. If people feel offended personally than my apologies are in order.
But at 68 years of age ,you definitely ride in many rodeos during your lifetime. And have seen trends come and go,as well as human behavior keep repeating itself over and over.

To the comment about really expensive! In 1975 I purchased a near mint 1958 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top with PAF’s from George Gruhn for $1400. Current value would put it well over $100,000.
In 1980 I purchased a 50 Watt Dumble Overdrive Special from Howard Dumble for $1400. I took a bank loan for it,Lol! Current value? Probably $50,000.
These were purchased to make music,and expensive for the day.
Today I realize while nice gear,definitely better choices available nowadays for way less $$$

Remember while vintage and boutique gear was expensive,only musicians were the primary purchasers. Not stock investment nor collectors who were interested in expensive art.

[wintermoon]

My statements are only a personal opinion of my life’s experiences as both a professional musician and owner of many instruments for over 50 years. If people feel offended personally than my apologies are in order.
But at 68 years of age ,you definitely ride in many rodeos during your lifetime. And have seen trends come and go,as well as human behavior keep repeating itself over and over.

To the comment about really expensive! In 1975 I purchased a near mint 1958 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top with PAF’s from George Gruhn for $1400. Current value would put it well over $100,000.
In 1980 I purchased a 50 Watt Dumble Overdrive Special from Howard Dumble for $1400. I took a bank loan for it,Lol! Current value? Probably $50,000.
These were purchased to make music,and expensive for the day.
Today I realize while nice gear,definitely better choices available nowadays for way less $$$

Remember while vintage and boutique gear was expensive,only musicians were the primary purchasers. Not stock investment nor collectors who were interested in expensive art.

don't you get tired posting the same thing ad nauseum in this thread, this forum, and other forums?
I know I'm tired of reading it, it's gotten to the point when I see your user name I just skip your posts because I know the content.
you must be fun at parties...

[jads57]

Well my suggestion is move on like you’re suggesting to me. But apparently I seem to be hitting a nerve for some.
Again while I have to put up with people who have differing views and appreciation from mine. You do as well.

I used to feel the same way about the old Jazz guitarists view of the younger Rock generation. But now I get it, and it starts to make sense. It’s the Music and the people making it,that truly counts!
And I can post a point of view from experience not just speculation since I had gear acquisition syndrome as well.

And I charge extra for parties,Lol!

[garybaldy]

Well my suggestion is move on like you’re suggesting to me. But apparently I seem to be hitting a nerve for some.
Again while I have to put up with people who have differing views and appreciation from mine. You do as well.

I used to feel the same way about the old Jazz guitarists view of the younger Rock generation. But now I get it, and it starts to make sense. It’s the Music and the people making it,that truly counts!
And I can post a point of view from experience not just speculation since I had gear acquisition syndrome as well.

And I charge extra for parties,Lol!

It's not that you've hit anyone's nerve. In people's opinion your surmising is wrong.

[jads57]

There’s no correct surmising here. It’s simply each persons point of view. I’m not in competition to win any prizes obviously with my blunt posts,Lol!

[deacon Mark]

Funny I spend my life around people in vowed religious life. Many take a vow of poverty but not all at least not diocesan priest. Even those are not concerned with money or really status. They are not trying to keep up with anyone. Some have little things to their actual name. Yet, they are quite free they don't have any of the wealthy worries. Much more mobile and can move at the drop of a hat. That is in some way true freedom.

On the other hand, none of them I know has a Super 400 in music room. The musicians of the group I know really don't have much interest in jazz and no background. Us discussing George Benson's guitar and the price they would laugh to no end. Funny world and I get to see both sides at least from the mammon side. No vow of poverty on my part but frankly stress, money, and power are not a good thing always. If you can afford George's million-dollar guitar you have a different set of worries than me, I am not particularly envious.

[jads57]

The real irony is the person who gets George Benson’s guitar,will probably not have the ability to appreciate it as an actual gigging instrument!
As well as the point I keep trying to make. This really has little to do with Music, and or playing music. And mostly to do with Look at Me ,because I own a piece of the King’s Robe!

