A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: dustyvalentino on July 07, 2010, 12:55:17 PM
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I know we have a few MK strat owners here so lets have a dedicated thread.
I ordered mine as soon as they were announced and got it in September 2003 if memory serves. I don't have it to hand to check at the moment but the serial is number SE00154.
The first time I opened the case I remember being surprised at how dark the red was, almost maroon. It emerged later that a small number of MK strats, apparently 20, had been sent from the factory in the wrong colour, Dakota Red instead of Hot Rod Red. I really don't mind, whatever colour it is it looks great. It can look different in different pictures, in the pics below it doesn't look much different to the Hot Rod Red, but when I see MK's strats in concert I can tell the difference right away.
It is very light and a fantastic guitar. MK signed the headstock for me at the Hay on Wye festival in May 2007.
Some pics. :)
(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/9195/mkstrat005.jpg)
(http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8804/mkstrat004.jpg)
(http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8224/mkstrat003.jpg)
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9112/mkstrat002.jpg)
Let's see your MK strats!
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Looks beautiful. If yours is one of twenty it only makes it more special.
Don't have a sig myself, just an American standard candy cola, and a highway sunburst for good measure! Can't beat a well set-up strat!
:)
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Looks beautiful. If yours is one of twenty it only makes it more special.
Don't have a sig myself, just an American standard candy cola, and a highway sunburst for good measure! Can't beat a well set-up strat!
:)
Fletch, I meant to say, Dan very kindly transferred some of my old Mini Discs for me, including my recording of the Brothers in Arms "Classic Albums" show. I hope to get it on the tracker soon. :)
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Cool! I can't wait to hear mark telling me just how " terrible " BIA is again. :)
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This is amazing!!!!! I bought a MARK knopfler STRAT in 2008 brand new. What attracted me at first was the coulour but playing this strat it holds up to my CUSTOM SHOP WITH EASE . Its nice to see other people appreciating the beauty and quality of this GUITAR . IVE heard they are being cancelled. Is this a fact or rumour?Unfortunetly I CHIPPED MINE and then stupidily had someone try to repair the fairly big chip AND THEY didnt match the coulour properly in one area, So IM READY TO BUY another one!! Maybe one of you out there knows where I CAN GET great deal online somewhere? Now going back to that dakota red knopfler strat mine also looks that way in dimmer light settings, however in direct sunlight or any bright environment its definetly the same coulour as the fender add . Have u put two of them side by side just to really see? OK THANKKS!!! LATER
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Is yours numbered, Dusty? I've been thinking about purchasing a guitar and trying to learn, but I don't know if it's better to start off with an acoustic or electric. Probably shouldn't be posting in this thread, but nevertheless...
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This is amazing!!!!! I bought a MARK knopfler STRAT in 2008 brand new. What attracted me at first was the coulour but playing this strat it holds up to my CUSTOM SHOP WITH EASE . Its nice to see other people appreciating the beauty and quality of this GUITAR . IVE heard they are being cancelled. Is this a fact or rumour?Unfortunetly I CHIPPED MINE and then stupidily had someone try to repair the fairly big chip AND THEY didnt match the coulour properly in one area, So IM READY TO BUY another one!! Maybe one of you out there knows where I CAN GET great deal online somewhere? Now going back to that dakota red knopfler strat mine also looks that way in dimmer light settings, however in direct sunlight or any bright environment its definetly the same coulour as the fender add . Have u put two of them side by side just to really see? OK THANKKS!!! LATER
Welcome to the best Mark Knopfler forum in the world NOOCHO!
No, I haven't had the chance to compare mine with another side by side, I agree that would be interesting.
As for buying another, what country are you in?
Dan, the MK strats are indeed numbered, I think mine is no 153 or something like that. Everybody does it different ways, but I would recommend starting on an acoustic, you can get a good one for relatively cheap price in the States, maybe something like this:
http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/acoustics/taylor/baby/307_0150/307_0150.php
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Next week I intend to pimp my highway one with some Texas special pickups, really looking forward to a finished job, but I hope my soldering is up toss scratch, it's been a while!
That Dakota Red sure looks fine!!!!!
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I doubt that there were only 2o with the dark red, to me it seemed the complete first run was this way. I remember when the first guitars reached the shops in 2003, I was surprised that they all were so dark, and these were three in my city alone.
If yours is #153, the question is whether all so far were the dark red (so at least 153). Does anyone know of a low-number MK Strat in the right colour? And which is the highest number in this colour??
By the way, I heard that one day in 2003 Mark saw one of these in a shop in London and was upset...
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Ingo, I think you are probably right about there being more than 20, Fender probably put that low number out there to calm MK down.
The one thing we don't know however is if the serial numbers were assigned in the order they were built. Mine could have been the first one built, then the 153rd to get it's neck plate, we don't know.
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By the way, I heard that one day in 2003 Mark saw one of these in a shop in London and was upset...
How do you hear things like that? Lol
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Awww Nice Topic !
