Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J. Mikael on May 22, 2017 at 3:56am

Pen choices and optimal signature placement aren't always possible with big names like Waters. He might just grab something and use it to sign for everybody, or just rush through everyones items signing all over the place.

Best bring multiple items and make the final decision on site. Good luck in any case, and hope you get what you want.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich on May 22, 2017 at 9:09am

That might be one of the reasons you see so many copies of The Wall, other than it's status as a definitive, classic album. It's a simple white image that won't bend easily and you don't have to worry too much about pen type and placement. It's safe.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2017 at 9:14am

Oh I agree - its just so common.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2017 at 9:16am

Thank you Rich and J. Mikael! :) 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on May 22, 2017 at 7:53am

He for sure would get a kick out of an image of Trump drawn up as a pig. I bet he would give a great signature on that!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2017 at 8:39am

Yes, but where would get a licensed official product with that on it?

I try to run my purchases through this:

Is the item vintage or more recent?

Is the item a marked official licensed product (LP, CD, promotional photograph/still, ticket, etc.) or something else like a cheap copy photo?  

If an LP or CD or PC, is this an original first release, promo item, or later release? If a photograph, it is a recent copy print or vintage print from the negative? Was the photograph developed on double or single weight paper? Is the image candid? Is it unique or unpublished? Is it signed, stamped, or marked and by  the designer/artist?

What is the overall condition – folds, spots, tape, fading, framing restoration etc. considering the item, its age, rarity & other factors (has it been trimmed, etc.)? If an LP, is the vinyl present?

Is the autograph contemporary to the item or added later?

Is the autograph in pencil, fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt tip? Paint pen/metallic? Other? What instruments/inks are usually encountered with this type of item?

Is there an inscription (if any possible)? A dedication? Is it dated? Is this signature usually accompanied by a date etc.?

What is the condition of the autograph? Any smudging from signing or wear from storage (hairlines, scratches etc)? Has the ink changed color or faded?

Is there optimal contrast and placement of the autograph with regard to the image or other features? Does the ink color clash with the item? Does the autograph align with elements of the image and recede, rendering the signature less than noticeable? Does the autograph fight with the image or sit nicely? Is the autograph lost or is it overpowering?

Is this a clear, typical example of this signature or it is unusual for the period or artist?

Is the signature interesting/unusual/unique without the strength of the item?

What are the recent auction and sale results for similar material?

What is the frequency of similar material available with comparable presentation and/or condition? Do you see these items frequently signed?

In comparison with similar items for quality, is this mediocre, exceptional or something in between?

How does this fit in with other items I have collected using similar criterion? Is this or a similar item offered anywhere else online for more/less?

 What else can I buy with this amount of $? 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich on May 22, 2017 at 10:23am

Everyone has their own preferences when getting stuff signed and what they want to collect specifically. I tend to go with a combination of aesthetic and uniqueness. The digital age allows us access to a pretty amazing array of high def photography and artwork. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 22, 2017 at 10:58am

I agree again - I was trust trying to get some opinions and start some discourse on what we like, and why. It's all good :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Josh Board on May 25, 2017 at 3:32pm

So, here's my two cents on the subject. First -- get the item signed YOU PERSONALLY, like the most. For me, that would be the album. When I was a new collector, I went with the rare item. Here's an example. I was 16, and meeting Doors keyboardist (my favorite group) for the first time. I didn't want to bring the regular albums he's signed thousands of times. I brought his solo albums, and The Doors albums after Jim died (yes folks, there were two).

So, what Floyd or Waters solo record do YOU personally, enjoy most?

Second, look at what would work best to show the signature. Sure, The Wall might be common, but...the signature will at least show up.

Third, DO NOT, and I repeat....DO NOT THINK FOR A SECOND...that the rarer the photo, the more interest or value over the years. That is absolutely, NOT the case. Let me give you an example. In an auction, what do you think would sell for more: the "Imagine" album signed by John Lennon....or a "rare" photo of John Lennon talking to his mother? A photo that maybe few people have seen. I can tell you right now what would sell for more at an auction. It would be the album.

So if you like the Storm Th. photo -- get it signed. Just don't do it for the reason of thinking it will increase more in value then say...the Animals or Wish You Were Here lps. It's just the opposite. And I'll even take it a step further. Even if it had the photographers signature on it! Fans (and people that are collectors, but not necessarily Floyd "fans") would prefer the records signed.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 26, 2017 at 2:16am

As mentioned, I already have a promo LP of Pros & Cons signed in 1984 7.31 in Montreal that was $37 on eBay. Contrast is nice, but there is a sea of Wall LP's out there and I do not like to hear "oh, I have one of those too". I do not buy based on what might sell better at an auction. Could not care less. I'd take the rare John and Mum photo anyway. I could enjoy it, lease it, license it....lend it for exhibit - if $ was my goal. I enjoy doing this with my collections, seeing them in shows and museums. What am I going to do with a Wall LP signed? The criterion of other collectors I understand, but that is partly why I limited myself to official items only. Don't know why you think I chose that photo for financial reasons? That would be a bad choice I imagine but that is not my intent or goal. If it were, I'd not be looking at it. I chose the b/w because that is little Pink and Mother with Roger - the two most present characters in The Wall - with Daddy gone across the ocean.  I thought Roger Waters might enjoy seeing that image as well. I do not base my personal criterion on the desires of others, and certainly not for $. It's my collection. Maybe re-read the check list I posted above to get a better idea why I choose what I do?

Thanks for your thoughts!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason Charnick on May 26, 2017 at 1:04am

Eric, did I ever mention that I'm a MAJOR Floyd head! The wildcard in all this is Roger's ego... by that I mean, everything I've ever seen him sign basically takes up the entire piece! I'd hate to think you take that awesome promo photo and he goes so big on it that it basically ruins the piece. From what I've read he's usually brings his own pen, so you might not get that choice, and the one item I've seen so far from the upcoming tour, his OWN pen was already basically out of ink! Oy!

That being said, I don't think there's any way he could screw up the WYWH postcard with all that empty space at the top, it would look great and cut down the variables that can happen at the venue. I'd also give thought to maybe a RoIO (bootleg) if you have one, talk about rare and unique! There are so many out there with great artwork too that would really be a great conversation piece if you were to display it (like my awesome Gleason that I look upon daily!)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason Charnick on May 26, 2017 at 2:46am

oops, just saw that you prefer an official item... i guess that would preclude a boot. still think it would be a great item though, but i also used to collect bootlegs, so i'm rather fond of them!

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page