I could see if the money went for a charitable cause,and or helped spread George Benson’s music contributions and the Jazz Guitar Language!

[Litterick]

So I probably have said this before. But after owning so many of the coveted vintage guitars and now unobtainable things like Dumble amps and say ‘1958 Les Pauls,etc. Remember when I was younger these were expensive,but not like in recent years,and I never owned more that 2 guitars or amps at any one time.
I also bought these as tools to use to make a living with, if you can call t that,Lol!

Given that experience,and nowadays wonderful instruments at more affordable prices. I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.
And that’s fine because it employs luthiers,etc. But it really is akin to owning a Ferrari to drive to and from work. Why?

Obviously to show others your status in society imo. We have lost the the true star of the show,which is the Musician and Music that we should support and focus on rather than the tools made to make it.
Remember Wes,Jaco,Joe Pass, etc used very good instruments, but they were not over priced or unobtainable to most musicians.

These things became collectibles with the passing of time. People, men mostly, buy them for many reasons, such as to have something that was desired but unattainable when one was young and poor; or because they believe craftsmanship is now dead and nothing new can replace something old and well-made; or in the mistaken belief that an expensive old guitar will always continue to increase in value.

Wes Montgomery told Crescendo magazine: 'I'm concerned about my set-up, but up to a certain level I always give it a lot of play. I got a standard box - I don't never want nothing special. I want it just as standard as I can get it. Then, if I drop my box, I can borrow somebody else's. Like, if I've only got one amp, with the precise sound, and it falls off on the floor - I don't have no job.'

[jads57]

That’s the true musicians spirit what Wes Montgomery was quoted saying. I read Pat Metheny adopted that as well. He didn’t want the guitar to be so special that it would not allow his voice to be the magic.
And again I’m addicted to gear as well,and have always admired guitarists that weren’t,Lol!

[garybaldy]

These things became collectibles with the passing of time. People, men mostly, buy them for many reasons, such as to have something that was desired but unattainable when one was young and poor; or because they believe craftsmanship is now dead and nothing new can replace something old and well-made; or in the mistaken belief that an expensive old guitar will always continue to increase in value.

Wes Montgomery told Crescendo magazine: 'I'm concerned about my set-up, but up to a certain level I always give it a lot of play. I got a standard box - I don't never want nothing special. I want it just as standard as I can get it. Then, if I drop my box, I can borrow somebody else's. Like, if I've only got one amp, with the precise sound, and it falls off on the floor - I don't have no job.'

Does that mean Wes had guys waiting in the wings to thrust their L5s into his hands as soon as he had issues with his? We all better use Squier Affinity Strats these days.

[Rodney Gene]

So I probably have said this before. But after owning so many of the coveted vintage guitars and now unobtainable things like Dumble amps and say ‘1958 Les Pauls,etc. Remember when I was younger these were expensive,but not like in recent years,and I never owned more that 2 guitars or amps at any one time.
I also bought these as tools to use to make a living with, if you can call t that,Lol!

Given that experience,and nowadays wonderful instruments at more affordable prices. I can only surmise that people buy incredibly expensive instruments to show off their acquisitions.
And that’s fine because it employs luthiers,etc. But it really is akin to owning a Ferrari to drive to and from work. Why?

Obviously to show others your status in society imo. We have lost the the true star of the show,which is the Musician and Music that we should support and focus on rather than the tools made to make it.
Remember Wes,Jaco,Joe Pass, etc used very good instruments, but they were not over priced or unobtainable to most musicians.

?? Odd perspective.

From a 30+ year gear industry veteran this is a very narrow understanding of musicians and gear. It may be auto-biographical for you, you may relate to it, that is perfectly understandable. But it certainly is not universal by any stretch. We all know how little gear it takes to gig or earn. And how inexpensive that gear can be (and often is) But the enjoyment of well made instruments, the ability to discern well made instruments, the willingness to invest in the crafstmanship, exploration, curiosity etc.. is not synonymous with musicianship.

These are parallel but very separate subjects, intertwined only sometimes.
Both avenues of study, development and exploration have massive, massive support and resource today, more than ever.