I also have got one ! I started playing the Guitar in 2004 but I first bought a red Squier in order to have quite the same as MK. ( What a strange idea...)
The same shop had the MK signature for sale. A few months later I decided to sell my motorbike (which was red too lol) and I bought the MK Strat !
My parents loved the deal (no motorbike anymore no worries anymore) Well, I also feel safer now... even if I sometime miss ridding. Anyway I have quite the most beautiful thing ever in my living room ! I loved playing it... I have to admit that I don't play anymore for months... but I'm on my way to restart...
I got it signed by MK in Le Mans 2006 !
(http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/938/stratvb.jpg) (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/stratvb.jpg/)
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Well I can actually join this 'select' thread as I have just this moment purchased an MK strat!
I have played for what is now 20 Years with a couple of squier stratocasters, and I have today upgraded bigstyle!!
I will enclose some photo's and numbers when it arrives which will hopefully be Monday....
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Congrats! They are great guitars.
I have a few nice guitars but if I am playing an important gig I turn to the MK strat. Not just because it always sounds good, regardless of the situation, but also because it is very, very dependable. It will always do exactly what you expect it to do, not the case with some other guitars. :)
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The 'MK' Strat has arrived and I am chuffed to bits with it!! It came complete with case, all labels, tremelo and lead... The serial number for the strat is 'SE03805'
I am going to take it to my local guitar shop 'Guitar Mania' so they can service it before I get too carried away with it!!!
I will upload some photo's of the Strat onto my Mark Knopfler Images website over the weekend.
A few questions for anyone:
*How do I find out what year this particular guitar was made? (as the serial number is basically the number run.)
*How many were made?
Cheers for now...
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I have had the Strat 'serviced' and they report that it is a fine guitar and that I have a bargain!! I have to say that this beats anything I have ever played before and therefore I am chuffed to bits with it.
Here is a link to photo's of my latest aquisition ;) ;D:
http://markknopflerimages.fotopic.net/c1942195.html
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Sorry to step in, i am the proud :'( enough owner of a squire strato, but i always wanted an MK fender. Could you please tell me how much am i expected to pay for one? Is it still in production, or do i have to look in shops around the ...internet? And if it's not how can you tell that a used one is OK from the other side of the planet? And why should anybody sell his own? Too many questions, so little...money.
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Sorry to step in, i am the proud :'( enough owner of a squire strato, but i always wanted an MK fender. Could you please tell me how much am i expected to pay for one? Is it still in production, or do i have to look in shops around the ...internet? And if it's not how can you tell that a used one is OK from the other side of the planet? And why should anybody sell his own? Too many questions, so little...money.
Some Squires are really awful and have cheap hardware, cheap electronics and are not nice to play. However, some Squires are really nice guitars, so if yours plays well (the neck feels good, etc.), you can save a lot of money if you change to higher-quality parts and pickups (better tuners, better pots and 5-way switch, etc. and Texas Special pickups if you want the same as in the MK model - many good bargains on the Internet). You will not get the psychological stimulation of having the MK model, but you will have a great guitar for a lot less money.
Can you post a couple pictures of your Squire?
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The Custom Vibe Squires are superb instruments.
The MK Strats are very nice but probably overpriced. You can get a good deal secondhand though.
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Hey Jackal and Dusty, thank you. I do like my Squier, it was made in India with three singe coil Duncan designed pickups (brown sunburst body with rosewood fret and black pick guard-the aesthetic side!). It is a nice instrument for novice players as i am, but when i tested some Fenders - US made, or even Mexican models, with maple frets, it was a revelation, that i could not afford. I still find more pleasure in my classical guitar, but since i usually play after hours, i can only use the Squire through headphones in order to not wake the family. I will see what i can do in order to improve it, my biggest problem being the high prices these babies fetch in Greece. I got my Squier at a price that a guy in US would probably get the most economic fender stratocaster. It is a kill... No matter, I will carry on with what i have, and who knows, i might be able to get the real deal with my first royalties check (just kidding)
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The MK model has rosewood fretboard, though ...
One difference between US made Fenders and those made in Mexico and Korea, etc. is the "last touch". Fenders from Asia are produced in bigger numbers (I'd guess), so they feel a little rougher. Having said that, the difference between US made and other Fenders is getting smaller. And I've tried expensive Fenders (and even John Suhr guitars!) that I didn't like the feel of and cheaper Fenders that were great. You really get a lot for your money these days, even though you don't get the "Made in USA" stamp on it. And as Dusty said, the MK (and other artits) model is probably overpriced ...
I have no idea how your guitar feels, but taking it to a good guitar workshop and having it setup properly can make a world of difference. I just installed a Graph-Tech nut on my Strat, and it sounds and tunes better. Not to mention upgrading pickups, electronics, and hardware.
