Microchip Retrofitting

[ladytexan]

I am investigating microchip retrofitting my guitars. The cost isn't that extreme ($25 per guitar), but I would like to know what LTGers think. I'm looking at the Snagg RFID System. Are there others you would recommend? What are the possible implications of lower insurance rates if one's guitars have microchips? Any downside(s)?

Thanks,

Toni

 

[fronobulax]

No experience. When the question came up about chipping pedigreed kittens, the question came down to how many shelters and vets were likely to check for a chip? In this case how many police departments are equipped to look for a chip in stolen guitars? On the other hand, if $25 is your weekly coffee expenditure at Starbucks then it makes a lot of sense to chip a guitar just in case the one Guitar Center in the country that checks for chips is the one that your thief goes to.

 

[killdeer43]

If it makes you feel better/more secure, go ahead and do it, but Frono's comments are right on the mark as far as tracking a guitar after it's been stolen.
Make sure that your guitars are properly insured and just enjoy playing them every chance you get.

Before long, someone will ponder whether or not certain microchips have any effect on the sound of the guitar. :lol:

Joe

 

[Nigel Wickwire]

.....
Before long, someone will ponder whether or not certain microchips have any effect on the sound of the guitar. :lol:

Joe

Ummm....Is that gonna be a Rosewood chip or a Mahogany chip?? :roll:

~nw

 

[killdeer43]

.....
Before long, someone will ponder whether or not certain microchips have any effect on the sound of the guitar. :lol:

Joe

Ummm....Is that gonna be a Rosewood chip or a Mahogany chip?? :roll:

~nw

There it is! Maple, sapele, koa......?
Thanks Nigel. :wink:

Joe

 

[ladytexan]

In my case, it would be mahogany or rosewood, Nigel and Joe. 8) :wink:

Microchips have been used for a few years. In fact, a couple of manufacturers factory-install them (Fender installs microchips at its Custom Shop as a regular practice). I understand several boutique luthiers do, as well. But, I'm just not sure if it makes sense to do this, as per Frono's comment, if a stolen guitar would probably not be scanned by pawnshops, GC stores or police departments.

I've just read several CL (craigslist) posts about stolen guitars lately and it has me wondering. Although I don't have a huge 'herd', I love each of them and would sure hate to think there was no way of tracking them if they were stolen....which from what I'm learning, even with a microchip, there's no guarantee.

Thanks,

Toni

 

[Scratch]

Interesting thought, Toni. Any idea where/how the chips are installed?

 

[killdeer43]

Interesting thought, Toni. Any idea where/how the chips are installed?

It would be nice if they could be installed under the saddle and double as a pickup. 8)

Joe

 

[ladytexan]

Interesting thought, Toni. Any idea where/how the chips are installed?

Ken,

I'm not sure of the exact procedure, except it involves a drill (most likely position would be where the neck joins to the body)...which scares the bejeebies out of me....and, Snagg RFID states that it cannot be removed without destroying or permanently damaging the guitar. I was hoping there might be other vendors to investigate. But, if Fender uses Snagg RFID, it's good, right? :shock: 8) :lol: :roll: :wink: :?:

I'm still researching.....anxious to hear what other LTGers know, too. When I see Ross to pick-up my D25, I'll ask him, as well.

Toni

 

[Scratch]

When do you pick up the guitar, Toni?

 

[ladytexan]

When do you pick up the guitar, Toni?

Haven't heard from Ross, yet, Ken. I told him there was no hurry...except I needed it by October to take to Arlington. I'm hoping to hear from him soon, though. Gosh, I miss that guitar. It's not as if I don't have a guitar to play, but I love that guitar. Something about that all mahogany, 38 year old mellow sound......

You, Pam, and I have a coffee date, too. Can't wait for that, either. I'll keep you posted.

Toni

 

[Scratch]

Roger that on the coffee date, Toni. Any visits to the lake soon? Bob Dylan and Leon Russell are at Whitewater on the Horseshoe next month. http://www.whitewaterrocks.com/index.ph ... Itemid=123

Tickets went on sale on Friday...

 

[ladytexan]

Roger that on the coffee date, Toni. Any visits to the lake soon? Bob Dylan and Leon Russell are at Whitewater on the Horseshoe next month. http://www.whitewaterrocks.com/index.ph ... Itemid=123

Tickets went on sale on Friday...

Oh, boy, oh, boy....Bob Dylan in Texas....how great is THAT!? Wowwwwweeeee!!!! And, tickets are only $40. :shock: Are you and Pam going? I'll send you a PM.

Thanks for the info,

Toni

P.S. No plans to be at the lake soon...but, that can change...I'll give Ross a call and see what's cooking with my D25.

 

[adorshki]

Bob Dylan and Leon Russell are at Whitewater on the Horseshoe next month. Tickets went on sale on Friday...

Watching the River Flow!
How cool is that?!
In fact, I just noticed for the first time that two of Derek's Dominoes are on that cut, and Jesse Ed Davis too!