[jads57]

Does that mean Wes had guys waiting in the wings to thrust their L5s into his hands as soon as he had issues with his? We all better use Squier Affinity Strats these days.

No, I just envy people who have put the emphasis on the music rather than the tools themselves. In fact as stated I probably one of the most guilty of GAS people in these forums of this!
And it’s still hard at age 68 and the poor life of an average pro guitarist,Lol!

The difference now is an old Strat,Tele,Les Paul,335,L-5,etc is basically only attainable by having a lot of extra$$$$$ When I was a kid as a teeneager old Fenders and Gibsons were anywhere from $100 to $1000. And while not inexpensive they were not considered Magic Wands.
Just nice guitars to make music with,and not status symbols of the wealthy. Well maybe a nice D’Angelico or Johnny Smith,etc

[garybaldy]

No, I just envy people who have put the emphasis on the music rather than the tools themselves. In fact as stated I probably one of the most guilty of GAS people in these forums of this!
And it’s still hard at age 68 and the poor life of an average pro guitarist,Lol!

The difference now is an old Strat,Tele,Les Paul,335,L-5,etc is basically only attainable by having a lot of extra$$$$$ When I was a kid as a teeneager old Fenders and Gibsons were anywhere from $100 to $1000. And while not inexpensive they were not considered Magic Wands.
Just nice guitars to make music with,and not status symbols of the wealthy. Well maybe a nice D’Angelico or Johnny Smith,etc

Have you replied to the wrong post?

[Lance1966]

The real irony is the person who gets George Benson’s guitar,will probably not have the ability to appreciate it as an actual gigging instrument!
As well as the point I keep trying to make. This really has little to do with Music, and or playing music. And mostly to do with Look at Me ,because I own a piece of the King’s Robe!

I could see if the money went for a charitable cause,and or helped spread George Benson’s music contributions and the Jazz Guitar Language!

OK...I have George Benson's guitar and have played for 48 years, 40 of which I have studied jazz. I don't consider myself a virtuoso but I can hold my own in most jams. So I do have the ability to appreciate it, and I'm considering gigging it if it doesn't sell, it's a great instrument and it's incredibly well setup. I'm not one for leaving things in their case for years, as I've mentioned already I'm a producer and recording engineer and every instrument I have gets used. I have often put instruments that have provenance into hands of musicians that I've worked with, to hopefully inspire, which it more often does. It's like recording at Abbey Road, I don't wear it as a badge of honour, I go there to capture the vibe, because it's about the music.. So if you can just leave it, with your "Look at Me" comments it would be appreciated.
I considered buying Al Schmitt's Tannoy monitors when he died, (Legendary engineer/producer of George Benson and countless other greats) not so I could say I have "a piece of the King's Robe". So I could understand what he was listening to, how and why. My drive to own the guitar was partly the same reasoning, partly investment and mostly fun. So I ask again, is that OK?

[jads57]

Gary Baldy sorry if I’ve offended you with my posts. I’m just unimpressed with how society has taken for granted, the great music of the past,and values possessions instead.

Not trying to say there’s anything wrong about the gear or put it down.Just saying the emphasis used to be the players and the compositions.
Pat Martino Desperado album was recorded with a cheap imported Thinline 12 string electric. And his tone as well as his playing is unbelievable! And his other records were recorded with great old Gibsons L-5CES, Johnny Smith,Koontz,etc. and they sound wonderful as well!

I care more about the end result and wish we could get back to that mindset in society. Musicians have been so taken for granted and now with no revenue streams for them?

[garybaldy]

Gary Baldy sorry if I’ve offended you with my posts. I’m just unimpressed with how society has taken for granted, the great music of the past,and values possessions instead.

Not trying to say there’s anything wrong about the gear or put it down.Just saying the emphasis used to be the players and the compositions.
Pat Martino Desperado album was recorded with a cheap imported Thinline 12 string electric. And his tone as well as his playing is unbelievable! And his other records were recorded with great old Gibsons L-5CES, Johnny Smith,Koontz,etc. and they sound wonderful as well!

I care more about the end result and wish we could get back to that mindset in society. Musicians have been so taken for granted and now with no revenue streams for them?

No need to apologise for something you haven't done.