One thing you shouldn't forget is the amplifier. You can have a 3000 dollar guitar, but it will sound like 50 dollar guitar with a cheap amp. A 50 dollar guitar will still play like a 50 dollar (...), but can sound like a fantastic guitar with a good amp. These days you get fine tube amps (Vox, Laney, Jet City (by Soldano), Bogner Alchemist, etc.) that are made in Asia and are really great for the money. I just got a Vox AC15C1. Paid about 500 euros for it new, and it is just soooo sweet. And LOUD! (I was using computer-based amp modeling for a long time (Line6). It is really good, lots of options, but compared with a tube amp ... No chance. I also tried a transistor amp the other day. Just can't compare.)
My point is, unless you HAVE to have the MK signature on the headstock, you could proably upgrade your guitar and buy a decent amp for the price of the MK model ...
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Hey Jackal thanks for the extended post with all these useful info and the aspirin(i mean the effort to down grade the value of other guitars). It is true what you say, both for the guitar workshops and for the amps. It is something i asked from the workshop, to fix my guitar in order to play with butter fingers, (I mean putting on "soft-lighter" strings and to be lower on the fret) and i saw some improvement. As for the amp matter, i was between an old fashion fender and a brand new Marshall, and i have to say that what guided my choice was the extra jack - out, that the Marshall has. As i told you i can only play late at night and that would be pretty disturbing for my daughter, and i guess the neighborhood. So i needed the jack out for headphones, but it comes pretty handy for recording straight to the Mac, as well. Now i have to look for some extra time to learn a program in order to create a backing group. (Finding people to play with me would take a miracle, since things go from bad to worse everyday, so no time or mood for such things)
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I work as a freelance translator, so sometimes when I don't have work or I just leave the office early, I go home and crank up the Vox. I live in a block of flats, so if the neighbors were sleeping, they'd definitely wake up >:(
One tip though - light strings make it easier to bend and play faster, but you lose tone. I changed to 010s some years ago and noticed a big improvement. Two years ago I moved on to 011s. Oh yes, it's harder on your fingers, but you get used to it. And the sound is just so meaty and full. Also make sure your pickups are the right height. Too close to the strings they prevent the strings from vibrating and you get less sustain. Too far away you lose output. Better too far away than too close though.
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Sorry to step in, i am the proud :'( enough owner of a squire strato, but i always wanted an MK fender. Could you please tell me how much am i expected to pay for one? Is it still in production, or do i have to look in shops around the ...internet? And if it's not how can you tell that a used one is OK from the other side of the planet? And why should anybody sell his own? Too many questions, so little...money.
Hello there, You sound like me a few years ago, just happily playing along with a 'squier' strat as happy as larry but I had the chance of purchasing a 'second' hand - good condition MK Strat and I am ever so pleased with it and I mean what I say that I have not ever played anything so good as this! It's nice to have a guitar that actually stays in tune!! And boy what a sound!! I think they are worth their money besides the fact because it is NOT a run of the mill strat and actually a 'signature' model it in theory will hold it's value as long as the owner looks after it of course. Expect to pay
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Expect to pay
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I'm not saying it's not a good guitar, but you pay a lot for the name.
I think this is fair comment, although to be fair it does have th nitro finish which is a lot more costly to apply than poly...
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But is it worth
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So very sorry i have stepped in this discussion, uninvited and raised spirits. Please carry on about the real topic (MK model owners), which i will certainly watch but not participate. And thank you very much for the advice Jackal, Dusty and Knopflerfan. :) . And please, show us all at the forum, what you can do with the guitar. I know about Dusty, eventhough at the videos he had posted uses a different guitar, but it still counts for me. And all the songs were fabulous! :)
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But is it worth
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So very sorry i have stepped in this discussion, uninvited and raised spirits. Please carry on about the real topic (MK model owners), which i will certainly watch but not participate. And thank you very much for the advice Jackal, Dusty and Knopflerfan. :) . And please, show us all at the forum, what you can do with the guitar. I know about Dusty, eventhough at the videos he had posted uses a different guitar, but it still counts for me. And all the songs were fabulous! :)
Don't be daft, feel free to participate!
PS I was playing the MK strat in thos videos, through my Crate VC5212, as played by MK in the Golden Heart era.
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@Dusty - Are those videos of yours here on AMIT? Got a link? Would be cool to hear/see.
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Here you go:
http://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=550.30
I'm pretty crappy, the real star of the band is our fantastic steel guitar player, Son Henry from Alaska.
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Cool! Thanks. Not so good sound quality, but gives an impression. Not enough of you to say if you're crappy or not :) But I could the steel player was good. Sometimes the steel can be soooooo cheesy, but sometimes it's the best thing.
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Cool! Thanks. Not so good sound quality, but gives an impression. Not enough of you to if you're crappy or not :) But I could the steel player was good. Sometimes the steel can be soooooo cheesy, but sometimes it's the best thing.
It takes balls just to even attempt to play a solo next to Son! He really is fantastic. He is currently the British Blues Instrumentalist of the Year, but luckily for us he likes country too. :)
http://blues.about.com/od/bluesawards/a/British-Blues-Awards-2010.htm
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I am so sorry for the mix up, Dusty. I actually downloaded the songs as MP3s, since my connection is not that fast or steady and i only saw a couple of seconds of one or two of your videos, at one of them i am sure you had a different guitar and on the other you had a Strat but the color was misleading. Anyway the playing was exquisite, don't sell your self short. And did you also wrote these songs?
