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Post subject: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 3:21 am
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I just bought a John Mayer signature strat. I love it and although I know "If it's not broken don't fix it" I thought I would ask to get a general opinion before I checked any further into modifying it.

First of all, would it diminish the value? Kind of like restoring an old gun or something? Would it be worth more if I left it alone?

Secondly, what I want to do is install a roller nut (I have done it before) and change the tuning keys out for the locking fender ones since I will be using the whammy bar a lot as well as replacing the saddles with the carbon fiber ones.

These are all modifications that I have done to my Telecaster but it was only a $120 guitar so diminishing the value in the long run is not as big of a deal to me and I figure I may have even raised the value of that guitar a bit by making these modifications.

As of right now it plays fine. I need to adjust the saddles and intonation a bit but otherwise it plays just fine. I haven't attached and used the whammy bar yet and figured before I delve into any modifications I should get a general opinion on what I would be doing to the guitar overall. Thank you in advance for your information and opinions.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:47 am
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Generally speaking there's nothing particularly special or collectable about signature guitars. Modifying any guitar to suit your tastes is just fine.

As to re-sale value: You eliminate potential buyers who are looking for a genuine John Mayer. You pick up potential buyers who like roller nuts, locking tuning keys and carbon fiber saddles.

A guitar is worth what someone will pay for it. I say change it to your desired specs and enjoy playing it.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:06 am
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So you don't think that it would de-value it? Like re-painting an old 65' Strat that was heavily road worn? Worth more if I left it alone and all that know what I mean?

I don't ever plan on selling it. But when I pass away and my children try to sell it I wouldn't want the value to be half of what it was worth because it technically plays fine. I would just like to do the afore mentioned modifications because I know I will be using the trem a lot.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:14 am
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It is going to devalue the Mayer to do those mods since the mods are likely non-reversable. That being said it's not going to do more than knock a couple of hundred off the value of the guitar - Mayer's aren't necessarily rare (excluding those limited run colors they did in the early years of the model).

Used sunburst ones go for about $1K; with the mods it might go for more like $800.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:37 am
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I believe you're overthinking this a bit, j077hn. I don't know how old you are but looking ahead to when you die and wondering if the 2013 John Mayer signature strat you purchased will be de-valued because of the mods you make seems counter-productive to me. There is no way to predict if this guitar will become desireable 20, 30, 40 years from now....I somehow doubt it. It's a fine guitar but there is nothing unique or special about it.

Mod it and play it. If the mods make it a better guitar it will be worth more. It will certainly be worth more to you.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:46 am
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I am definitely overthinking it. I just feel guilty making these changes on such a nice guitar. I've never owned one this nice and I have only had it for a day and I already see these changes that I would make. Makes me feel like I am killing a majestic beast or something. I figured if you told me that it would make it worthless 30 or 40 years down the road that would help make my decision easier. I appreciate the opinions. I guess I am just going to have to make it mine and not worry about it.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:41 am
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Modify it, you're the one playing it. I've modded every guitar I've ever owned. I gotta play it every day.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:44 am
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guitarman0128 wrote:
Modify it, you're the one playing it. I've modded every guitar I've ever owned. I gotta play it every day.


I like very much the latest mod you did on the Sapphire Blue Deluxe Players.

A matching pickguard would make the guitar just perfect IMO.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:20 pm
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I say feel free to modify it, but the changes you propose are permanent changes ( You will need to ream the tuner holes to install the locking tuners, not sure about the nut). Anytime you make non-reversible mods to a guitar, whether it is collectible or not, knocks the value down a good bit. You also limit the market because mods are very taste specific. Personally I think the 200-300 loss in value seems about right. For me I wouldn't even consider your guitar if you were trying to sell it as I am a fan of the Mayer in stock form. Since you haven't had it very long I'd give it a little more time to warm up to you before reaming tuner holes and drilling new mounting holes.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:25 pm
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Yogi wrote:
I say feel free to modify it, but the changes you propose are permanent changes ( You will need to ream the tuner holes to install the locking tuners, not sure about the nut). Anytime you make non-reversible mods to a guitar, whether it is collectible or not, knocks the value down a good bit. You also limit the market because mods are very taste specific. Personally I think the 200-300 loss in value seems about right. For me I wouldn't even consider your guitar if you were trying to sell it as I am a fan of the Mayer in stock form. Since you haven't had it very long I'd give it a little more time to warm up to you before reaming tuner holes and drilling new mounting holes.


+1!

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:03 pm
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Ive not played one of these yet,Im sure its top Fender quality,however,example: I modded the heck out of my 79' Anniversary{see post here @ Fender}and I did it because I knew the day I got it home,it was never going anywhere after my ownership,and I modded it,to suit what I wanted out of the gtr,with no thought of resale,or future value. I dont really care what it may be worth $$ wise,,its what it does for me thats priceless. And ,I know id NEVER find another one like it,that plays,sounds,like this one. But ,thats me ,others may see differently,which is all good also.


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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:08 pm
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If it makes you feel any better, I didn't hesitate...

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Post subject: Re: Modify a signature guitar?
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 2:56 am
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mthomps07 wrote:
If it makes you feel any better, I didn't hesitate...

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