StewMac Ghost Drive Pedal Kit Appraisal
Category: Guitar Effects Pedal Kit
Description
The item is a "StewMac Ghost Drive" pedal kit, specifically described as "THE ORIGINAL UNOBTAINIUM OVERDRIVE RARE PEDAL KIT". The kit appears to be new in its original retail packaging, a cardboard box with graphics and text printed in black, white, and red. The image shows the box open, with a portion of the unassembled pedal visible inside. The pedal enclosure itself is white with black graphics of a ghost character and the "GHOST DRIVE" logo. Three knobs labeled "GAIN", "TREBLE", and "OUTPUT" are visible on the pedal's face, along with a footswitch. The box is slightly worn, particularly around the edges and corners, with some surface scratching and bending. A visible scratch or crease is present on the upper left portion of the box face. The overall condition of the box suggests it has been stored for some time or handled. While the exact materials of the pedal's enclosure aren't specified on the box, typical pedal kits of this type utilize metal enclosures. The design aesthetic is modern, with a slightly playful or spooky theme due to the ghost graphic.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the StewMac Ghost Drive pedal kit, described as "THE ORIGINAL UNOBTAINIUM OVERDRIVE RARE PEDAL KIT". Based on the visual evidence, the item appears to be a new, unassembled kit within its original retail packaging. The box shows signs of storage wear, including edge wear, surface scratching, and a notable crease on the upper left. This box condition is consistent with typical aging and handling of cardboard packaging over time. The pedal enclosure itself appears to be in excellent condition, as expected for an unassembled kit, featuring the distinctive ghost graphics and labeling. Authenticity of the kit based solely on this image is high; it appears to be a genuine retail product from StewMac. My assessment is limited by the inability to physically inspect the contents (components, circuit board, instructions, etc.) or the precise materials of the enclosure. Market conditions for discontinued or limited-run pedal kits like this can be variable. "Unobtainium" suggests it was a limited availability item, which generally increases demand among effects pedal builders and collectors. Comparable rare or discontinued DIY pedal kits can fetch premiums over their original retail price, depending on the complexity, the reputation of the original circuit it emulates (this likely targets a specific classic overdrive sound associated with the "Unobtainium" moniker, possibly the Klon Centaur, a highly sought-after and often cloned pedal), and the rarity of the kit itself. The value drivers here are its status as a rare, discontinued kit and the potential for building a pedal that emulates a highly desirable circuit. For full authentication beyond the packaging, I would require physical inspection of the kit's components, potentially provenance documentation if available, and potentially testing of the assembled pedal once built to confirm it matches the advertised characteristics. Without physical inspection, I place the value based on its apparent condition and market perception of rare, desirable pedal kits.
Appraisal Value
$150 - $250