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I had a spare '5' mins this aft and recorded a couple of 'quick' videos for my you tube account of me playing my Fender 'MK' Strat which I have had only for a few weeks now. Hope you enjoy?...
(From Wag the Dog) In the Heartland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCeIF5TUta0
Piper to the end/Local Hero
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI9ad-ggOcY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
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@knopflerfan - Nice stuff, man. Now THAT's the Fender sound. I use a Vox myself, which I really like, but there's something special about that Fender clean sound.
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@knopflerfan - Nice stuff, man. Now THAT's the Fender sound. I use a Vox myself, which I really like, but there's something special about that Fender clean sound.
Many thanks for the cool comments. I have to say that compared to the 'Squier' this has to be the real deal and I love playing the guitar now. Yes it costs a bit more than your average Strat but the 'MK' is no average Strat!!
Compare the sound by listening to an earlier recording I did with my 'squier' 20th Anniversary strat (and yes I have lost some weight - 4+ stones in fact!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7463l5KRss&feature=related
I would play for an hour or so with the 'Squier' but it frequently went out of tune but yesterday I played ALL afternoon and it stayed in tune throughout!! It feels and plays sooooo good.
I love my Fender champion and having all the effects already programmed in enables me to experiment with various sounds at the turn of a switch...
I will endeavour to record some more soon...
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Hello,
I'm new to the forum, but a long time MK fan and a proud owner of a MK Strat! I am a long time guitar player who has a love/hate relationship with Strats. I always want one around, but had never owned one that really "did it" for me. I've been through '57 reissues, Clapton sigs, and others. Finally decided on a very light MK after emailing with Richard Bennett about his and Mark's MKs. I LOVE my MK, it not only looks great, it's the best sounding Strat I've ever had. Lots of people dis Texas Special PUs, but in the ash body/rosewood board MK they work well. Richard confirmed for me that Mark tried a LOT of pickups before selecting the Texas Specials, and that MK's and Richard's BOTH have Texas Specials, and that neither are extremely light.
I'd love to read any online articles where Mark talks about the development of the MK Strat, so if anyone can share a URL, that would be great.
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Just made a little demo of the pickups on my Strat (not MK model ...). If you're interested. Here I play with a pick, shame on me ;D (I usually play fingerstyle, but I thought a pick gives a more consistent sound for a demo.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msHyv40wMpw
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Hello,
I'm new to the forum, but a long time MK fan and a proud owner of a MK Strat! I am a long time guitar player who has a love/hate relationship with Strats. I always want one around, but had never owned one that really "did it" for me. I've been through '57 reissues, Clapton sigs, and others. Finally decided on a very light MK after emailing with Richard Bennett about his and Mark's MKs. I LOVE my MK, it not only looks great, it's the best sounding Strat I've ever had. Lots of people dis Texas Special PUs, but in the ash body/rosewood board MK they work well. Richard confirmed for me that Mark tried a LOT of pickups before selecting the Texas Specials, and that MK's and Richard's BOTH have Texas Specials, and that neither are extremely light.
I'd love to read any online articles where Mark talks about the development of the MK Strat, so if anyone can share a URL, that would be great.
Welcome Knopflertone. :)
I have some magazine interviews from when the MK strat came out, I'll dig them out next time I'm in my loft. :)
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Hello,
I'm new to the forum, but a long time MK fan and a proud owner of a MK Strat! I am a long time guitar player who has a love/hate relationship with Strats. I always want one around, but had never owned one that really "did it" for me. I've been through '57 reissues, Clapton sigs, and others. Finally decided on a very light MK after emailing with Richard Bennett about his and Mark's MKs. I LOVE my MK, it not only looks great, it's the best sounding Strat I've ever had. Lots of people dis Texas Special PUs, but in the ash body/rosewood board MK they work well. Richard confirmed for me that Mark tried a LOT of pickups before selecting the Texas Specials, and that MK's and Richard's BOTH have Texas Specials, and that neither are extremely light.
I'd love to read any online articles where Mark talks about the development of the MK Strat, so if anyone can share a URL, that would be great.
Welcome Knopflertone. :)
I have some magazine interviews from when the MK strat came out, I'll dig them out next time I'm in my loft. :)
I Would also like to see those magazine reviews for the Strat please - DV
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Well I now proudly own two of these lovely 'MK' Stratocaster's as of today having purchased an 'earlier' production model with the serial No. of SE000860.
Any luck with those magazine reviews Dusty?
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This pic gives a good indication of the darker Dakota red finish on my one. :)
(http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2097/1141475.jpg)
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Lovely sofa, dusty! ;D
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Got rid of it years ago. Kept the guitars though. ;)
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Got rid of it years ago. Kept the guitars though. ;)
Oh if that sofa could talk ::) ::) ::)
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I'm longing to add a Fiesta Red maple neck Strat to my armoury. A Mexican will suffice though, as I have a set of Texas special pickups lying around doing nothing!
