Topic: Furry Lewis' cigar box of guitar strings FOR SALE

[westside ryan]

Just found this on Ebay:

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/FURRY-LEWIS-CIGAR-BOX-And-GUITAR-STRINGS-FROM-MEMPHIS-HALL-OF-FAME-MUSEUM-/190710844986?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c67408e3a

[uncle bud]

$1,800? His guitar went for less than that.

[uncle bud]

Might be misremembering, but a few years ago the museum was auctioning a guitar of Furry's and also one that had been Memphis Willie B.'s. I remember thinking it looked like I might get a deal on Willie's guitar but then it went out of my limited price range. But nothing sold for a huge bundle. Certainly not $1800 for strings!

[lindy]

I am happy to note that free shipping is included.

[Parlor Picker]

From the eBay description:

"...and have decided to offer this piece of Blue's history for sale"

Who is Blue and what might his history be?? 

[Lyle Lofgren]

It must be the history of Old Blue, you good dog you.  Maybe some of the strings are made from dog-gut instead of cat-gut.

I never expected to see such a premium price for Black Diamond strings. I have a few old ones sitting around here, never (or hardly ever) used. Do I hear a bid of $1000? $900? ??

Lyle

[Parlor Picker]

Far too cheap, Lyle. Put that price up! 

[eagle rockin daddy]

Which guitar do those come on Lyle?

Mike

[Lyle Lofgren]

Some of them were on my 1958 Stella, which would now be valuable as one of the worst guitars ever built (and I bought it new, so it had been ruined at the factory). Unfortunately, I had no guidance from anyone who knew anything about guitars -- I just looked in my wallet to see what I could afford.

I got rid of it as soon as I could afford a better guitar, and I'm pretty sure that, by now, it's met and been judged by the Great Luthier in the Sky. I don't believe it would have even made good firewood.

I realize that earlier Stellas are considered excellent, but this one sure wasn't. The Black Diamond strings were well suited to it, though.

Lyle

[Johnm]

Hi all,
The degree of optimism in the seller of these strings is inspiring.  I'm dubious as to whether the necessary funds, gullibility and cluelessness for this sale to go through could exist in the same person.
All best,
Johnm   

[Stuart]

...I don't believe it would have even made good firewood...

Reminds me of a comment I heard an old Vermonter say 40+ years ago:

"It was so bad that the dog wouldn't piss on it!"

[NotRevGDavis]

Too bad this auction happened after PT I could have financed my week with all the strings I gave away.
"Up for auction 10 sets of Gary Davis' guitar strings in a cigar See's Candy Box $1000.00 a steal compared to Furry Lewis' priced at $1800.00" 

[Gumbo]

is there even a full set there?
'the red box is empty'
there's a wound Black Diamond G, a Nylon G (Savarez),  a wound D (Gibson) an E 1st (Gibson behind the Black Diamond packet) and an unidentified Gibson behind the D ... that's all i can see for sure