MM/Busker Database

[Dessery]

An interesting idea popped up about creating a MM/Busker Guitars database from the 'Stolen Guitars' thread and i thought it warranted its own discussion.

The general idea being to help prove ownsership if, god forbid, any of the owners had them stolen.

I was interested to see what the general feeling about this is? Would it would be helpful? Would you use it? And if so, what information would you want to be able to store in it?

And also, importantly, Robin, what do you think?

I am a web developer and would be willing to get this set up, if enough people think its a good idea.

Let me know what you think
Dave

[Michael Messer]

Hi Dave,

I think it is an interesting idea, but would a database actually be helpful if one is stolen? Some people believe that sharing their serial numbers is a security risk in itself.

We (Robin & I) do keep records of who we sell every guitar to. So if I need to know who bought for example MML 0016 08, I know who bought it from us.

A database of all MM & Busker guitars would be a useful document for future historians researching this subject.

Dave, thank you for your offer. What do forum members think of this idea?

Shine On
Michael.

[Matt]

It's an interesting idea, but I think the only thing that would be considered a valid record would be the records kept by Busker.

Michael, I've never quite understood why people think sharing a serial number is a security risk?

[bod]

Hi Dave, that's a nice offer.

For my part, I think such a database would be a neat thing - partly just cos it'd be kind of interesting for there to be a record of the movements and status of these instruments. So, yeah, I'd use it for this sort of reason anyway.

Moreover, as oldnick indicated (on the other thread), it might be helpful if people could readily check the current status of an instrument before buying. Also, while wishing that it never needs to be put to such use, I'll add it could be handy to have an "ALARM" section for details of any known to be stolen - as this would make for a relatively quick means of spreading the word and a relatively quick and easy check on the part of would-be buyers (assuming knowledge and good will).

Obvious enough I guess, but when buying my little Martin a few years ago I was advised to make a note of the number and keep it separately from the guitar so that I would still have the number to hand should the worst happen. For the same reason I keep the little card that came with my Blues in a separate place, but were someone to lose both the guitar and the card to pilfery the database idea would provide a very quick way of re-accessing and publicising the number - and I'm given to believe that speed can be of the essence in these cases.

All that said, I think the question of what and how much info is an important one - after all, too much info about where and who could actually make things riskier. Also, are there reasonable and practical ways of restricting changes to the database so that only rightful custodians can report transfer of ownership?

Michael, I've never quite understood why people think sharing a serial number is a security risk?

May 10, 2011 21:46:08 GMT Matt said:

Michael, I've never quite understood why people think sharing a serial number is a security risk?

Me either - anyone able to explain?

[thebluesbear( al)]

Hi All

To start with i agree with this in principle as well , i think all of us need to work together to take every step possible one example is the amount of publicity we can get out to so many people .
taking photos is a good start thats for sure

Al