That Gibson acoustic sure looks sweet, does it play well? I tried a jumbo Gibson in Sydney a few months back, and it was - well, whilst not terrible, I didn't think it was worth the $5000 au they were asking.
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Gibson's are in general way overpriced in terms of finish, attention to details and I would say sound. Would buy a Martin instead any day.
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Got rid of it years ago. Kept the guitars though. ;)
Amazing collection! Great :D
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Gibson's are in general way overpriced in terms of finish, attention to details and I would say sound. Would buy a Martin instead any day.
Martins are great guitars for sure, but I wouldn't trade my J45 for anything. :) Probably the most beautiful sounding guitar I have ever played. You can hear it on this track:
http://www.reverbnation.com/dustyvalentino#!/artist/song_details/4000950
Amazing collection! Great :D
Thank you.:)
Here's my complete collection, EXCEPT the telecaster I
assembled a few months ago. :)
(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9130/dsc02225bpn.jpg)
By dustyvalentino (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/dustyvalentino) at 2009-08-14
(http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/172829_501235357363_573972363_6030147_364867_o.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/172829_501235382363_573972363_6030151_5324602_o.jpg)
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Amazing! :o You'll soon have as many as MK! ;D
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You should have kept the other sofa, mate.
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Second pic is actually at my mum's house - most of my guitars are stashed there as I don't have room for them at my house. :(
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I know the feeling! Our house is full of our son's telescopes, etc! :)
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Martins are great guitars for sure, but I wouldn't trade my J45 for anything. Probably the most beautiful sounding guitar I have ever played.
Speaking of J-45s, the guy who plays a really great-sounding J-45 and who has an amazing touch and tone is Russ Barenberg (well-known acoustic guitarist in Nashville and house guitarist in the Transatlantic Session series, a true feeling-over-flash guy). Here are couple of beautiful clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1bcwv5eq_w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0wCwBXfMx4&playnext=1&list=PL90BC9AA116064CBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8cFuxnaTpY
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Very nice! I love watching Transatlantic Sessions and Celtic Connections and it was also lovely to see our "friends" John, Mike, Tim and Phil on some of the clips too!
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Transatlantic Sessions are just amazing. Fantastic musicianship and production quality. Have to get the DVDs.
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Transatlantic Sessions has a wonderful buzz - they did a brief tour after Celtic Connections in Glasgow, I think they did Dublin, we went to see them in Birmingham - just fantastic. About 16 musicians in all, playing together, singly - whatever. John McCusker there and Mike McGoldrick plus Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain and Paul Brady to name a few. They went on down to the Southbank in London.
We did bump into Aly Bain the next day and had a word, he said they did this last year and planned to do so next year. If you can make a journey to see them its well worth while. Set me up until MK.
Sally
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Hi, I've been looking for a MK Strat for some time. I've been holding out to find an early production (Hot Rod Red) model with a low serial no. I thought they were all HR Red until I saw a few being done in Dakota Red..
I started looking into serial nos. Today on ebay, there are 2 for sale, both with serial nos that don't follow the SE00XXXX pattern but have 5XXXX instead. Should I assume these are in effect fakes? It' easy to find MK necks on ebay, so I guess it'd be relatively easy to build one with an HR Red body and a random neck plate, or did some really have these serial nos?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Stratocaster-USA-Mark-Knopfler-signature-/300569934940?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item45fb5d3c5c#ht_762wt_1047
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AWESOME-FENDER-MARK-KNOPFLER-STRATOCASER-MADE-USA-/230639720607?pt=Guitar&hash=item35b332d89f#ht_500wt_830
I approached one of the sellers, and he got REALLY shirty when I asked about the unusual serial no! So I assumed it was not genuine.
And if anybody here wants to sell their early MK Strat, do mail me as I'd be interested for sure.
Cheers
Dave
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Maybe Fender changed the numbering system, email their customer services and ask. They are usually helpful.
I reckon if somebody was going to the trouble of faking an MK strat, they would fake the serial number properly too.
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Hi, I've been looking for a MK Strat for some time. I've been holding out to find an early production (Hot Rod Red) model with a low serial no. I thought they were all HR Red until I saw a few being done in Dakota Red..
I started looking into serial nos. Today on ebay, there are 2 for sale, both with serial nos that don't follow the SE00XXXX pattern but have 5XXXX instead. Should I assume these are in effect fakes? It' easy to find MK necks on ebay, so I guess it'd be relatively easy to build one with an HR Red body and a random neck plate, or did some really have these serial nos?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Stratocaster-USA-Mark-Knopfler-signature-/300569934940?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item45fb5d3c5c#ht_762wt_1047
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AWESOME-FENDER-MARK-KNOPFLER-STRATOCASER-MADE-USA-/230639720607?pt=Guitar&hash=item35b332d89f#ht_500wt_830
I approached one of the sellers, and he got REALLY shirty when I asked about the unusual serial no! So I assumed it was not genuine.
