Very Pretty Collectible Autographed Guitar Signed By Guitar Virtuosos and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. This one-of-a-kind Quilted Ovation Deluxe acoustic/electric guitar consists of 13 internationally acclaimed musicians who in their own right were not only recognized for their music, but also their tremendous guitar skills and prowess. Unlike many other autographed guitars that have been signed by famous musicians, this particular instrument was specifically intended to be signed ONLY by musicians who were renowned for their guitar talents and/or virtuosity. This is one of the characteristics that separates this guitar from other autographed guitars. Additionally, to have an entire group of various guitarists from different genres, also adds to its exclusivity. Furthermore, a couple of the artists have sadly passed away, and even one of them was illiterate, making this guitar that more distinct. This guitar has been legitimately validated and certified as authentic by an accredited and authorized musical instrument specialists/authenticator. The artists who signed the guitar are known for their musical mastery, iconic influence in their respective genre, and have notable, distinguished accolades as seen below:

- BB King - (deceased) Rock & Roll Hall of Famer AND Blues Hall of Famer, Multi-Grammy Award Winner (The Bacchanal, San Diego, CA, Feb. 19th 1995) - Buddy Guy - Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Multi- Grammy Award Winner (4th & B, San Diego, CA, Feb 1st. 2002) - Joe Satriani - Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Guitar Virtuoso (4th & B, San Diego, CA, March 14th 1996) - Eric Johnson - Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Guitar Virtuoso (Hospitality Point, San Diego, CA, Oct. 13th 1996) - John Lee Hooker (deceased) - Rock & Roll Hall of Famer AND Blues Hall of Famer (Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay, San Diego, CA, May 29 1998) (was illiterate and required assistance signing guitar – hence the untidy scrawl of his name & initials). - Stephen Stills - 2-Time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (from supergroup - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) (4th & B, San Diego CA, July 13th 1998) - Pat Metheny - Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Rock Guitar Virtuoso, Multi-Grammy Award Winner (4th & B, San Diego, CA, Sept. 28th 1998) - Robert Cray - Blues Hall of Famer and Multi-Grammy Award Winner (Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay, San Diego, CA, Aug. 22nd 1995) - Al Di Meola - Guitarists Hall of Famer Jazz Master (Baked Potato, Studio City, CA, Oct. 2nd 2002)

- George Benson - Multi-Grammy Award Winning Guitar Jazz Master (Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay, San Diego, CA 1995) - Stanley Jordan - Multi-Grammy Nominee Jazz Virtuoso (The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA 1997) - Ottmar Liebert - Multi-Grammy Nominee Nouveau Flamenco Master (Barnes & Noble Bookstore, San Diego, CA Jun. 23 1996) - Craig Chaquico - Grammy Nominee - Rock, Jazz, and New Age Guitarist, and Jefferson Airplane & Jefferson Starship (Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA, Aug. 18th 1996) ***All signatures are 100% original from the artists themselves, and has been verified as well from accredited authenticators. Furthermore, blues legend - John Lee Hooker who also passed, was actually illiterate. When I met him in his backstage room, his female assistant had to literally guide him through spelling out his name, hence the untidy, scrawly signature. After doing so, he then scribbled his initials on top of his signature as that was easier for him. (I was advised by a handful of collectible/memorabilia experts, that himself being illiterate and still ‘trying' to sign his name, automatically increased its value given this special incident).

The only flaws on this guitar regarding the autographs, is when my first signature was obtained by famous jazz guitarist - 'George Benson’. The felt pen’s ink spilled on the guitar and his name, and disallowed him to clearly finish signing both his name and the words to his landmark song/hit - ‘On Broadway’ underneath his signature. While chatting with him in his room backstage, his handler tried to correct it, but due to the pen’s ultra fine tip, it wasn’t as fluid as it could have been. Plus, his signature has faded somewhat over the years. The second imperfection is, Al Di Meola’s name has faded greatly - basically to the point of it being illegible. He didn’t sign it well (used pen lightly) as he was in a hurry after the show. Therefore the pen didn’t leave a strong impression compared to other signatures as the photos indicate. With the exception if the instrument being recently restrung, and the back of the main body spray lacquered to protect the signatures, the guitar has remained inside its case 14 years and and stored ever since. (The case itself has indeed protected the guitar very well, but does have several scratches, given where the instrument has been taken to acquire all the autographs, including being placed in a few closets over the years.).

Such exclusive characteristics include: - Matching headstock with body. (no newer models now have this feature) - Body is ‘one complete piece’. It does NOT have the spilt line down the middle consisting of 2 pieces as other models have. - Brilliant Quilted Sunburst Bird's-eye Maple wood-grain, reveals an eye-catching 3D-like appearance when guitar is shifted at different angles. In addition to the above, the guitar boasts gorgeous multi-hardwoods leaf-shaped sound-holes on both shoulders, abalone fret inlays, and lovely gold hardware that perfectly complements the impressive gold sunburst body and matching headstock. Other features include: - All Mahogany Soft V Shape Neck - Dovetail neck/Body Joint - Tension Rod - Rosewood Fretboard - Solid Walnut Bridge - Laminated Spruce Top with Multi-Ply Binding - Lyrachord Roundback Shallow Body - Preamp with under-saddle pick-up offering gain, treble, and bass controls *Playability: The soft v neck offers a wonderful ‘complete’ grip which allows the palm to comfortably wrap around the neck and it’s extremely easy on the hands. *Sound: It has a lovely bright, responsive upper mid-range tone.

*Condition: The condition of this piece would be rated on the higher-end of incredible/excellent condition. There is not one single ding, nor scratch, and has been handled with meticulous, diligent care. I removed the distracting Ovation Sticker from the inside of the guitar, as I thought it looked better as just plain black on the inside. The serial number sticker is still visible however. * Imperfections: There are a few small patches of sheen on the back lyrachord textured surface, where cleaner was used due to ink spillage from one of the autographs. Some of the tuning pegs has ever-so-slight oxidation that’s basically unnoticeable unless viewed extremely closely. The same for a tiny bit of incredibly slight pitting on some pegs that’s also virtually unnoticeable unless looked at closely. They all look very clean, new, and shiny from a normal distance. There are 4 - 5 extremely tiny discolouration spots on the outer, cream rim, caused from laying inside the case for an extended period. It is not dirt. They’re barely visible at all due to their ‘out of sight’ location and very diminutive size. The only real noticeable flaws, are the small shiny patches, and curved textured patch ‘on the back’ of the main body where the signatures are located. However, this guitar’s overall superb condition and how it’s been very fastidiously cared for, is markedly evident when seeing and playing it in person.

Given the beauty of this unique piece, and those famous pick-masters who signed it, what they represent, AND have accomplished in the world of music, this instrument makes an outstanding collectible that will only increase in value as the years pass.