And if anybody here wants to sell their early MK Strat, do mail me as I'd be interested for sure.
Cheers
Dave
Hello Dave,
I saw those on ebay and straight away I thought to myself 'Fake' purely because of the numbers and NO back up 'candy' which includes the authentication certificate with the guitar either.
Very sorry but I am NOT selling either of my two MK Strats!!
Best of luck in your quest for an early one.
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Hi Folks,
I just bought an MK stratocaster. Its serial is 008xx. It still has its labels and tags attached, all case candy etc. Just wondering can anybody tell how old it is. also where are they made, they dont have the usual "made in the USA" on the headstock like other Strats. I bought from a collector.
Regards,
Telecaster91
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Hi - did you but that one from Australia? That had a xx8xx serial no and ended earlier today? Looked nice!
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Eh?? thought the Fender MK's like mine had a serial number which started with 'SE00000' etc?? With ypur 'candy' you should have a 'rectangular' piece of card (label) which states who checked the various componants on your guitar and underneath should be the guitar's number....
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yep, that was my thoughts that all serial nos followed the SE00XXX pattern. I think the one Telecaster91 may have bought from Australia has serial no SE008xx I think.
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Thanks, Yes mine starts SE008XX. I bought it in Ireland in a private sale. Hasnt been played on stage. I'm nearly afraid to take it to a gig. I presume its a few years old with that serial. Are they all made in the USA?
Enlighten me!!
Dave
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Thanks, Yes mine starts SE008XX. I bought it in Ireland in a private sale. Hasnt been played on stage. I'm nearly afraid to take it to a gig. I presume its a few years old with that serial. Are they all made in the USA?
Enlighten me!!
Dave
Am glad you have a 'proper one' after all the number scares earlier.
One of my MK's is numbered 'SE00860' and when it was serviced a few months ago the chap in the guitar shop informed me that the neck was dated 2004 so I take it the guitar entered the big wide world in 2004.
The guitars although 'SE' numbered don't really date themselves as for instance a 2004 'constructed' MK strat could have a lower number than a 2003 edition if you see what I mean, they were obviously made in large batches I presume.
But your guitar is certainly dated to 2004/2005, so Enjoy the MK!!!
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Thanks for the info. I used the guitar last night. Guitars are made for playing, such a waste to leave it in the case with the candy. Think I'll pack the candy away and use the guitar on special occasions and safe venues( where the stage is big enough to avoid people falling over it). Really is a special instrument. I have 4 other strats ..2 70s and a 1996 standard that Ive fitted EMG's too. Use a Musicman quiet a bit too but the MK is the new star of the show.
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Didn't know Vince Gill played one as well (Vince at his smoothest by the way ...):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1npYS1G9Nn0
A gift from Richard, but it got destroyed in the floods in Nashville last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcaDKikqpsw
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Thanks for the info. I used the guitar last night. Guitars are made for playing, such a waste to leave it in the case with the candy. Think I'll pack the candy away and use the guitar on special occasions and safe venues( where the stage is big enough to avoid people falling over it). Really is a special instrument. I have 4 other strats ..2 70s and a 1996 standard that Ive fitted EMG's too. Use a Musicman quiet a bit too but the MK is the new star of the show.
Totally agree! I had both of mine 'serviced' and 'set up' profesionally and when I said to the chap I will probably play just one of them he said 'that would be a waste - enjoy them both' - so I do!! I can believe how different they both are sound wise, but I suppose no two are the same....
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Hi all,
Not long until I meet a few of you in London!!
Anyway it's been a while so its nice to tell you that today my third yes third MK Strat arrived and this is another low serial number (SE00616) and it came complete with an unopened manual, spare springs, ashtray cover and fender cloth etc. The labels were still tied together too and the guitar itself is 'Mint' and possibly unused! It has subsequently gone this afternoon to the local Fender dealer for a full service and setup.
Inside the box also was the original article from 'Guitar Buyer' magazine July 2003 edition, which includes an exclusive interview with Mark about 'his' guitar! Would any of the MK Strat owners like a digital copy which I will quite happily email.
I will scan the magazine article tomorrow and will message again when its available.
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I'd love to read it I never have seen that magazine :)
3 MK strats? woooow congrats !!!
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Many MK guitars on sale at ebay for about 1400$ if you live in the US. 1900$ if delivered in Europe! What's wrong with this picture?
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Hi all,
Just to advise that guitar article 'Guitar Buyer - July 2003' has been succesfully scanned and is ready for those who would like a copy. Of interest is that the strat used in the review in the mag is actually the Fender prototype!! Send me your email addresses guys......
Also after having the latest arrival MK strat serviced yesterday at my local Fender dealer I was advised that the 'MK Strat' is now discontinued!!
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Ha! just noticed this thread which must have re-surfaced from the depths of the forum.
I've had my MK strat for about 7 years s/n se019 * * I ordered it (on line) from a Dealer in the UK in November 2005 and it arrived in February 2006. From the date on the label under the scratchplate it wasn't put together until Nov 22nd 2005 - after I'd placed my order. I wonder if they built them in small batches, when they had enough orders to warrant a run of Hot Rod Red paint. Although I don't "play out" I've managed to put 4 small chips in the lacquer - one of which was when I took the scratch plate off for the photo below :smack The finish is Really fragile even compared to the supposed Nitro laquer on my Les Paul Studio.
NOTE: the label under the scratchplate may be the best dating evidence
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6004/6202647137_586bb24a1c_b.jpg)
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6172/6203161434_ac8629fdcf_b.jpg)
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Hi 3strats, Many thanks for your input and sorry you have 'chipped' your MK.
I have to say that all 3 of my MK's have a chip on them one way or another: SE006** having the least (1 only) and SE038** being the worst by having a few 'nasties' - but think actually that they add character to the beasts.
These were all done before I bought them as you may gather they are my real pride and joy and I really look after them!!
Interesting with the dating thing.
Mine are all personally dated by the neck - so I have 2003, 2004 and 2006 editions!!
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I haven't had to loosen the neck on mine - Fortunately it was almost perfectly set up when it arrived & I haven't had to adjust the truss rod at all, so I'm leaving well alone in case it takes any more lacquer off! I have a late 80's Maple necked MIJ Strat with a poly finish that's virtually bomb proof in comparison with the MK model. It's had a few dints but they just bounce out ! ( and my more recent MIM 50's classic is still unmarked . .(tempting fate here aren't I ? ;D ). Still, they are there to play, not just sit in their cases and I suppose it's inevitable that they will get knocked from time to time (not much room in my spare bedroom "studio").
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knopflerfan, you have 3 Fender MK ?
Now after Fender discontinued the MK sig Strat, these might be a good investment :clap
Ingo
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Yes I am lucky enough to own 3 MK Strats - They have been bought to play and also an Investment for the future!!
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I lost an eBay bid on a used MK Strat last night because I became engrossed watching The Godfather! Quite dissapointed, because it sold for less than I was willing to bid - which doesn't mean I would've won it for sure, because the winner may have gone higher.
As Ingo suggests, I think the will become a little more collectible as the years roll on.
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I have seen quite a few on ebay at prices I would have gone for, but I have to pay 700$ more for customs! And that is a bit heavy for me. Maybe if I have it brought to me from a friend over the US. How about you fletch? No customs, or is it from an Australian seller?
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Here we are then please find a link to a piccie taken today of my newest aquisition - 'SE006**' along with 'SE008**'
I don't know whether it's the lighting but the Strat on the left (the older one) looks lighter in colour therefore maybe a 'Dakota' red version?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47005/8793113673/
Please feel free to explore my webpages as I have added some more photo's including a 'Hand-signed' Golden Heart poster!
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Now the 10th anniversary of the MK strat!
Mine also has a few chips near the neck pocket, happened after I took the neck off to take to Hay on Wye in 07.
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Here we are then please find a link to a piccie taken today of my newest aquisition - 'SE006**' along with 'SE008**'
I don't know whether it's the lighting but the Strat on the left (the older one) looks lighter in colour therefore maybe a 'Dakota' red version?
Doesn't look like a Dakota red one on the pics, those are MUCH darker. I think they all vary a bit, probably because the paint is always mixed new for each production run.
Ingo
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Ok cool. Have you a piccie of a 'dakota' red version??
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Ok cool. Have you a piccie of a 'dakota' red version??
here is an article on Ingo's site about this subject :
http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/
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Ok cool. Have you a piccie of a 'dakota' red version??
Sure, check out the corresponding blog article on my Mark Knopfler guitar website: http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/
However, pictures not always show the colour properly.
Also check out the following videos which compare two MK sig strats and a 64 fiest red strat, one of the MK sigs is hot rod red, one has the darker colour: http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/12/11/mark-knopfler-signature-strats-vs-1964-stratocaster/
BTW, those early dark ones are not officially dakota red (and they are different from the dakota red Fender used in the 60ies), they are just much darker than the colour that Mark specified together with Fender.
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Ok cool. Have you a piccie of a 'dakota' red version??
here is an article on Ingo's site about this subject :
http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/
That's my strat at the end of the article. :)
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And the 2 ones on the first 2 pics and in the video are my beauties ;)
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and the sunburst schecter played by Ingo himself is Mark's one ;D
http://www.mk-guitar.com/2012/08/03/videos-from-a-trip-to-mark-knopflers-sunburst-schecter-strat/ (http://www.mk-guitar.com/2012/08/03/videos-from-a-trip-to-mark-knopflers-sunburst-schecter-strat/)
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It was Mark
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Hi - I took part in the MK guitar auction at Christies last year (Jan 2024) and bid on 2 of the 3 MK signature Fender Strats. The guide price was £4,000-6,000 yet they sold for £107,100, £113,400, and £126,000. Needless to say I was not successful.
However I have just acquired a 2006 MK Signature Strat S/N SE01728 which was owned by Mark and donated to a charity event in 2006. The scratch plate was also signed by him and it came with authenticity documentation (there are images available of MK playing it) as well as the original hard case. The guitar itself is in immaculate condition and (despite me not being a lover of Strats - maybe because I have never owned a quality one) it is the most beautiful guitar I have ever played. The sound is sooooooo Mark Knopfler (and so it should be given he helped design it).
My question is that given the prices the three above Strats sold for at auction is there any reason for this one to be worth any less?
By the way - I am not parting with it (just yet) as I need to insure it first.
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
Exactly.
In some cases, MK played the instrument once in a charity event, an instrument bought or brought in purpose for the event and auctioned at the end, so you get a signed guitar that MK never owned but played once.
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
Thank you I understand what you say.
However, regarding the notion of the "real deal" — one of the three guitars sold by Christie's didn’t carry the same pedigree as the other two. From what I can gather, it was neither played in public nor featured on any of Mark’s albums. One can only assume it was used privately — and to what extent, we’ll likely never know.
That said, I don’t see why anyone should feel dismayed about Mark donating something for the benefit of others. In fact, I believe this enhances the guitar’s significance. It was owned by him, and he made the deliberate choice to part with it — that, in itself, adds value.
Moreover, my research suggests this wasn’t a guitar simply lying around waiting for a new home. Mark acquired these for a specific purpose, which further supports its authenticity and relevance.
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
Exactly.
In some cases, MK played the instrument once in a charity event, an instrument bought or brought in purpose for the event and auctioned at the end, so you get a signed guitar that MK never owned but played once.
In this instance, Mark Knopfler did, in fact, own the guitar. He took the liberty of signing it and playing it live in front of an audience—before generously donating it to help raise funds for the event he had agreed to attend a year earlier.
This wasn't just any event—it was organized by the Variety Club of Great Britain, where Mark was presented with the charity's highest honour: the prestigious Silver Heart Award. This award was a tribute to his musicianship, and it’s reported that Mark considered it more meaningful than any accolade he had received before, outshining his previous awards.
On a related note, there are relatively few MK Signature guitars that have been owned, played, signed, and donated by Mark himself. That rarity adds to their value—not merely in financial terms, but in the significance they hold for new owners and for those whose lives have been touched by Mark’s generosity and music.
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My question is that given the prices the three above Strats sold for at auction is there any reason for this one to be worth any less?
I was mainly answering this specific part of your question and compared the value of the guitars. Of course a guitar signed and utilized by MK is always a good thing.
LE
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My question is that given the prices the three above Strats sold for at auction is there any reason for this one to be worth any less?
I was mainly answering this specific part of your question and compared the value of the guitars. Of course a guitar signed and utilized by MK is always a good thing.
LE
Cheers.
And just to make it more authentic and meaningful - the event was held in his hometown of Newcastle at the Civic Centre.
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Just out of interest does anyone know what this circular item is likely to be on the back of the headstock? (MK Signature Guitar)
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
Don’t quite follow the logic here. I imagine what would happen is MK would be asked to do something for charity, he would phone up Fender and they would provide a guitar, either at cost price or maybe free as part of their own charitable efforts (probably some sort of tax write off).
Charity makes money, winning bidder gets something nice, MK looks good, everyone wins, no need for disgust.
As for insurance value, people got swept up in auction fever at the guitar sale. I doubt anyone is paying £126k for an MK Strat anytime soon.
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As I understood, Simon asked if it would (theoretically) be possible to get the same amount of money for his charity guitar as the three auctioned guitars had made. I don't think so and tried to explain why.
LE
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I hope you don't take it as a harsh comment but I guess the charity event guitars were almost everytime guitars with no history, just taken for the event while the three mentioned auctioned guitars were the "real deal" where he played on in private, at BG and on tour. I often had a somewhat disgusted feeling when he donated a random guitar for charity, just as if he had found a good opportunity to get rid of it.
LE
Don’t quite follow the logic here. I imagine what would happen is MK would be asked to do something for charity, he would phone up Fender and they would provide a guitar, either at cost price or maybe free as part of their own charitable efforts (probably some sort of tax write off).
Charity makes money, winning bidder gets something nice, MK looks good, everyone wins, no need for disgust.
As for insurance value, people got swept up in auction fever at the guitar sale. I doubt anyone is paying £126k for an MK Strat anytime soon.
In the Christies auction most if not all of the lots were swept up by investment funds (and the odd collector) from what I heard. And they will be stored somewhere very safe and their value will slowly increase the rarer they become thus increasing the value of the fund.
And regarding insurance value - if someone paid £126,000 for a guitar then that is what that guitar is worth the same as any other thing we buy. And if it was damaged or stolen it would take a lot more than £126,000 to replace it - to do so they would have to go find an owner willing to sell one.
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Well, it's worth what someone will pay for it, so I guess your guitar is worth what you paid for it, as opposed to what was paid for different guitars at the auction.